Evangeline Lilly, known for her role as Hope van Dyne/Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has publicly criticized Disney for recent layoffs at Marvel Studios, which saw approximately 1,000 staffers let go across the company. Lilly expressed particular outrage over the dismissal of Andy Park, Marvel’s esteemed director of visual development, who had been a pivotal member of the Marvel Studios team for 16 years.

In a video posted on Instagram, Lilly recounted reaching out to Andy Park to confirm reports of the layoffs amidst a broader Disney strategy shift towards artificial intelligence. Upon confirmation, she voiced her disbelief and disappointment, stating, “I can’t quite believe that… that Disney has let go of the artists who brought the Marvel Universe to life through their genius and that the people who invented these characters and who designed them are being replaced by AI.” She further lamented the prospect of AI utilizing the designs and creations of these artists to generate new iterations, extending her apologies to Park and all other affected artists.

Lilly's Instagram caption conveyed an even stronger message: “Disney, SHAME ON YOU for turning your back on the people who built the power you are now using to throw them away.” She questioned the lack of legal frameworks to prevent the use of human art in AI databases, asking, “Where are the laws that REMOVE all human art from the AI bank?!? Why do they get to steal our brilliance and use it to make executives rich while the artists responsible for feeding their robots go hungry?? Disgusting. California lawmakers…where are you?!?!?”

She also paid tribute to the Marvel artists, acknowledging their dedicated work: “I was there. I know what you did. I know how passionately you worked round the clock to make magic happen. You are the magicians, no matter what the Wizards of our new Oz make it look like going forward. I will never forget.”

Andy Park had announced his layoff from Marvel on April 20, reflecting on his significant contributions over 16 years, including his role in 40+ films and leading visual development for 15. Reports indicated that Marvel intends to maintain a smaller visual development team, employing artists on a project-by-project basis, and remains committed to collaborating with visual development artists on its various projects. Lilly debuted as Hope van Dyne in