Evangeline Lilly, best known for portraying the Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has publicly condemned Disney following the company's recent decision to lay off approximately 1,000 employees, with a significant number of those cuts affecting Marvel's creative and production divisions.
Layoffs Confirmed by Lilly After Friend's Departure
The actress confirmed the scale of the job cuts after speaking with her close friend Andy Park, Marvel Studios' Director of Visual Development, who was among those let go. Park has since announced his departure from the company, prompting Lilly to speak out against Disney's actions.
Accusations of AI Replacement
Lilly accused Disney of replacing human artists—whom she credited with bringing the Marvel Universe to life—with artificial intelligence. She expressed outrage that the company is using AI to profit from the original designs created by these artists, questioning the lack of legal protections against AI allegedly stealing human artistry.
In a statement, Lilly said: "Disney is turning their back on the very people who built their success. They are replacing human creativity with machines, and it is disgusting. Shame on you, Disney."
Disney's Official Explanation
An internal memo from new Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro attributed the layoffs to an effort to "streamline operations" and did not mention artificial intelligence as a factor. The memo focused on the need to reduce costs and improve efficiency across the company's various divisions.
Despite Disney's official stance, Lilly's comments have sparked a broader conversation about the use of AI in the entertainment industry and the treatment of creative professionals. The incident highlights growing tensions between major studios and artists over the adoption of AI technologies.
