By Variety | Created at 2026-09-28 18:32:57 | Updated at 2026-09-28 21:07:36
4 hours ago
Shawn Levy has set an overall deal at Disney‘s 20th Television after a long tenure at Netflix that began in 2017.
He and his production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, will begin developing and producing projects at Disney in October 2027.
Levy is a powerhouse filmmaker who first rose to prominence as a comedy director, though in recent years, he’s become best known for genre projects. At Netflix, he executive produced all five seasons of “Stranger Things” and directed several episodes, in addition to writing and directing the 2022 Ryan Reynolds-led film “The Adam Project” and executive producing both seasons of the fantasy series “Shadow and Bone.” He will continue collaborating with Ross and Matt Duffer — who moved their own deal to Paramount — on the “Stranger Things” franchise at Netflix.
Disney’s relationship with Levy is not new; most notably, Levy co-wrote, directed and produced the 2024 Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Several of his earliest successes were also at Disney (and companies now owned by Disney): He began his career directing episodes of Disney Channel series including “The Famous Jett Jackson” before going on to helm 20th Century projects such as “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2003) and the first three “Night at the Museum” films (2006-2014). His next two Disney projects are already set: He will direct Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Starfighter” and Marvel’s “Ghost Rider,” which both star Ryan Gosling.
Levy is repped by WME and Wendy Kirk of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Read his statement about the Disney deal below.
Years before I directed movies, I started my career directing and producing television episodes for Disney Channel, and I’ve always felt a kindred spirit in Disney and their storytelling ethos.
Having worked with Dana Walden over the years when we were both at FOX, I know her to be a formidable, smart and authentic person, not to mention a force of nature as an executive. Coupled with the amazing Debra OConnell, Disney Television has such an exciting era ahead, and I’m enthusiastic and inspired to produce the next wave of 21 Laps television series with the entire Disney team. I know from experience the passionate creative DNA of this place, and it honestly just feels like home.
I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix. I am deeply grateful to Ted, Bela, Jinny and the many talented Netflix execs with whom we have worked over the years and, of course, look forward to continuing our collaboration on the ‘Stranger Things’ universe from the Duffer Brothers.
As 21 Laps fortuitously heads into its 21st year, I remain gratified by all the stories we’ve gotten to tell and as hungry as ever for the ones we haven’t yet told.
