Walt Disney Layoffs Hit Film and Television Divisions, Sparking ‘Go Woke, Go Broke’ Reactions From Fans

Published 06/03/2025, 12:26 AM EDT

When it comes to entertainment empires, few names shine as brightly as Disney. For nearly a century, this powerhouse has shaped stories that captivate generations worldwide. But behind the magic and mouse ears, Disney is navigating a storm of transformation. As streaming battles intensify and business models shift, the company’s latest moves have set the stage for a dramatic chapter, one that soon has fans weighing in with strong opinions.

The latest round of cuts slices deeply through Disney’s film and television divisions, impacting hundreds worldwide. Marketing maestros, casting gurus, and development dreamers in Los Angeles have been hit hardest, with corporate finance teams feeling the squeeze as well. This marks the fourth major cull in just 10 months, signaling Disney’s determined pivot from traditional media muscle to streaming’s shiny stone, according to sources who informed Deadline. Fans are sharpening their keyboards, some blaming the “go woke, go broke” mantra and now, these layoffs.

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While Disney’s streaming services and theme parks keep raking in revenue, CEO Bob Iger’s $7.5 billion cost-cutting crusade shows no mercy at all. Previous layoffs slashed teams at ABC News, Freeform, and FX, and ABC Signature was shuttered last fall. The entertainment giant is doubling down on streaming and live experiences, even if it means saying painful goodbyes behind the scenes.

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While Disney counts the cost and retools the magic machine, fans are gearing up with fiery responses. The next scene? A whirlwind of “go woke, go broke” chants and the unfiltered emotions only a Disney shake-up can spark.

Disney drama unleashed: fans clash over layoffs and culture shake-up

Fans took to X and beyond, some wielding the infamous “go woke, go broke” mantra like a battle flag. Although Lilo & Stitch sparked a fresh wave of Disney magic, the company’s recent layoffs have reignited criticism targeting its inclusivity efforts. Critics argue Disney’s push for social consciousness alienates loyal viewers and worsens financial woes. Meanwhile, defenders insist the cuts are part of broader industry upheaval, not culture clashes. The fan frenzy proves this corporate drama is as gripping as any blockbuster.

While some squarely blamed Disney’s own missteps for the layoffs, others argued the cuts could be a strategic reset, a necessary step toward long-term revival.

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Many highlighted that Disney is not alone in tightening belts. NBCUniversal and other media giants have trimmed workforce lines, adapting to streaming’s ruthless demands. CEO Bob Iger’s vision remains fixed on innovation, streaming, sports, and theme parks, even as legacy media scrambles to stay relevant. The unfolding saga will test Disney’s ability to keep fans enchanted amid growing industry chaos.

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What are your thoughts on Disney’s latest layoffs and the fan reactions they have sparked? Let us know in the comments below.

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Shraddha

525 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having a portfolio of over 2,000 articles, she’s covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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