"Night at the Museum" Is Getting a Reboot

It is meant to be a standalone story

By Jonas Reichel on 5 min reading time

Another reboot is just around the corner: According to the trade magazine Deadline, production company 21 Laps Entertainment is working on a reimagining of "Night at the Museum".

The new movie is set to tell a completely standalone story. Like the original films, it will of course take place in a museum, but with entirely new characters. Neither the familiar characters nor the previous lead actors, such as Ben Stiller, will be part of the reboot. The movie is being produced by "Deadpool & Wolverine" director Shawn Levy, who was involved in the original trilogy and directed all three movies. The release date for the reboot is still unknown.

The "Night at the Museum" series is originally based on a children's book by Milan Trenc from 1993. It tells the story of a night watchman at a natural history museum who discovers that the exhibits come to life after dark. The first movie was released in 2006 and became a worldwide hit, grossing around 574 million US dollars. It was followed by two sequels: "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian", which grossed about 413 million US dollars, and "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb", which brought in around 363 million US dollars. It is still up in the air when the reboot will hit theaters.

Shawn Levy: The Most Famous Films of the Successful Director

Shawn Levy is now considered one of the most successful and versatile filmmakers in Hollywood. Whether it's comedy, action-adventure, or sci-fi – Levy knows how to craft stories that captivate a wide audience. His movies are often characterized by humor, heart, and a certain "blockbuster charm." In addition to his work as a director, he has also made a name for himself as a producer, notably with the Netflix series "Stranger Things". Here, we present Shawn Levy's most well-known films – from family adventures to superhero hits.

Night at the Museum Trilogy (2006–2014)

The "Night at the Museum" film series marked Shawn Levy's big breakthrough as a blockbuster director. In the three movies, Ben Stiller plays night guard Larry Daley, who works at a museum where the exhibits come to life at night. The first installment, "Night at the Museum" (2006), was a worldwide hit, grossing around 574 million dollars. Audiences especially loved the charming visual effects, witty dialogue, and the blend of adventure and family-friendly comedy. It was followed by "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" (2009), which shifts the action to the famous Smithsonian Museum, and "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" (2014), in which Larry continues his journey in London.

The trilogy not only became a box office hit but also helped shape an entire generation of family movies. Shawn Levy served as both director and producer on all three movies.

Real Steel (2011)

With "Real Steel", Shawn Levy proved that he could also direct compelling sci-fi adventures. The film, starring Hugh Jackman, tells the story of a washed-up boxer who, together with his son, tries to turn an old robot into a champion in a future where robot boxing has become a popular sport. The movie blends action, an emotional father-son story, and spectacular visual effects into an entertaining and heartfelt blockbuster. "Real Steel" was a major box office success and has since developed a cult following within the sci-fi genre.

Date Night (2010)

With this comedy, Levy once again demonstrated his knack for humor. "Date Night" tells the story of a married couple (played by Steve Carell and Tina Fey) who accidentally get caught up in a criminal conspiracy during what was supposed to be a romantic dinner. The mix of fast-paced action, romantic moments, and absurd humor was very well received by audiences. Levy relied on dynamic direction and the charming chemistry between his lead actors to bring the story to life.

Free Guy (2021)

With "Free Guy", Levy scored one of the biggest hits of his career. The movie, starring Ryan Reynolds, tells the story of a bank teller who discovers that he is actually a non-playable character in a video game – and decides to take control of his own destiny. "Free Guy" is a clever blend of comedy, action, and media satire, packed with pop culture references. The movie was praised by both critics and audiences and grossed over 330 million dollars worldwide. Its mix of an original story, spectacular action, and heartfelt humor made "Free Guy" one of the most beloved films of 2021. Since then, Levy and Reynolds have continued to collaborate regularly.

Image of FREE GUY Trailer (2021)

The Adam Project (2022)

"The Adam Project", once again starring Ryan Reynolds, also became a major streaming success. This sci-fi film tells the story of a time-traveling pilot who journeys into his own past and meets his 12-year-old self in order to change the fate of the world together. Produced exclusively for Netflix, the movie blends sci-fi adventure with emotional family moments. Shawn Levy directs it as a nostalgic homage to classic 1980s adventure films – complete with time travel, witty dialogue, and action.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

In the summer of 2024, "Deadpool & Wolverine" was released – a film that fans around the world had been eagerly awaiting for years. Shawn Levy directed the third "Deadpool" movie for the first time, bringing together Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in a shared adventure. The film was a massive box office hit, praised for its distinctive humor, action-packed scenes, and the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman. It also officially introduced Deadpool's anarchic humor into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for the first time. Fans applauded not only the direction but also Levy's talent in skillfully blending chaos, action, and emotional moments. "Deadpool & Wolverine" ranks among the most successful movies of 2024.

Conclusion

Shawn Levy has established himself as one of Hollywood's most versatile directors. Be it comedy, adventure, sci-fi, or superhero films, he knows how to tell stories with heart, humor, and broad appeal. His signature style is clear: emotional characters, a keen sense of timing, and always a touch of warmth amid the spectacle. If you are looking for movies that are fun, touching, and suitable for the whole family, Levy's filmography is sure to deliver.

Image of DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Trailer 2 (2024)