Shawn Levy exits Netflix for Disney’s 20th TV, igniting epic shows

Shawn Levy, the director who shepherded Netflix’s *21 Laps* through two seasons, has signed an overall television deal with Disney’s 20th Television. The agreement follows the end of *Stranger Things* and the departure of its creators, the Duffer Brothers, from the streaming platform.

The move marks a new chapter for Levy, who has long maintained a relationship with Disney on both feature‑film and television projects. , Levy’s partnership is expected to enrich the studio’s expanding slate of original series.

## Background & Context

Levy first cut his teeth directing episodes for Disney Channel’s *The Famous Jett Jackson* before moving into film. He later produced the family comedy *Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day* for Walt Disney Pictures.

His feature‑film resume includes *Free Guy*, the 2014 comedy starring Ryan Gosling, and the *Night at the Museum* franchise, all released by 20th Century Studios. More recently, he directed and co‑wrote Marvel Studios’ *Deadpool & Wolverine* (2024) and is slated to helm Lucasfilm’s *Star Wars: Starfighter* with Ryan Gosling.

Levy also plans to re‑team with Gosling on a new Marvel Studios Ghost Rider film, underscoring his strong ties to Disney’s franchise‑driven ecosystem.

Beyond the big screen, Levy has been a pivotal force behind *21 Laps*, the behind‑the‑scenes companion series that ran alongside *Stranger Things*. The show earned a dedicated fanbase for its candid look at production life and its playful nods to the show’s supernatural lore.

With *21 Laps* now concluded, Levy is poised to bring that same blend of humor, heart, and industry insight to Disney’s television output.

## What the Deal Means for 20th Television

Disney’s president and chief creative officer, Dana Walden, praised Levy’s storytelling prowess. “Shawn has a rare ability to tell stories that are wildly entertaining and deeply human, something he’s brought to Disney across two decades,” she said.

Walden added, “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.” Levy echoed the enthusiasm, noting that he “knows from experience the passionate creative DNA of this place, and it honestly just feels like home.” For Disney, Levy’s arrival signals an intent to deepen its original‑content pipeline with a creator who can translate cinematic flair into episodic storytelling.

Industry analysts suggest his experience with high‑profile franchises will help 20th Television navigate the increasingly crowded streaming landscape, where brand recognition and fan loyalty are critical.

## Fan Reaction

Social media erupted in a flurry of support following the announcement. Fans of *21 Laps* tweeted nostalgic reflections on the show’s inside‑joke humor, while *Stranger Things* devotees expressed excitement that Levy’s knack for blending mystery and comedy could translate into new series within the beloved universe.

One long‑time fan wrote, “Shawn turned the behind‑the‑scenes chaos into pure gold—can’t wait to see what he does next at Disney.” A group of former *21 Laps* crew members on an online forum highlighted how Levy’s collaborative approach made the set feel like a second family, suggesting that his presence at Disney could foster a similar culture of inclusivity and creativity.

## Industry Impact

The deal comes at a time when major studios are re‑evaluating their streaming strategies. Netflix’s recent loss of key creators, including the Duffer Brothers, has prompted the platform to rethink its content portfolio.

Disney’s move to secure a proven talent like Levy may accelerate its push into family‑friendly and genre‑broad series that can compete with Netflix’s diverse offerings. Levy’s established relationships with Marvel and Lucasfilm could streamline cross‑platform storytelling.

By tying his television work to these iconic franchises, Disney may create a seamless narrative ecosystem that encourages binge‑watching and deep fan engagement across multiple channels.

## What Happens Next

In addition to signing Levy, 20th Television has recently secured overall deals with other high‑profile talent, including *Abbott Elementary* star Quinta Brunson and *The Five Star Weekend* executive producer Sue Naegle.

Levy’s announcement came as Netflix’s *21 Laps* team confirmed the show’s conclusion following the end of *Stranger Things*. He expressed gratitude for his decade‑long relationship with the platform: “I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix,” he said.

He added, “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.” While his new focus will be on Disney’s television output, Levy plans to produce a wave of *21 Laps*‑style series alongside the studio’s creative team.

The partnership signals Disney’s intent to deepen its original‑content pipeline and capitalise on Levy’s proven ability to blend broad appeal with nuanced storytelling. The industry will watch closely as his next projects unfold under the Disney banner.