Shawn Levy Conquers Two Major Franchises as Star Wars Starfighter Wraps Production

A Prolific Year for Director Shawn Levy

Canadian-American filmmaker Shawn Levy has solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after directors, juggling two of entertainment’s biggest franchises simultaneously. In December 2025, Levy announced that principal photography has officially wrapped on Star Wars: Starfighter, marking a significant milestone for the eagerly anticipated film set to arrive in theatres on Memorial Day 2027.

Star Wars: Starfighter Takes Shape

Levy’s film — Star Wars: Starfighter — will star Ryan Gosling and is set approximately five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The director has described the project as a fresh approach to the beloved franchise, featuring new characters and a new timeline. During production, Levy revealed that Thomas Newman will be scoring the film and that the third act of the movie needed to be reworked with a completely new idea, demonstrating the director’s commitment to creative excellence.

Stranger Things Reaches Its Conclusion

Simultaneously, Levy has been instrumental in bringing Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things to its epic conclusion. As executive producer, Levy directed Episode 6 and co-directed Episode 7 alongside the Duffer brothers for the show’s fifth and final season. Having walked the long road for nine and a half years as one of maybe a dozen who have walked every step alongside the brothers, both as a fellow EP and fellow director, Levy’s dedication to the series has been unwavering.

Expanding the Netflix Partnership

Beyond his directorial duties, Levy’s production company 21 Laps Entertainment continues to expand its slate. 21 Laps’ Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce Kingmakers along with Story Kitchen partners, a new film project for Netflix based on an upcoming video game set in medieval Great Britain.

Significance for Cinema

Levy’s ability to balance franchise filmmaking with creative innovation positions him as a key figure in contemporary cinema. Following the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, his ventures into Star Wars and continued work on Stranger Things demonstrate his versatility and appeal across multiple genres and audiences. As both projects reach completion, industry observers will be watching closely to see how Levy’s distinctive approach shapes these beloved franchises for years to come.