Shawn Levy has left Netflix and signed an overall deal with Disney’s 20th Television. The move ends nearly a decade of work at the streamer, during which Levy became one of its most visible filmmakers.
His production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, will begin developing and producing projects at Disney starting in October 2027. That timeline means Levy’s Netflix slate remains intact for now, with his next two Disney projects already set and his ongoing work on “Stranger Things” continuing at the streamer.
Early Days at Disney
Levy’s path back to Disney runs through Fox, Netflix and Marvel. He first rose to prominence as a comedy director, then shifted toward genre work in recent years. His earliest successes were at Disney and companies now owned by the studio.
He began his career directing episodes of Disney Channel series, including “The Famous Jett Jackson.” He went on to helm 20th Century projects such as “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2003) and the first three “Night at the Museum” films (2006-2014).
“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.”
That statement, from Levy’s announcement, frames the deal as a return to his roots rather than a departure from his current home.
Netflix Tenure
Levy’s Netflix tenure began in 2017. His most prominent work there came on “Stranger Things,” where he executive produced all five seasons and directed several episodes. He also wrote and directed the 2022 Ryan Reynolds-led film “The Adam Project” and executive produced both seasons of the fantasy series “Shadow and Bone.”
He will continue collaborating with Ross and Matt Duffer — who moved their own deal to Paramount — on the “Stranger Things” franchise at Netflix.
Marvel Film
Disney’s relationship with Levy is not new. Most notably, he co-wrote, directed and produced the 2024 Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
His next two Disney projects are already set. He will direct Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Starfighter” and Marvel’s “Ghost Rider,” both starring Ryan Gosling. Those films give Levy a clear path into Disney’s flagship franchises.
Deal Details
The overall deal places 21 Laps Entertainment within Disney’s television division. Levy and his company will develop and produce projects for Disney Television starting in October 2027.
Levy is repped by WME and Wendy Kirk of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. The deal keeps him attached to Netflix while building a pipeline for Disney’s TV output.
The Announcement
Levy’s announcement was warm and specific. He referenced his early work at Disney Channel and his existing relationship with Dana Walden, who was previously at Fox.
“I know from experience the passionate creative DNA of this place, and it honestly just feels like home,” he said.
He also thanked Netflix directly, acknowledging the partnership that made him one of the streamer’s defining voices.
“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.”
What the Deal Means
The deal positions Levy as a bridge figure between Netflix and Disney. He remains attached to the “Stranger Things” franchise at Netflix while building a slate for Disney’s TV division.
For Disney, the deal adds a proven producer-director with a track record across comedy, genre and blockbuster filmmaking. Levy’s next two Disney films, starring Gosling, give the studio a clear entry point into its own franchises.
For Netflix, the deal preserves its access to Levy’s creative output while allowing him to explore other opportunities.
Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Netflix deal begins | 2017 |
| Disney deal announced | Now |
| Disney development starts | October 2027 |
Career Arc
Levy’s career has followed a clear arc. He started at Disney Channel, moved to Fox, then Netflix, then Marvel, and now back to Disney’s TV division. Each step built on the last.
His statement acknowledges that arc directly. He framed the Disney deal as a return to a place he has always felt connected to, even as he built a career elsewhere.
The deal marks a homecoming for a filmmaker whose earliest professional memories are tied to the company.
Source material: “Shawn Levy Enters Disney Overall Deal After Nearly a Decade at Netflix,” Variety.
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