Shawn Levy moving from Netflix to Disney’s 20th TV with major overall deal

Shawn Levy

Gage Skidmore

Stranger Things executive producer Shawn Levy has inked an overall deal with Disney’s 20th Television, a move that will see him leave his long-term creative home at Netflix next year.

Under the newly announced pact, which begins in October 2027, Levy will develop and produce TV projects for Disney platforms via his 21 Laps Entertainment banner.

The Canadian-American producer and director has been under an overall deal with Netflix since 2017. In addition to working on Stranger Things, he has also executive produced Shadow and Bone, All the Light We Cannot See and The Perfect Couple for the streaming giant.

His exit from Netflix comes after Matt and Ross Duffer (aka the Duffer brothers), who created Stranger Things, left Netflix earlier this year for an overall deal at Paramount Skydance.

Levy is no stranger to Disney. He directed the upcoming Star Wars film, Starfighter, as well as Deadpool & Wolverine. Earlier in this career, he also directed movies for Disney Channel. In addition, he worked on projects with Dana Walden, Disney’s president and chief content officer, during her time at Fox.

“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 Walden.

“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 added: “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.

“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 [chairman of Disney Entertainment Television], 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.”