Layoffs Hit Marvel Studios After Bob Iger Previously Hinted At Reduced Output And Greater Focus On Quality

Both Deadline Hollywood and The Hollywood Reporter have confirmed that a small round of layoffs have hit Marvel Studios in the company’s production and development department.

Approximately 15 individuals in the company’s New York and Los Angeles offices have been let go.

Back in March, Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted that a change was coming in the wake of several misfires in theaters and on Disney +.

Said Iger, “You have to kill things you no longer believe in, and that’s not easy in this business, because either you’ve gotten started, you have some sunk costs, or it’s a relationship with either your employees or with the creative community.” 

He continued, “It’s not an easy thing, but you got to make those tough calls. We’ve actually made those tough calls. We’ve not been that public about it, but we’ve killed a few projects already that we just didn’t feel were strong enough.”

Iger went on to close out his remarks, stating, “Focus is really important. We reduced the output of Marvel, both number of films they make and the number of TV shows, and that really becomes critical, but I feel good about the team. I feel good about the IP we’re making. I talked about a lot of the projects. We look years ahead, really. And it’s iterative.”

As such, several Marvel films and television shows have been delayed. And in the wake of these delays, it seems Marvel is reassessing its company structure and getting rid of any redundancies. 

In 2024, there’s only one Marvel Studios film set to hit theaters, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts were originally slated for release in 2024 before being pushed to 2025. And it’s anyone’s guess as to what’s happening behind the scenes with Shang-Chi 2, Blade, and Armor Wars.

Likewise, on the Disney+ side, MCU fans are also anxiously awaiting more concrete news on Ironheart, Wonder Man, Marvel Zombies, Eyes of Wakanda, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Nova, and Vision Quest. 

Part of the cuts also stem from Marvel Studios assimilating Marvel Entertainment, which used to separately run the company’s television programs under former Marvel exec Ike Perlmutter.

Both Deadline and THR add that no further layoffs are expected at this time.

Do you think this reduction in output can help Marvel Studios right the ship and return to its pre-Endgame glory? Let us know in the comment section below.