Shawn Levy’s Next Big Leap Back Into Space
Shawn Levy is showing no signs of slowing down. Having recently completed production on the standalone Star Wars: Starfighter film, which is slated for a theatrical release in May 2027 and stars Ryan Gosling, Levy has now officially signed on to direct Somewhere Out There, a new original sci-fi drama for Netflix. According to Variety, Netflix acquired the spec script from Max Taxe following a competitive bidding process, further strengthening its creative partnership with Levy—one of Hollywood’s most bankable directors. Levy will also produce the film alongside Dan Levine through their 21 Laps banner, continuing his strong streak in the industry.
From Blockbusters to Grief Among the Stars
Deadpool & Wolverine, which took in $1.086 billion at the global box office and became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, has set a high bar for Levy. Now, after conquering the Marvel Universe and wrapping Star Wars: Starfighter, he’s returning to original, heartfelt sci-fi for streaming audiences.
Somewhere Out There is described as an emotional, grounded take on science fiction. Comparisons have been drawn to Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival and Levy’s earlier Netflix hit, The Adam Project. The plot follows a grieving father who, after the loss of his wife, sends a message out into the cosmos and receives an answer from beyond, transforming his personal grief into a universal mystery.
Not Just Another Sci-Fi: A Reunion and New Heights
This film marks a reunion for Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment and writer Max Taxe, who previously worked together on the screenplay Ripple. Taxe, also recognized for the 2022 sci-fi romantic comedy Moonshot, brings both genre expertise and emotional storytelling. Together, they aim to deliver the kind of character-driven, high-concept science fiction that has become synonymous with Netflix, joining the ranks of other hits like Stranger Things and All the Light We Cannot See.
By choosing to acquire Somewhere Out There, Netflix continues its push to offer science fiction stories rich in both spectacle and emotion. This collaboration reflects the ongoing success of the 21 Laps partnership with the streamer.
Levy’s Momentum and the Streaming Future
Levy’s recent accomplishments put him among Hollywood’s most prolific and in-demand filmmakers. With Deadpool & Wolverine breaking records and Star Wars: Starfighter already wrapped, he demonstrates that original storytelling for streaming remains a key priority, even as his influence grows across blockbuster franchises.
Blending themes of human loss with the mysteries of the universe, Somewhere Out There is positioned to become Netflix’s next standout sci-fi feature. With Levy in the director’s chair, audiences can expect a gripping narrative that pairs cosmic intrigue with genuine emotional depth—inviting viewers to contemplate what might be waiting beyond the stars long after the credits end.
