Shawn Levy Signs New Overall Deal With 20th Television
Over the past few years, Disney has been working with Shawn Levy on a number of projects, including “Free Guy”, “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the upcoming “Star Wars: Starfighter” and “Ghost Rider” movies.
Following the end of his overall deal with Netflix, where he helped create the hit series, “Stranger Things”, he, along with his production company, 21 Laps Entertainment, has now signed a new overall deal with 20th Television to help develop and produce series across Disney’s Entertainment’s portfolio of platforms and brands.
Dana Walden, Disney’s President and Chief Creative Officer, said in a statement regarding the deal:
“Shawn has a rare ability to tell stories that are wildly entertaining and deeply human, something he’s brought to Disney across two decades. 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.”
Prior to “Stranger Things”, Shawn worked with Disney on “The Famous Jett Jackson” and “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”. He also worked on “The Night at the Museum” and “Cheaper by the Dozen” with 20th Century Fox.
In a statement, Shawn referenced these early days, saying:
“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, 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. I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix. 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.”
With so many successful projects under his belt and many more coming our way from the big franchises, Marvel and Star Wars, it does make sense to keep everything in one place, and Disney knows he can handle big franchises, so it is always useful to keep him around making content for Disney+, in addition to cinemas.
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