Disney Axes 1,000 Jobs as Marvel Layoffs Continue, One Concept Artist Fired in Loki Mural Room
April 16, 2026
- Disney unveiled a broad round of layoffs affecting about 1,000 roles, a move described by CEO Josh D’Amaro as part of a push to streamline operations. The company signaled that the cuts touch multiple divisions, with Marvel facing significant impacts across film, television, comics, legal, and even the studio’s visual development teams.
- Among those affected was Wesley Burt, a veteran Marvel concept artist, who says he was terminated in a conference room that featured a wall mural he designed for the Loki series.
The irony Burt highlighted
- After news of the layoffs circulated online, Burt posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his firing took place in a room whose wall bore his Loki mural. He described the moment as “ironic,” given that he was being let go in a space dedicated to his own artwork for the show.
- Burt contributed significant visual designs for Loki (including Loki and Sylvie, played by Tom Hiddleston and Sophia Di Martino, respectively) and has a track record across other Marvel projects. His portfolio spans various high-profile concepts, such as imagery for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, including a depiction of the Silver Surfer riding a neutron star, and visuals for Sue Storm’s powers.
What Burt’s firing suggests about Marvel’s current landscape
- Burt’s departure is part of a broader pattern of cuts across Marvel’s operations, which have already seen disruption in creative and development roles. The visual development team at Marvel Studios has been mentioned as taking a substantial hit, underscoring the broader realignment occurring within the studio and its productions.
- The news drew a wave of reaction from fans and colleagues, with many offering messages of support for Burt. Social media responses ranged from expressions of sympathy to criticisms of the corporate decision-making witnessed during the layoffs.
Context and moving forward
- Disney’s leadership emphasized that the layoffs aim to “streamline operations” and improve efficiency as the company recalibrates in a changing entertainment landscape. While the company notes that the reductions affect a range of divisions, the near-term impact on creative talent at Marvel remains a focal concern for fans and industry observers alike.
- Burt’s public remarks have drawn attention to the personal impact of large-scale corporate restructurings on individual artists who contributed to some of the most recognizable moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Note: This piece summarizes public statements and social media posts related to the layoffs and Burt’s firing.