It was probably too good to be true.
Amid rumors last month that the production had hit a few financial snags, and even more dire whispers that had begun to leak out of WonderCon this afternoon, David Lynch took to Twitter to confirm all your worst fears: he will not be returning to direct Showtime’s Twin Peaks relaunch in 2016:
Dear Twitter Friends, Showtime did not pull the plug on Twin Peaks.
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) April 5, 2015
After 1 year and 4 months of negotiations, I left because not enough money was offered to do the script the way I felt it needed to be done. — David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) April 5, 2015
This weekend I started to call actors to let them know I would not be directing. Twin Peaks may still be very much alive at Showtime.
— David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) April 5, 2015
I love the world of Twin Peaks and wish things could have worked out differently. — David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) April 5, 2015
Lynch was originally scheduled to direct all 9 episodes of the upcoming limited series, but with this sudden departure, the entire endeavor is now in question.
Is it possible Showtime could continue on without Lynch? Absolutely, especially if the Lynch/Mark Frost scripts are already in place, but would we want to see more Twin Peaks through the lens of another creative talent? Sadly, the only example of this we have to go on is the much maligned second season of the series, which saw the ongoing adventures of James Hurley and this…
…among many other questionable decisions. Twin Peaks is such a particular property, that is clearly the product of two unique minds, it’s hard to imagine your average Dexter helmer coming in and being able to do it any justice.
Showtime has yet to comment on Lynch’s announcement, but with actors already lined up to return, including star Kyle MacLachlan; the ball is very much in their court.
It is also very possible Lynch’s public declaration may move Showtime to give him what he wants. We’ll find out soon enough.
UPDATE: Showtime has released the following statement:
We were saddened to read David Lynch’s statement today since we believed we were working towards solutions with David and his reps on the few remaining deal points. Showtime also loves the world of Twin Peaks and we continue to hold out hope that we can bring it back in all its glory with both of its extraordinary creators, David Lynch and Mark Frost, at its helm.
Twin Peaks without David Lynch is not Twin Peaks. No, thanks
It’s his baby. What’s the point of watching if we know it’s not his vision?
What’s really sad is that Lynch has not directed a feature in 9 years — not since INLAND EMPIRE in 2006. Hollywood is a tough town for over-60 directors who don’t want to make franchise movies aimed at 15-year-olds of all ages.
Meanwhile, hacks like Zack Snyder, Michael Bay and Brett Ratner have no trouble lining up new projects.
I’d have very much liked to see Mr. Lynch back at the helm, but his absence isn’t a deal-breaker. I enjoyed both seasons of Twin Peaks, and I’ve been reading/viewing/discussing non-Lynch takes on the series for over a decade. So I’m OK with seeing someone else wrap up the series’ loose ends.
David Lynch is the creator of the series. If he leaves the show should leave with him. The same goes for comics. When the creator leaves and sells it off to a big company like….. Disney or Warner Bros the comics should stop as well. F David Lynch. F Showtime. Love Evan Dorkin.
Follow me at #Hexo66
“So I’m OK with seeing someone else wrap up the series’ loose ends.”
With something from Lynch, I don’t want the loose ends wrapped up. The more that are left dangling, the more interesting it is.
Here’s some good advice from film historian Peter Labuza:
“You know how to save Twin Peaks? Let it die and be happy with what we already have.”
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