Disney’s 20th Century Studios and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps are heading back to the museum—this time with a whole new cast of characters.
The hit family franchise is getting a fresh chapter courtesy of 20th Century Studios and Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment. Screenwriter Tripper Clancy (Stuber, Die Hart) has been tapped to pen a new story featuring original characters and a fresh adventure within the iconic museum walls.
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A New Era for the Museum
As reported by Deadline, the new instalment is currently in development and marks a shift away from the original trilogy’s lead, Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller. Instead, the film will take audiences on a fresh journey with a new group of museum inhabitants. Levy, who directed and produced the original films, returns to produce alongside Dan Levine, with Emily Morris overseeing the project for 21 Laps.
Clancy is no stranger to the world of 21 Laps, having previously collaborated on Netflix’s I Am Not Okay with This and the in-development Bolivar series. His screenwriting credits include Dave Bautista & Kumail Nanjiani action-comedy Stuber and both entries in Kevin Hart’s Die Hart franchise.
Franchise History
The Night at the Museum franchise began in 2006 with the original film, a loose adaptation of Milan Trenc’s 1993 children’s book. It followed a struggling father who takes a night security job at the American Museum of Natural History, only to discover the exhibits come to life thanks to a magical Egyptian tablet.
The first three films — Night at the Museum (2006), Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), and Secret of the Tomb (2014) — grossed over US$1.3 billion globally, becoming one of the most successful family franchises of the 21st century. The ensemble cast across the series included Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Rami Malek, Amy Adams, and Dan Stevens.
In 2022, Levy also produced the Disney+ animated spinoff Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again.
What’s Next for 21 Laps
The revival comes as 21 Laps rides high off the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Levy, which recently crossed US$1.3 billion to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever. The company is also behind the upcoming final season of Stranger Things and recently announced adaptations of The Blanks and Never Lie for Netflix, along with a Madonna limited series. As a director, Levy’s next feature is Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and set for a May 2027 theatrical release.
No release window has been announced for the new Night at the Museum film. We’ll keep you up to date as this new one comes together.
