Disney-owned Pixar to Halt Original Shows for Disney+ as Layoffs Reduce Workforce by 14%

On June 2023, Pixar, a renowned animation studio, announced its decision to discontinue the production of original shows for Disney+. This move is part of a broader retrenchment strategy aimed at refocusing on feature films. The president of Pixar, Jim Morris, disclosed in an internal memo that approximately 175 employees, constituting 14 percent of the workforce, will face layoffs as a consequence of this strategic shift. The official memo, originally reported by The New York Times, emphasized the company's commitment to prioritize feature films.

Pixar has faced skepticism within Hollywood and from investors following the disappointing performance of its movie "Lightyear" in June 2022. The unexpected underperformance of a film centered around the iconic character Buzz Lightyear from the "Toy Story" franchise raised doubts about Pixar's creative endeavors. However, the subsequent release of "Elemental," a love story with the theme of opposites attracting, was initially marked by poor ticket sales. Despite this, the film managed to amass a commendable $500 million at the box office, demonstrating a potential resurgence for Pixar.

The decision to halt original show production for Disney+ is a pivotal moment for Pixar, as it navigates its creative trajectory amidst industry scrutiny and evolving audience demands.