Shawn Levy is heading home — at least, that's how he describes it. The prolific filmmaker and producer has signed a wide-ranging overall deal with Disney's 20th Television, ending a nine-year run at Netflix and planting his 21 Laps Entertainment banner firmly inside one of Hollywood's most powerful studios [1][2]. The agreement takes effect in October 2027, giving Levy a runway to close out existing commitments before pivoting his television development slate to Disney's platforms [1].
A Decade at Netflix, Now Closing
Levy's tenure at Netflix, which began in 2017, was by any measure a success [2]. He executive produced all five seasons of Stranger Things and directed multiple episodes of the series, while also shepherding Shadow and Bone, All the Light We Cannot See, The Perfect Couple, and the animated spinoff Tales From '85 [1][2]. On the film side, he wrote and directed the 2022 Ryan Reynolds vehicle The Adam Project for the streamer [2].
Despite the move, Levy made clear the Netflix relationship is not entirely severed. "I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix," he said in a statement. "I am deeply grateful to Ted [Sarandos], Bela [Bajaria], Jinny [Howe] 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" [1]. Ross and Matt Duffer have separately moved their own deal to Paramount, but the Stranger Things franchise itself remains at Netflix, meaning Levy's involvement in that world continues regardless of where his overall TV deal sits [2].
A Homecoming With Deep Roots
For Levy, the Disney deal carries genuine biographical weight. Long before he became a franchise filmmaker, he was cutting his teeth directing episodes of Disney Channel series — most notably The Famous Jett Jackson and So Weird [1][2]. From there, he moved on to 20th Century projects including Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) and the first three Night at the Museum films, spanning 2006 to 2014 — properties that are now part of the Disney portfolio [2].
"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 [1]. He also cited a longstanding professional relationship with Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden, noting the two worked together during overlapping tenures at Fox [1].
Walden returned the sentiment in formal terms. "Shawn has a rare ability to tell stories that are wildly entertaining and deeply human, something he's brought to Disney across two decades," she said. "He moves effortlessly across genres and franchises with a remarkable sense of what captures audiences and inspires passionate fandom" [1].
Two Major Films Already on the Books
The deal is not Levy's introduction to the modern Disney ecosystem. He co-wrote, directed, and produced the 2024 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Deadpool & Wolverine, one of the studio's biggest recent releases [2]. He has since wrapped filming on Star Wars: Starfighter for Lucasfilm, starring Ryan Gosling [1][2].
A third Disney-adjacent project is also confirmed: Levy is reteaming with Gosling and Starfighter screenwriter Jonathan Tropper on a Ghost Rider film for Marvel [1][2]. That gives him a remarkable three consecutive tentpole productions under the Disney umbrella before his television deal even formally begins.
What the Deal Means for 21 Laps
21 Laps Entertainment is entering its 21st year as a company — a coincidence Levy noted with some satisfaction in his statement [1]. Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra O'Connell framed the signing as a recognition of Levy's dual identity as both a filmmaker and a television force. "Along with Shawn's remarkable body of work in film, he's also been one of the most prolific producers in television over the past decade," O'Connell said. "We couldn't be more proud to welcome Shawn and the incredibly talented team at 21 Laps Entertainment" [1].
The specific projects 21 Laps will develop for Disney have not yet been announced. What is clear is that Levy arrives with an established infrastructure, a track record of building long-running franchises, and relationships at the executive level that predate the deal by years.
What to Watch Next
The immediate milestones to track are the releases of Star Wars: Starfighter and the Ghost Rider film — both starring Gosling — which will serve as the highest-profile tests of Levy's expanded role within Disney's theatrical universe. On the television side, the October 2027 start date means the first 21 Laps projects developed under the new deal are unlikely to surface publicly for some time. Meanwhile, whatever form the next chapter of the Stranger Things universe takes at Netflix will offer a window into how Levy manages the unusual position of being a key creative on a flagship show at a streamer he has formally departed.
