Shawn Levy Signs Overall Deal With Disney's 20th Television

Shawn Levy has signed an overall television deal at Disney's 20th Television, ending a nearly decade-long tenure at Netflix that began in 2017. Levy and his production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, will start developing and producing projects at Disney in October 2027.

The move does not sever his Netflix ties entirely. Levy will continue collaborating with Ross and Matt Duffer — who moved their own deal to Paramount — on the "Stranger Things" franchise. At Netflix, Levy executive produced all five seasons of "Stranger Things" and directed several episodes. He also wrote and directed the 2022 Ryan Reynolds-led film "The Adam Project" and executive produced both seasons of the fantasy series "Shadow and Bone."

Disney's relationship with Levy runs deep. He co-wrote, directed and produced the 2024 Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Deadpool & Wolverine." Several of his earliest successes came at Disney and companies now owned by it: he began his career directing episodes of Disney Channel series including "The Famous Jett Jackson," then went 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. Levy will direct Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: Starfighter" and Marvel's "Ghost Rider," both starring Ryan Gosling.

Levy framed the deal as a homecoming. "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," he said in a statement.

He cited two executives as decisive factors. "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," Levy said. "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."

The director also addressed his Netflix years directly. "I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix," he said. "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."

Levy, who first rose to prominence as a comedy director before becoming best known for genre projects, struck a forward-looking note about the company's milestone. "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," he said.

Levy is repped by WME and Wendy Kirk of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

With "Star Wars: Starfighter" and "Ghost Rider" already on his Disney slate, the 2027 television deal consolidates one of Hollywood's most in-demand directors — and his 21 Laps pipeline — under a single corporate roof, pending the "Stranger Things" continuation at Netflix.