‘Ant-Man’ Star Evangeline Lilly Slams Disney, Calls Company “Disgusting and Horrible”
Evangeline Lilly has spoken out strongly against Disney following recent layoffs at Marvel, criticizing the company’s decision and expressing support for the affected workers.
The “Avengers” and “Ant-Man” actress reacted after Disney cut around 1,000 jobs across its operations, with a significant impact on Marvel Studios. Reports cited by Deadline said about 8 percent of Marvel staff were affected, including members of its visual development team.
Lilly addressed the situation in an Instagram video, saying she first saw the news online and then checked with a friend who works at Marvel to confirm it. She said she contacted Andy Park, a concept artist known for his work on the MCU, who confirmed he had been laid off.
She described her reaction as shock and disappointment, especially over the loss of creative talent behind Marvel’s visual world. 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 argued that the people who originally helped design and shape Marvel characters were being replaced, adding that the creative work behind these films is human-made and should be respected.
In her video, Lilly also spoke about her concern regarding artificial intelligence and its growing role in creative industries. She suggested that artists who helped build the Marvel universe are being pushed out while new technology takes a bigger role in production.
Disney leadership has not publicly stated that AI is the reason for the layoffs. According to a memo from CEO Josh D’Amaro reported by Deadline, the decision was made as part of an effort to improve efficiency and streamline operations.
Lilly apologized to the workers affected and showed support for Marvel employees. 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 added strong criticism of the company, saying, “I think it’s disgusting and horrible, and I stand with all the artists.”
In a separate message posted online, Lilly praised Marvel’s creative teams and said she respects the effort they put into building the franchise. She also called on California lawmakers to better protect creative workers as technology continues to change the industry.
Lilly has played Janet Van Dyne, also known as The Wasp, in several Marvel films including “Ant-Man,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”
This situation shows how sensitive the entertainment industry has become during big corporate changes, especially when creative teams are involved. While companies often make cuts for business reasons, it raises real concerns about how artists are treated when major franchises are built on their work. What do you think about Evangeline Lilly’s comments and the Marvel layoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments.