Shawn Levy said no to Tom Cruise.
Puck News reports Paramount and Cruise aggressively pursued Levy to direct Days of Thunder 2, and Levy passed. He chose to re-team with Ryan Gosling on Marvel Studios’ Ghost Rider movie instead.
Levy is also taking his television business to Disney.
Deadline reports the Stranger Things executive producer and his 21 Laps Entertainment have signed a multi-year overall deal with 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios, where Levy will develop and produce series across Disney’s platforms and brands.
Puck reports the deal runs five years and is worth nine figures, which the outlet calls extremely rare for a producer who doesn’t write, according to multiple sources.
Netflix did not let him walk without a fight. Puck reports Netflix matched Disney’s offer, per two sources.
Puck frames the bet as Disney+ needing the kind of broad watercooler hit Levy delivered with Stranger Things.
Levy spent more than a decade at Netflix, where 21 Laps produced the series. With Stranger Things ending, creators the Duffer Brothers already left for a four-year film, TV and streaming deal at Paramount. Now Levy has his new home too.
He is the third big name 20th Television has landed in recent months, following Abbott Elementary‘s Quinta Brunson from Warner Bros. TV and producer Sue Naegle from Universal.
“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 Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden.
“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,” Walden continued.
Disney Saw Star Wars: Starfighter This Summer
Puck reports Disney’s new television chief, Debra OConnell, and other Disney execs watched a cut of Star Wars: Starfighter this summer, and talks on the TV deal started soon after. Puck’s read: they are happy with the movie.
Levy directed Starfighter, which stars Gosling as Kade Auberon and opens in theaters May 28, 2027, including IMAX 70mm film prints.
The Disney relationship goes well past Star Wars. Levy directed and co-wrote Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine, and at 20th Century he made Free Guy, the Night at the Museum movies, and Cheaper by the Dozen.
“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.
“I know from experience the passionate creative DNA of this place, and it honestly just feels like home,” he added.
Gosling And Levy Reunite At Marvel Studios
The Gosling partnership is what Levy picked over the Cruise racing sequel. After Starfighter, the two are re-teaming at Marvel on Ghost Rider.
Cruise has since confirmed he is back behind the wheel on Days of Thunder 2, with Anne Hathaway playing a team owner. That one hits theaters June 2, 2028.
Levy is leaving Netflix on good terms.
“I will forever cherish the incredible ride 21 Laps has had with Netflix,” Levy 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.”
Per Puck, the Disney deal starts next October, and by then Levy will be one of the few filmmakers to have worked for 20th Century, Marvel and Lucasfilm, with 21 Laps now positioned to bring those brands to TV.
First up on the big screen: Starfighter on May 28, 2027, with Ghost Rider after that.
