Layoffs Hit Disney+, Walt Disney Studios Marketing Teams (Exclusive)

second fiscal quarter of 2023, CEO Bob Iger addressed the artificial intelligence elephant in the room, making it clear that Disney isn’t shying away from the technological frontier — quite the opposite, in fact.“AI developments represent some pretty interesting opportunities for us,” Iger said. “In fact, we’re already starting to use AI to create some efficiencies and ultimately to better serve consumers.”Beyond confirming that AI has already found a home within the house of the mouse, Iger addressed the natural challenges that come with any new, disruptive technology, including the managerial complexities.“It could be extremely difficult to manage, particularly from an IT management perspective,” Iger said, referring to the tech’s advanced nature.

Long rumored but never confirmed, a new app that combines Disney+ and Hulu content is finally on the horizon. Bob Iger made the announcement during the company’s second-quarter earnings call, suggesting that the new app will be on the market by the end of 2023.“I’m pleased to announce that we will soon begin offering a one app experience domestically that incorporates our Hulu content via Disney+, while we continue to offer Disney plus Hulu and ESPN plus as standalone options.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Los Angeles-based sales agency MultiVisionnaire Pictures has acquired worldwide rights, outside of Japan, to “Samurai Ninja Onimanji.” The picture is a gory-fantasy-action film by Japanese VFX master, artist, and director Nishimura Yoshihiro. Nishimura is a prolific special effects artist with over 100 film credits ranging from effects work to writing and directing. Credits across the J-sploitation genre include “Tokyo Gore Police,” “Meatball Machine Kodoku” and the recent “Tokyo Dragon Chef.”

Natalie Portman is ready to face off against Ryan Reynolds on the field!ET spoke to Portman at the premiere of her new docuseries,, chronicling the rise of the actress' Los Angeles-based professional women's soccer team, Angel City Football Club. Portman revealed that she's toyed with the idea of Angel City F.C.

Ron DeSantis is expected to sign a bill that would void Walt Disney World’s development agreement with a special district overseeing the theme parks and resorts, the latest move in a bitter battle between the company and the governor.

Elizabeth Olsen and husband Robbie Arnett are enjoying a day out together.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer The Writers Guild of America West will begin picketing Tuesday afternoon outside of Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Warner Bros., and the other major studios in Los Angeles, after a strike was called on Monday night. The Writers Guild of America East, based in New York, put out a schedule for the “first two weeks of picketing,” which will begin on Tuesday at the Peacock NewFront on 5th Avenue. The WGAE also plans to picket outside Netflix headquarters in New York on Wednesday. The WGA called a strike Monday night, after the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers announced that negotiations had concluded for the day without a deal. The current three-year contract expires at midnight on Monday.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are still celebrating after the Wrexham Football Club, which they co-own, secured its promotion back to the English Football League after a 15-year absence earlier this month.The pair took control of the Welsh team in 2021, and documented their journey as part of the docuseries. The creative duo spoke with ET's Kevin Frazier at an FYC event for the show in Los Angeles over the weekend, and opened up about being team owners.Specifically, Reynolds addressed whether it's harder to own and run a football club or to be a father of four.«I don't know.

Following the major second round of Disney layoffs, Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, EVP, Publicity, and Head of Communications for Disney General Entertainment, has set her team for the Disney Entertainment Television communications and publicity operation, which includes new responsibilities for a number of executives.

Film and TV studio Fifth Season has reduced its staff by 2%. Eight executives are leaving as part of the cuts, including SVP Marketing Beth McPhee, who previously worked for Focus Features and Bloom; SVP Communications Sharon Liggins, a veteran, respected communications executive who spent many years at Disney; and Jennifer Saull, Counsel, TV Business and Legal Affairs.

As if “The Bear” Season 2 couldn’t be more hyped. Variety reports that “Better Call Saul” star Bob Odenkirk joins the cast for the upcoming season of FX‘s hit kitchen drama.

EXCLUSIVE: Nick Nesbitt has been upped to Vice President of on the Studio Film Team at Netflix.

Carole Horst For 50 years, it’s been a safe place for storytellers – musicians, animators, directors, writers, artists of all kinds – to learn, grow and thrive. As CalArts celebrates its golden anniversary, it also faces the future head-on.  Broad trustee emeritus Tim Disney, whose great-grandfather, Walt Disney, laid the foundation for what is now a world-class arts school, says that CalArts was founded with very large-scale, utopian ideas by Walt Disney. “Disneyland and CalArts were very grand things,” Disney says, adding that Walt died before the school opened and that his grandfather, Roy Disney, “had the very hard job” seeing the plans through. “His commitment was a very beautiful thing.” 

Chris Pine (“Into the Woods,” “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”) will voice King Magnifico in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new musical-comedy “Wish,” the company announced at CinemaCon on Wednesday.The musical comedy will hit theaters this Thanksgiving.Pine joins Academy Award winning actress Ariana DeBose, who voices a young woman named Asha in the film. Pine lends his voice to the ruler of Rosas, a magical kingdom where wishes really do come true.“As the most powerful person in the kingdom, King Magnifico needed to be played by someone who could give all the charm, cleverness and charisma to this magnanimous character, and Chris is beautifully bringing all of that and then some,” Jennifer Lee, “Wish” executive producer and one of the writers for the film said in a statement.Tony Chambers, executive vice president and head of theatrical distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, revealed the casting at CinemaCon 2023, highlighting that “Wish” continues Disney Animation’s tradition of bringing epic tales to the big screen for families to experience together over the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond.

Brent Lang Executive Editor Chris Pine has been cast in “Wish,” Walt Disney’s upcoming animated musical. He joins an ensemble that includes Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose and Alan Tudyk. News that the “Star Trek” star will add his dulcet tones to the family film came at CinemaCon. Pine most recently appeared in “Don’t Worry Darling” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” His credits include “Jack Ryan,” “Into the Woods,” “Hell or High Water” and “Wonder Woman.” “Wish” is written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn. The film revolves around an intriguing, slightly meta question: How did the wishing star, which so many Disney characters wished upon, come into the cosmos. The film unfolds in the magical kingdom of Rosas and introduces Asha, an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a little ball of energy called Star. Together, they team up to save Asha’s community.

Helen Flanagan left some viewers baffled during her latest appearance on I'm A Celebrity... South Africa. The former Coronation Street actress is among the several famous faces from the ITV reality show's 20 year history who have decided to give it another go.

EXCLUSIVE: As Disney cuts 4K staffers across the conglomerate in a goal to reach $5.5 billion in savings, Deadline has learned that on the feature side, those being laid off were largely comprised of mid-level and coordinator staffers.

ESPN’s impact from the wider Disney layoffs earlier in the day.Julie Jarmon, who was in her second stint at Freeform as SVP development, is leaving as part of the layoffs. Development and current will be consolidated under Jamila Hunter, EVP of original programming and development. Freeform’s Alix Lee, director of development and programming, will also leave as part of the changes.

Digital and social media marketing chiefs of major studios said today they’re really hoping the threat of a U.S. government ban on Tiktok never materializes, so crucial has the platform become to launching films. They’d also like Elon Musk-owned Twitter to get itself together, since that’s also a key platform for Hollywood.