Disney Axes 1,000 Jobs as Marvel Layoffs Continue, One Concept Artist Fired in Loki Mural Room

Disney Axes 1,000 Jobs as Marvel Layoffs Continue, One Concept Artist Fired in Loki Mural Room — source: gettyimages

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.

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