Shawn Levy Opens Up About the Challenges of Making Netflix’s Live-Action DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Series
Shawn Levy, the director behind Stranger Things, is diving deep into another world filled with monsters, magic, and epic storytelling. He’s currently developing Netflix’s live-action Dungeons & Dragons series, and according to him, it’s been a much more complex journey than fans might think.
In a recent interview with Collider, Levy explained why the project has taken longer than expected to come together.
“I think that the reason it's taken so long and the reason why it is a challenging process is you're not adapting story IP. You're adapting a world and a lexicon and a spirit, but story needs to be invented largely from scratch.
“And it needs to be invented in a way that feels organic to everything that's great about DnD. So that one is in very active every day chipping-away-at-it development at Netflix.”
Dungeons & Dragons isn’t just a single story, it’s an entire universe of possibilities, filled with lore, rules, and imagination. Trying to capture that essence in a narrative that feels authentic to longtime fans and accessible to newcomers is no easy task.
When asked if the series is likely to move forward, Levy said, “I really hope so. I really really hope so.”
The project was first reported back in February, with the title The Forgotten Realms, and Drew Crevello (WeCrashed) attached as showrunner.
It’s now being developed at Netflix after originally being in development at Paramount+. Paramount Pictures is the studio behind Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, which was a good time! But, Levy’s upcoming series will stand on its own and won’t tie into the film.
Levy already has strong ties to Dungeons & Dragons through Stranger Things. Across twelve episodes he’s directed, the beloved tabletop RPG has served as a constant thread in the show’s mythology.
Each villain in the Upside Down has been inspired by DnD lore, from the Demogorgon to Vecna, which has fueled countless fan theories about the final season.
So, while it may be taking time, it sounds like Levy is making sure Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons series captures the heart and spirit of what makes the game so iconic. I hope that he can pull it off.