Shawn Levy Leaves Netflix for Disney Overall Deal, Set to Direct 'Star Wars' and 'Ghost Rider'

Key points

• Levy and 21 Laps Entertainment signed an overall deal with 20th Television, a division of Disney Television Studios, effective October 2027.
• The deal marks the end of Levy's tenure at Netflix, where he was based since 2017 and executive produced 'Stranger Things' and 'Shadow and Bone.'
• Levy will continue to collaborate with Netflix on the 'Stranger Things' universe, but the Duffer Brothers have moved their overall deal to Paramount.
• Levy's upcoming Disney projects include directing 'Star Wars: Starfighter' and 'Ghost Rider,' both starring Ryan Gosling.
• Disney executives Dana Walden and Debra OConnell praised Levy's ability to tell stories that are 'wildly entertaining and deeply human' across genres and franchises.

Background

Levy's move to Disney follows a period of significant talent shifts in the industry. Netflix recently lost the Duffer Brothers, creators of 'Stranger Things,' to Paramount. Additionally, Netflix's stock has been under pressure, with Wells Fargo downgrading the stock to Underweight in September 2026, citing weak engagement and a lack of breakout original series. Meanwhile, Disney has been expanding its streaming presence, including a global deal with The Pokémon Company International for new stop-motion series in 2027. Levy's decision to join Disney also reflects his existing feature film relationships with the company, including his work on 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and the upcoming 'Star Wars' and 'Ghost Rider' films.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter emphasize the 'homecoming' aspect of Levy's move, noting his early career directing Disney Channel series like 'The Famous Jett Jackson' and 'So Weird.' Both outlets highlight his existing feature film relationships with Disney, including 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and the upcoming 'Star Wars: Starfighter' and 'Ghost Rider.' Deadline focuses on the broader context of talent leaving Netflix, noting that the Duffer Brothers have also moved to Paramount. Gizmodo frames the deal as a sign of Disney's confidence in Levy's work, particularly after 'Star Wars: Starfighter,' and notes that the deal comes on the heels of the disappointing release of 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.' All outlets agree that Levy will continue to collaborate with Netflix on the 'Stranger Things' franchise, but the overall deal marks a significant shift in his primary production home.

Why it matters

Levy's move to Disney signals a significant shift in the landscape of television and film production. As a prolific producer and director, his departure from Netflix and move to Disney could impact the future of both companies' content strategies. The deal also highlights the ongoing competition for top talent in the industry, with Disney and Netflix vying for key figures like Levy. Additionally, Levy's upcoming projects, including 'Star Wars: Starfighter' and 'Ghost Rider,' are expected to be major releases for Disney, and his overall deal could lead to new, high-profile television series across Disney's platforms.

What to watch

Levy and 21 Laps Entertainment will begin developing and producing projects at Disney in October 2027. The company is expected to announce new series and projects in the coming months. Levy will continue to collaborate with Netflix on the 'Stranger Things' universe, but the Duffer Brothers have moved their overall deal to Paramount. Disney is expected to leverage Levy's talent to produce new, high-profile television series across its platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and 20th Television.