In a major shift within the entertainment industry’s landscape, Shawn Levy is officially moving his television operations to Disney. The prolific director and producer, along with his production banner 21 Laps Entertainment, has signed a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television. This move marks the end of a long-standing partnership with Netflix, where Levy served as a primary creative force behind the global phenomenon Stranger Things.
What happened
Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment has entered into a comprehensive agreement with 20th Television, a subsidiary of Disney Television Studios. Under this new partnership, Levy will focus on creating, developing, and producing new series across the vast array of Disney’s platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and linear networks.
The transition comes as Levy’s previous home, Netflix, prepares for the final chapter of its flagship series. While Levy spent more than ten years under an overall deal at Netflix, the conclusion of the main Stranger Things narrative has provided a natural pivot point for the creator to seek new opportunities. Despite the move, Levy has confirmed he will remain involved in the expansion of the Stranger Things universe, including the animated spin-off Tales From ’85 and other potential projects currently in development.
Context
This deal is more than just a change of scenery; it is a homecoming for Levy. Early in his career, he worked extensively with Disney, directing projects like The Famous Jett Jackson for Disney Channel. More recently, his relationship with the studio has been defined by massive theatrical hits. Levy directed the 20th Century Studios blockbuster Free Guy and the record-breaking Marvel Studios film Deadpool & Wolverine.
Disney’s executive team, led by Dana Walden, Disney’s President and Chief Creative Officer, has been aggressively recruiting top-tier talent. By securing Levy, 20th Television continues a winning streak of talent acquisition, having recently signed overall deals with Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson and executive producer Sue Naegle. Levy’s history of managing high-budget franchises while maintaining a focus on human-centric storytelling makes him a valuable asset for Disney’s future slate.
Why it matters
The migration of talent like Shawn Levy and the Duffer Brothers—who recently signed a deal with Paramount—signals a significant shift in the streaming wars. As the initial “gold rush” of streaming content settles, established hitmakers are realigning themselves with studios that offer diverse distribution models across streaming, film, and traditional broadcast.
For Disney, Levy brings a proven track record of creating “passionate fandoms.” His ability to bridge the gap between niche sci-fi/fantasy and broad mainstream appeal is rare in Hollywood. Beyond his television work, Levy is deeply embedded in Disney’s cinematic future. He is currently attached to direct Star Wars: Starfighter and a Ghost Rider film, both expected to star Ryan Gosling.
Ultimately, this deal solidifies 20th Television as a powerhouse for premium content. By bringing 21 Laps into the fold, Disney ensures that one of the industry’s most reliable hitmakers will be fueling their platforms for years to come. For fans, this likely means a new wave of high-concept, emotionally resonant programming that mirrors the success Levy achieved during his decade-long run at Netflix.