Disney remains in Shawn Levy’s business. The company has just signed the Star Wars: Starfighter director and his company, 21 Laps, to a major new global production deal to develop television shows across all Disney brands. This team was previously assembled at Netflix, where they made a little show called Stranger Things. But now if there is another original series like Stranger Thingsit will be at Disney.
“Shawn has a rare ability to tell wildly entertaining and deeply human stories, something he has brought to Disney for two decades,” Dana Walden, Disney’s chairman and chief creative officer, said in a statement. “He effortlessly moves across genres and franchises with a remarkable sense of what captivates audiences and inspires passionate fandom. He is an incredible storyteller and a true creative partner of the highest caliber, and we are excited to build this next chapter together.”
And while this deal allows Levy and company to develop television projects, you can’t ignore that it follows Levy’s work on one of Disney’s biggest projects in years: Star Wars: Starfighter. The first Star Wars film set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker comes with huge expectations from fans and, certainly, the studio, especially after the disappointing release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Disney wants to work more with Levy after Starfighternot to mention signing him and Gosling together to make Ghost Rider for Marvel, this certainly suggests that the company believes, trusts and is happy with Levy’s work.
Which makes sense. After all, even though Levy has directed several Disney and Fox films over the years (Deadpool and Wolverine, free guyTHE Night at the museum series, etc.), he got his start working in children’s shows, both for Nickelodeon (The Secret World of Alex Mack, The Journey of Allen Strange) and Disney Channel (The famous Jett Jackson, so weird, etc.).
“Years before directing films, I began my career directing and producing television episodes for Disney Channel, and I always felt a kindred spirit in Disney and their storytelling philosophy,” Levy said. “Having worked with Dana Walden during the years we were both at Fox, I know she is a wonderful, intelligent and genuine person, not to mention a force of nature as an executive. Coupled with the incredible Debra O’Connell, Disney Television has such an exciting era ahead, and I am excited and inspired to produce the next wave of 21 Laps television series with the entire Disney team. I know firsthand the passionate creative DNA of this place, and honestly, I feels like home.”
With Levy’s departure, Netflix lost not only the directors and creators of its flagship show (the Duffer Brothers signed a deal with Paramount), but also the producer. Nevertheless, Levy was very complimentary of his former partner, especially since the Stranger Things the franchise remains with Netflix even if its creators do not.
“I will forever cherish 21 Laps’ incredible journey with Netflix,” Levy said. “I am deeply grateful to Ted, Bela, Jinny and the many talented Netflix executives we have worked with over the years and, of course, look forward to continuing our collaboration on the project.” Stranger Things Duffer Brothers universe.
There’s no way Disney would sign Levy to a new deal if they didn’t like StarfighterRIGHT? Let us know what you think below.
An earlier version of the story said Shawn Levy directed “The Fall Guy.” We were talking about Free Guy, and this has been updated.
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