The layoffs are due to the overall reduction of Marvel’s slate of film and television titles.
Marvel laid off 15 employees on Monday, including lower-level production and development employees at Marvel Studios in Burbank, as well as employees of the division Marvel Entertainment In New York.
The layoffs are due to the overall reduction in the slate of film and television titles from Marvel after the 2023 releases led the company to reevaluate the rapid increase in productions to fuel the release of Disney+. They are also intended to address Disney’s March 2023 decision to absorb the brand. Marvel Entertainmentwhich had operated as an independent unit, into other divisions of the company, creating redundant positions.
This latest decision has already led to the dismissal of Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter from his position as president of Marvel Entertainment, as well as two other top executives. Perlmutter was a strong supporter of Nelson Peltz’s recent failed attempt to join Disney’s board of directors.
What the Disney CEO said about the layoffs at Marvel
In the February earnings conference call, Walt Disney Company CEO, Bob Iger, revealed a strategic initiative to recalibrate the studio’s production. The move responds to several industry challenges with a view to raising the quality of the company’s film offerings.
“So, the first step we have taken is to reduce the volume”Iger said on the call. “We have reduced production, particularly at Marvel. When you solve or address these problems in movies, you do three things. You become aggressive in making sure that the films you are making can be even better. Sometimes you kill projects you don’t believe in. And, of course, you start new things that you do believe in and have much more confidence in, and we are doing all that.” Marvel Studios has only one movie this year: “Deadpool & Wolverine”.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
