May 21, 2024

Pixar undertakes the biggest layoffs in history, and hundreds will let go

The biggest layoffs in the history of Pixar animation Studio began.

The studio will lay off about 1,300% of its 14-person workforce. The Hollywood Reporter and the Reuters News Service both put the approximate number of layoffs at 175. THR further reported that "top leadership has not been affected" by the restructuring.

The decline in studio staff has been attributed to the company's decision to move away from series production and return to focusing on feature films. Disney's Return CEO Bob Iger recently said he wanted to "reduce output and focus more on quality" across the studio's film division, but also focused on producing sequels.

The studio's most ambitious series project, Win or lose, has no release date yet, but is widely expected to be released on Disney+ sometime this year.

News of these layoffs was first revealed on May 1, but the specific number was unknown at that time. In 2023, Pixar laid off 75 employees, which was the biggest employee reduction in 10 years, before today's news. Even after today, the studio will still employ more than a thousand workers.

Disney will release Pixar's next theatrical feature on 6/14, Inside Out2. Other announced films include Elio (2025) and Toy Story 5 (2026).

Pixar President Jim Morris by an employee of the sending of a full-text memo below:

Hi.

I'm here to talk about our pending move away from series production for Disney+, our return to focus on feature films and the reduction of our team that accompanies it, and it's no surprise to anyone that the day is here, but because it means breaking up with many talented and dedicated colleagues and friends.

Today, leaders begin the process of notifying employees whose positions are affected. Calendar invitations to talk to leaders have already come out to those individuals and we expect to be connected with everyone affected by the end of the day.

When our colleagues start migrating from the studio, we want to ensure that it provides extensive support. We are committed to ensuring that their departure is handled with the utmost respect and attention at every stage. This is important to me and I understand how important this is to all of us in the Pixar community. I will host a brief studio meeting via Zoom at 5:00 pm this afternoon to talk more about today's announcement.

Over the past few years, despite the challenges in our industry, you have all consistently shown to contribute, collaborate, innovate, lead and do great work in this studio. I give you my deep gratitude and for those who will leave us, I expect our paths to cross again, professionally and personally