In this illustration, the logo of Pixar Animation Studios is seen on a smartphone screen.
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Walt DisneyThe studio’s Pixar animation studio has eliminated 75 positions, including those of the two executives behind the box office disappointment “Lightyear,” sources said Saturday, the cut. First significant job loss at the studio in a decade.
Those making cuts include “Lightyear” director Angus MacLane, a 26-year animator who was part of the senior creative team on hit films like “Toy Story 4” and “Coco.” Galyn Susman, producer of “Lightyear,” is also gone. Susman has worked at Pixar since the release of the original “Toy Story” film in 1995.
MacLane and Susman could not be reached for comment. Michael Agulnek, Pixar’s vice president of global marketing since 2015, was also fired, the sources said. He did not return a call seeking comment.
The cuts, which took place on May 23, are part of a previously announced plan by Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger to eliminate 7,000 jobs and cut costs by $5.5 billion. . That restructuring combined the film and television teams into a single Disney Entertainment unit and eliminated the division responsible for distribution.
Although small compared to Pixar’s roughly 1,200-person employee base, the layoffs are notable because the studio is the creative force that creates the franchises and characters that drive Disney’s revenue.
Pixar is best known for its movie franchises including “Toy Story”, “The Incredibles” and “Cars”. But “Lightyear,” released a year ago with a reported budget of $200 million, brought in a modest $226.7 million in worldwide ticket sales and was well received. mixed reviews from critics.
In contrast, 2018’s Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” which reportedly had a similar production budget, grossed a worldwide box office of $1.2 billion.
“Lightyear” could not be shown in 14 Middle Eastern and Asian countries because of its depiction of same-sex relationships. This has affected its box office performance.
Disney has made layoffs across all divisions including film and television, streaming services, and theme parks.
The last time Pixar cut staff was in 2013, after the studio delayed the release of 2015’s “The Good Dinosaur” and fired director Bob Peterson. About 30 positions were eliminated.
Disney acquired Pixar in 2006 to revive the struggling Disney Animation.
