Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shawn Levy

Discover the career path of Shawn Levy, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Shawn Levy is a Canadian filmmaker, actor, and founder of 21 Laps Entertainment. Known for directing films across various genres, his movies have collectively grossed $3.5 billion globally. He is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 25, 2016: Levy to Direct Uncharted

On October 25, 2016, it was announced that Shawn Levy would direct the action adventure film Uncharted, based on the video game series, for Sony Pictures.

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May 17, 2017: Levy to Direct The Fall

On May 17, 2017, Shawn Levy was announced to direct and produce the science fiction film The Fall for Amblin Partners, written by Pete Bridges.

May 22, 2017: Tom Holland Cast in Uncharted

On May 22, 2017, Tom Holland was announced to star as Nathan Drake in the Uncharted film, which was being reconfigured as a prequel to the video games.

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November 8, 2017: Levy Negotiates to Direct Crater

On November 8, 2017, it was announced that Shawn Levy was in negotiations to direct and produce Crater, a science fiction spec script by John Griffin, which had been acquired by 20th Century Fox.

January 2018: Rafe Judkins Rewrites Uncharted Script

In January 2018, Rafe Judkins was rewriting the script for the Uncharted film, described by producer Charles Roven as an "origin story".

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October 20, 2018: Levy Co-Producing Be More Chill Film

On October 20, 2018, it was announced that Shawn Levy would co-produce a feature film based on the musical adaptation of Ned Vizzini's novel Be More Chill.

Be More Chill

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December 19, 2018: Levy Departs Uncharted

On December 19, 2018, it was announced that Shawn Levy had departed from directing the film Uncharted to focus on Free Guy.

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January 12, 2021: Kyle Patrick Alvarez to Direct Crater

On January 12, 2021, it was announced that Kyle Patrick Alvarez would direct Crater instead of Levy, who would only serve as a producer, with the film moving to a Disney+ release.

August 8, 2021: Levy Wants Real Steel Sequel

On August 8, 2021, Shawn Levy expressed his desire to reunite with Hugh Jackman for a sequel to Real Steel, potentially co-starring Ryan Reynolds.

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August 14, 2021: Disney Wants Free Guy Sequel

On August 14, 2021, following the successful first-day box-office gross of Free Guy, Ryan Reynolds confirmed that Disney wanted to make a sequel.

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August 2021: Be More Chill Script Confirmed

In August 2021, Shawn Levy confirmed that a script had been written for the film adaptation of Be More Chill and that it was still in development.

Be More Chill

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January 13, 2022: Real Steel Series in Development

On January 13, 2022, it was announced that a series adaptation of Real Steel was in the early stages of development at Disney+, with Shawn Levy serving as executive producer.

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February 9, 2022: Levy to Direct Backwards

On February 9, 2022, it was announced that Shawn Levy would direct the science fiction film Backwards for Netflix, based on the short story by Julianna Baggott and Finneas Scott.

February 18, 2022: Uncharted Film Release

The film Uncharted, eventually directed by Ruben Fleischer, was released in theatres on February 18, 2022.

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February 2023: Levy to Produce Boy Band

In February 2023, it was announced that Shawn Levy would produce the comedy Boy Band for Paramount Pictures alongside Ryan Reynolds, who would also co-write and star in the project.

May 12, 2023: Crater Released on Disney+

On May 12, 2023, the film Crater was released on Disney+.

September 2023: Free Guy 2 Story Revised

In September 2023, Shawn Levy said the story for the Free Guy sequel was being revised in response to the film Barbie to ensure it was different from the first movie and other movies.

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December 2023: Levy to Direct Untitled Heist Comedy

In December 2023, it was announced that Shawn Levy would direct and produce an untitled heist comedy film for Netflix, starring Ryan Reynolds.

February 2024: Levy to Direct Boy Band

In February 2024, Shawn Levy was confirmed as the director of the film Boy Band.

March 2024: Levy Declined Avengers 5

In mid-March 2024, Shawn Levy was approached to direct Avengers 5 but declined due to scheduling conflicts with Stranger Things.

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July 2024: Russo Brothers to Direct Avengers: Doomsday

In July 2024, it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 that the Russo brothers would direct Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on May 1, 2026.

November 2024: Reynolds to Write Film Directed by Levy

In November 2024, Ryan Reynolds announced he was writing an untitled film starring himself and Hugh Jackman, to be directed by Shawn Levy, following the success of Deadpool & Wolverine.