Marvel Entertainment, based in New York, and Marvel Studios, located in Burbank, have initiated a round of layoffs resulting in the termination of approximately 15 employees. The affected individuals primarily consist of junior-level staff engaged in production and development, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. These layoffs are not expected to extend beyond the current workforce reduction.

The staff reduction comes as Marvel reevaluates its production slate following a period of increased content output, mainly aimed at supporting the Disney+ streaming platform. As part of this strategic shift, Marvel Studios has scaled back its release schedule, with only one film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” scheduled for release in July of this year.

The studio is anticipated to produce only two live-action television shows during the current year. Disney CEO Bob Iger had previously indicated the company’s intention to decrease overall output and refocus on high-quality projects after experiencing some underperforming films at the box office.

The decision to downsize the workforce follows a period of unprecedented activity for Marvel, which witnessed a surge in film and television releases. In 2021, the company released four films and five TV shows, followed by three films and three TV shows in 2022, along with several specials. The downsizing began in 2023, with three films and three TV shows produced during that year.

The layoffs can also be attributed, in part, to operational efficiencies resulting from Disney’s integration of Marvel Entertainment into its larger business units. This restructuring, which occurred last year, included the departure of long-time chairman Ike Perlmutter.

Marvel’s realignment reflects its commitment to enhancing the quality of its projects while responding to market demands. By streamlining its operations and refocusing its resources, the company aims to strengthen its creative output and deliver compelling content to its dedicated fan base.

The workforce reduction at Marvel Entertainment and Marvel Studios underscores the ever-evolving nature of the entertainment industry, where companies continuously adapt to changing market dynamics and strive to strike a balance between quantity and quality in their content offerings.