We’ve seen no more than a few seconds of Star Wars: Starfighter, but with the pedigree that Shawn Levy has, there’s every reason to feel confident that next May we’ll all be sitting down to enjoy an amazing two hours of galactic action. Good news then that Levy has ended his hugely productive and successful time with Netflix to return to Disney, where he had worked before.
“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, Disney’s President and Chief Creative Office. “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 ongoing relationship on the feature side, which may have factored into his decision to also move his TV business there. He directed and co-wrote Marvel Studios’ blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine and is directing Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling. He is also re-teaming with Gosling on Marvel Studios’ Ghost Rider movie.
Early in his career, Levy 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.
Perhaps this could lead to Levy turning his talents to Marvel, Disney and Star Wars television programs. We can but hope.