‘Ant-Man’ Star Evangeline Lilly Slams Disney, Calls Company “Disgusting and Horrible”
Evangeline Lilly has spoken out strongly against Disney after recent layoffs at Marvel, criticizing the company’s decision and defending the creative workers who were affected.
The actress, known for playing The Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reacted to reports that Disney cut around 1,000 employees. Industry reporting, including Deadline, noted that Marvel was heavily impacted, with a noticeable reduction in its visual development team.
Lilly shared her reaction in an Instagram video, saying she first saw news of the layoffs online and later confirmed the situation through a friend who works in the industry. That friend, concept artist Andy Park, confirmed he had been let go.
She said she was shocked by the decision and struggled to understand it. Lilly said, “I can’t quite believe that Disney have let go of the artists who brought the current Marvel Universe to life through their imagination and their genius.”
She also emphasized that the creative work behind Marvel films comes from real people. Lilly argued that the designs, characters, and visual identity of the franchise were built by artists, not machines.
In her comments, she also raised concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries. She suggested that some of the original creators behind Marvel’s visuals are being replaced as technology becomes more involved in production.
However, reports from Disney leadership, including a memo from CEO Josh D’Amaro cited by Deadline, did not mention AI as a reason for the layoffs. The company described the cuts as part of an effort to streamline operations.
Lilly expressed sympathy for those affected and specifically mentioned Marvel’s creative staff. She said, “If you’re a huge fan of Marvel, just take a moment today to think about them, to send up a prayer for them, to honor them, to honor the people who created the world that you fell in love with,”
She also strongly criticized Disney’s decision, saying, “I think it’s disgusting and horrible, and I stand with all the artists.”
In additional comments posted online, Lilly supported the artists who worked on Marvel projects and called for more protection for creative workers, especially in relation to artificial intelligence and how it is used in the industry.
She also praised the effort that went into building the Marvel universe, saying the work behind it came from dedicated teams who worked long hours to bring the films to life.
Lilly has been part of the Marvel franchise for years, starting with “Ant-Man” and continuing in later films including “Avengers: Endgame” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”
This situation highlights a growing tension in the entertainment industry between business decisions and creative labor. While companies often restructure for efficiency, it raises real concerns when long-term creative teams are affected. It also shows how strongly actors and artists feel about protecting the people behind major franchises. What do you think about Evangeline Lilly’s reaction and the Marvel layoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
