Shawn Levy is taking his television business to Disney after more than a decade at Netflix.
Levy and his 21 Laps Entertainment have signed a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios. Under the agreement, Levy will develop and produce series for platforms and brands across the Disney Entertainment portfolio.
The move comes as Stranger Things approaches its conclusion. Levy serves as a director and executive producer on the series, while its creators and executive producers, the Duffer Brothers, have separately struck a film and television overall deal with Paramount.
Disney’s Dana Walden praised Levy’s ability to move between different kinds of projects while connecting with viewers.
“Shawn has a rare ability to tell stories that are wildly entertaining and deeply human, something he’s brought to Disney across two decades,” Walden said. “He moves effortlessly across genres and franchises with a remarkable sense of what captures audiences and inspires passionate fandom. He’s an incredible storyteller and a true creative partner of the highest caliber, and we are thrilled to be building this next chapter together.”
Levy expands his Disney ties
The 20th Television pact brings Levy’s television operation into the same corporate fold as several of his feature projects.
He directed and co-wrote Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine and is directing Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling. Levy is also reuniting with Gosling for Marvel Studios’ Ghost Rider movie.
His history with Disney stretches back to the early stages of his career, when he directed the Disney Channel series The Famous Jett Jackson. He later produced Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for Walt Disney Pictures.
Levy said that background, along with his previous experience working with Walden at Fox, helped make Disney feel like a natural destination for 21 Laps.
“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,” Levy said. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
Levy has also directed 20th Century Studios’ Free Guy, the multi-film Night at the Museum franchise and Cheaper by the Dozen.
Netflix collaboration will continue
Although the overall deal marks a new home for 21 Laps’ television development, Levy made clear that he still expects to work with Netflix on projects connected to the Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things universe.
“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.”
The animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 has returned for a second season. At least one other offshoot series is awaiting a green light at Netflix.
Levy’s arrival also continues a recent run of overall deals at 20th Television. The studio has signed Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, who had been at Warner Bros. TV, as well as The Five Star Weekend executive producer Sue Naegle, who had been at Universal.
What Happens Next?
Levy and 21 Laps will now begin developing a new wave of television series with 20th Television for Disney Entertainment’s platforms and brands. At the same time, his stated plans leave the door open for continued collaboration with Netflix as the Stranger Things universe develops beyond the ending series.