Netflix CEO reveals David Lynch was creating a limited series before his death

Ted Sarandos reveals David Lynch was working on a Netflix series before his death, filled with mystery.

David Lynch, the iconic filmmaker and television creator, was working on a limited series for Netflix prior to his death, according to Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of the streaming platform. 

Lynch passed away on Thursday at the age of 78 after a prolonged battle with emphysema.

In a tribute posted on Friday, Sarandos shared details about Lynch’s planned collaboration with Netflix. Sarandos revealed that Lynch had pitched a limited series to the platform, which the company eagerly embraced. Describing the project as “filled with mystery and risks,” Sarandos highlighted the unique creativity that made Lynch’s work so distinctive. 

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Lynch into isolation due to his health, Netflix remained committed to the project, with Sarandos stating that they were ready to move forward as soon as Lynch was able.

Sarandos also recalled a memorable conversation with Lynch, during which the filmmaker, alongside his muse Laura Dern, visited Sarandos at his home. The two discussed a variety of topics, including cinema, art, and life. Sarandos fondly noted Lynch’s admiration for his windows, adding a personal touch to their relationship.

Lynch's career spanned decades and earned him multiple Oscar nominations for films such as 'The Elephant Man' and 'Blue Velvet'. His groundbreaking series 'Twin Peaks' changed the television landscape, winning two Emmys and becoming a cult classic. After 'Inland Empire' in 2006, Lynch shifted focus to short films and video projects before returning to television with 'Twin Peaks: The Return' in 2017, a critically acclaimed sequel that aired on Showtime.

Sarandos also recalled that, in Netflix's early days, he reached out to Lynch to bulk-buy copies of 'Eraserhead', one of his favorite films. Netflix also promised to produce a DVD collection of Lynch’s visionary short films.

In an April 2024 interview, Lynch discussed his animated project 'Snootworld', which Netflix had declined, revealing that he was seeking other financing for the project. Lynch’s declining health, worsened by a mandatory evacuation from his Hollywood Hills home during the Sunset fire, ultimately contributed to his passing.

While it remains unclear if any of Lynch’s notes for the Netflix series survived, Sarandos fondly remembered the director as a “genius” whose work was intentionally elusive. He expressed admiration for Lynch’s bold and visionary body of work, leaving fans to wonder about the potential of what would have been his final project.