David Lynch had a sense of creativity and wonder that influenced, inspired, and confounded millions. Ten people could watch “Mulholland Drive” and come away with ten different interpretations. Millions have watched “Twin Peaks,” and the meaning, symbolism, and story are still discussed and debated to this day. We were blessed to have the late auteur’s work, which is why it’s another punch to the gut to find out he was developing a series for Netflix before he passed away.
Co-CEO of Netflix Ted Sarandos shared his Lynch story. He said he met Lynch during the early days of Netflix. They were trying to acquire a DVD library that included Lynch’s films. He was shown an early cut of the aforementioned, “Mulholland Drive.” While they hadn’t kept in much contact since then, there was a time a few years ago, pre-COVID, that Lynch dropped in on the Netflix offices. He was interested in doing a series with the streaming giant and according to Sarandos they were “all in.”
Sarandos didn’t divulge what exactly the project would’ve entailed. He noted he’d had some discussions with Lynch and his frequent collaborator Laura Dern, but he didn’t give any specifics outside of it being a limited series. This would’ve been his first major release since 2017’s “Twin Peaks” revival. Assuming it wasn’t tied to previous works, it also could’ve been his first “new” material since 2006’s “Inland Empire.” Sure, he had done some short projects and little curiosities in-between all this, but it would’ve been nice to have one true, last hurrah.
Sadly, there were forces beyond anyone’s control that prevented the project from coming to life. The COVID-19 pandemic put an end to, or an extended hold on a number of projects across the world. Sarandos also made note of some “health uncertainties.” Presumably, he could’ve been referring to the emphysema Lynch was suffering from.
If there’s something we can take from Sarandos’ opening up about this project, it’s the amount of respect Lynch carried in the industry. Netflix was ready to go whenever Lynch was, with whatever this project would’ve been. That’s the kind of clout and confidence very few people could command. His work was so profound, Netflix was giving him a greenlight to do his thing. Why? Because he could do it like no one else could.
The growing shrine outside Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, CA where Lynch would have his daily lunch.
