With Stranger Things nearing its end, the creators/executive producers of both series, The Duffer Brothers, and director/executive producer Shawn Levy, are moving on by relocating elsewhere.
Following the Duffer Brothers’ massive overall film and television deal at Paramount, Levy and his company 21 Laps Entertainment have signed a major multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios, where he will develop and produce series across Disney Entertainment’s portfolio of platforms and brands.
“Shawn has a rare ability to tell wildly entertaining and deeply human stories, something he has brought to Disney over the course of two decades,” said Dana Walden, Disney chairman and chief creative officer. “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.”
Over the past few months, 20th TV has managed to attract top talent from several rival studios, signing overall deals with Abbott Elementary School‘s Quinta Brunson, who was at Warner Bros. TV, The five-star weekend EP Sue Naegle, who was at Universal, and now Levy.
Disney and Levy have had an ongoing relationship in the feature film space, which may have factored into his decision to move his television business there as well. He directed and co-wrote the Marvel Studios blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine and directs the next Lucasfilm film Star Wars: Star Fighter, with Ryan Gosling. He also teams up with Gosling on Marvel Studios. Ghost Rider movie.
Early in his career, Levy directed the Disney Channel series. The famous Jett Jackson and produced later Alexander and the terrible, horrible, not good, very bad day for Walt Disney Pictures.
“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 of it, and I am excited and inspired to produce the next wave of the 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.”
Levy also recognized leadership at Netflix where he spent more than a decade.
“I will forever cherish 21 Laps’ incredible journey with Netflix,” he 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.
The animated Stranger Things: Tales from 1985 has just returned for a second season with at least one other spinoff series awaiting the green light on Netflix.
Previously, Levy helmed the 20th Century Studios film. Free guythe multi-film franchise Night at the Museum And Cheaper by the dozen.
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