Disney Locks Down Shawn Levy With a Massive New TV Deal

Disney wants a lot moreShawn Levy. The Shawn Levy era at the studio is expanding in a major way, as Disney has signed the filmmaker and his production company, 21 Laps, to a new overall television deal.

The agreement will see Levy and his team develop shows across Disney’s various brands, bringing one of Netflix’s key creative partners into the Disney fold.

It’s a pretty significant move considering 21 Laps was previously based at Netflix, where the company helped produce a little series called Stranger Things. If Levy and his team find their next original TV phenomenon, Disney will now be the place where it happens.

Dana Walden, Disney’s President and Chief Creative Officer, had plenty to say about bringing Levy aboard: “Shawn has a rare ability to tell stories that are wildly entertaining and deeply human, something he’s brought to Disney across two decades.

“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.”

The TV deal also arrives while Levy is directing Star Wars: Starfighter, Disney and Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars movie starring Ryan Gosling. The film takes place after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and carries plenty of expectations as Lucasfilm continues figuring out the franchise’s theatrical future following the disappointing release of The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Levy and Gosling are also attached to make Ghost Riderfor Marvel, so the studio clearly enjoys working wit h the filmmaker.

Levy already has a long history with Disney and Fox. His film credits include Deadpool & Wolverine, The Fall Guy and the Night at the Museum movies, but his career stretches back to television.

Before becoming a blockbuster filmmaker and producer, Levy worked on Nickelodeon series including The Secret World of Alex Mack and The Journey of Allen Strange, along with Disney Channel projects such as The Famous Jett Jackson and So Weird.

Levy said: “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.

“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.

“Coupled with the amazing Debra O’Connell, 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.”

This doesn’t mean Levy is completely finished with Netflix. The Stranger Things franchise remains there, and 21 Laps will continue working with the Duffers on projects set within that universe.

“I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix. 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.”

Disney signing Levy to a major television deal shows how invested the company has become in its relationship with him. It also makes you wonder just how happy Disney might be with what it has seen from Starfighter.