Disney has been culling 1,000 people in its latest round of layoffs, but one firing has social media seeing red. Apparently, Disney laid off the entire Visual Development team at Marvel. These are the people who do all the pre-production development that leads the artistic direction of the film. They likely do other visual art-related work associated with the production.
Now the whole team has gone, with the reported option of returning on a freelance basis. This likely means lower pay, no benefits, or full company employee status.
One of the cuts is Andy Park, who led the Visual Development team at Marvel Studios.
Park has been working on the Marvel films since 2010, which was right after Disney took over.
He has been working there for 16 years, has worked on over 40 films, heading up Visual Development on 15 of them. Snapped just like that.
Here is what he posted on social media.
Marvel Studios Visual Development: 2010–2026
End of an era. I was there at the start of a team that broke the mold. 16 years, 40+ films, and 15 films led as Director of Visual Development, I couldn’t be prouder of the history we made.
My journey continues…#Marvel #AndyPark pic.twitter.com/GiWBD37M5D
— Andy Park (@andyparkart) April 20, 2026
Marvel fans are not happy about it, including Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld
This totally blows! You have been a cornerstone for all the MCU success. Unbelievable. You crushed it Andy, your work for them was the standard. Hold your head high! Let’s do some covers!
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) April 20, 2026
Meeting you during the development of Avengers Campus Disney Studios Paris was a highlight during creative development. Your art was a directional touch stone. Thank you for setting the visual direction of the MCU films that earned billions for the Disney Company.
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) April 20, 2026
Your work will always be some of the coolest illustrations I’ve seen from the franchise pic.twitter.com/LUioK8pYny
— 2KO (@SPIDEY1500) April 20, 2026
This totally blows! You have been a cornerstone for all the MCU success. Unbelievable. You crushed it Andy, your work for them was the standard. Hold your head high! Let’s do some covers!
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) April 20, 2026
letting go of andy park is the kind of stupid decision making you only see in fables, and at least those fables come with a lesson to be learned. here the lesson is corporate greed, and it sucks
— stjepan sejic/ nebezial/ shiniez (@stjepansejic) April 20, 2026
Even one of Disney’s big promoters called it out.
I don’t care how a company is restructuring. If it leads to losing talent like this, it’s a bad plan. Full stop. https://t.co/GEymAet5qh
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 20, 2026
The choice to get rid of Park and his team is not going over well with the fans.
Right now, Marvel films aren’t performing like they used to. This might not be the time to anger fans.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
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