Shawn Levy and 21 Laps Entertainment Sign Overall Deal with Disney's 20th Television
Director Shawn Levy and his production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, have signed a multi-year overall deal with Disney's 20th Television. The agreement, which begins in October 2027, will see Levy develop and produce series across Disney's various platforms and brands. This move marks the end of his nearly decade-long partnership with Netflix, where he executive produced 'Stranger Things' and other major series. Levy will continue collaborating with Netflix on the 'Stranger Things' universe, but his primary TV home is now Disney.
Key points
- Shawn Levy and 21 Laps Entertainment signed an overall deal with 20th Television, a division of Disney Television Studios.
- The deal is set to begin in October 2027.
- Levy will develop and produce new projects for Disney's various platforms and brands.
- This move ends Levy's partnership with Netflix, where he was based since 2017.
- Levy will continue to collaborate with Netflix on the 'Stranger Things' franchise through the Duffer Brothers.
- Levy has existing feature film relationships with Disney, including directing 'Star Wars: Starfighter' and 'Ghost Rider', both starring Ryan Gosling.
Background
Levy's move to Disney follows the conclusion of 'Stranger Things' and the departure of the show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, to Paramount. Levy's tenure at Netflix included executive producing and/or directing 'Stranger Things', 'The Perfect Couple', 'All the Light We Cannot See', and 'Shadow and Bone'. His decision to move to Disney is also influenced by his ongoing feature film work with the company, including 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and the upcoming 'Star Wars: Starfighter'.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety emphasize the significance of Levy's move as a 'homecoming' to Disney, citing his early career on Disney Channel shows and his existing feature film relationships. Deadline highlights the broader trend of 20th Television attracting top talent from rival studios, noting recent overall deals with Quinta Brunson and Sue Naegle. Gizmodo frames the deal as a sign of Disney's confidence in Levy's work, particularly following 'Star Wars: Starfighter' and 'Ghost Rider'. All outlets agree that Levy will continue to collaborate with Netflix on the 'Stranger Things' universe, but his primary TV home is now Disney.
Why it matters
Levy's move to Disney signals a significant shift in the landscape of television production, as one of the most prolific producers in the industry leaves Netflix for a major studio. This move could impact the future of 'Stranger Things' and other major series, as well as the broader strategy of Disney and Netflix in the competitive TV market. Levy's decision to move to Disney also highlights the importance of existing relationships and the potential for cross-platform collaboration.
What to watch
Levy and 21 Laps Entertainment will begin developing and producing new projects for Disney in October 2027. The next steps include the release of 'Star Wars: Starfighter' and 'Ghost Rider', both starring Ryan Gosling, and the potential for new 'Stranger Things' offshoots at Netflix. The move could also lead to new collaborations between Disney and other major studios, as well as a shift in the strategy of Netflix and other streaming platforms.
- Shawn Levy Inks Overall Deal With Disney’s 20th Television The Hollywood Reporter
- Shawn Levy Moves To Disney’s 20th Television With Overall Deal After Long Tenure At Netflix Deadline
- Shawn Levy Enters Disney Overall Deal After Nearly a Decade at Netflix Variety
- Disney Must Really Like ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Gizmodo
- Netflix Loses 'Stranger Things' Creative To Disney in Major Television Deal MovieWeb
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Hollywood Reporter