With Stranger Things coming to an end, both series’ creators/executive producers The Duffer Brothers and director/executive producer Shawn Levy are moving on by setting shop elsewhere.
Following the Duffer Brothers’ massive film and TV overall deal at Paramount, Levy and his 21 Laps Entertainment have signed a big multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, a 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 stories that are wildly entertaining and deeply human, something he’s brought to Disney across two decades,” said Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “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.”
Disney and Levy have an existing relationship on the film side. He directed and co-wrote Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine” and is directing Lucasfilm’s upcoming “Star Wars: Starfighter,” starring Ryan Gosling. He is also reteaming with Gosling on Marvel Studios’ “Ghost Rider” movie.
“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,” Levy said. “Having worked with Dana Walden over the years when we were both at Fox, I know her to be a formidable, smart and authentic person, not to mention a force of nature as an executive. Coupled with the amazing Debra OConnell, Disney Television has such an exciting era ahead, and I’m enthusiastic and inspired to produce the next wave of 21 Laps television series with the entire Disney team. I know from experience the passionate creative DNA of this place, and it honestly just feels like home.”
Levy also acknowledged the top executives at Netflix where he spent more than a decade.
“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.”
Previously, Levy directed 20th Century Studios’ “Free Guy,” the multi-film franchise “The Night at the Museum” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Early in his career, he directed the Disney Channel series “The Famous Jett Jackson” and later produced “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” for Walt Disney Pictures.
Levy is repped by WME, Wendy Kirk of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
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