Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, revealed that David Lynch, the renowned filmmaker known for his surreal and innovative work, was secretly working on a limited series for the streaming service before he passed away at the age of 78. The project, which was seen as exciting and unclear, was put on hold because of the COVID-19 outbreak and Lynch’s worsening health.
Sarandos posted a moving tribute on Instagram after Lynch passed away on Thursday. Sarandos called the series a typical Lynch project, full of “mystery and risks.” He mentioned that Netflix was excited about the idea when Lynch presented it.
The project is thought to be linked to a suspected series called “Wisteria” or “Unrecorded Night,” but specific details are still unclear. Lynch had intended to write and direct 13 episodes, working with Peter Deming, his cinematographer from Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive, according to a 2020 listing in the trade magazine Production Weekly.
The project had many challenges. Early development was delayed by the pandemic, and in 2024, Lynch revealed he had been diagnosed with emphysema, a lung condition that would have required him to direct from a distance. Despite these difficulties, Sarandos stated that Netflix is still dedicated to the project. “We made it clear that we were all ready to go as soon as he could,” he wrote.
In May 2024, Lynch’s long-time director, Sabrina Sutherland, said she is hopeful about the series. In an interview, she said Lynch had been concentrating on his artwork and singing, but she suggested that the project might be brought back by saying, “There’s always a chance.”
This unfinished series adds a touch of sadness to Lynch’s reputation. Sarandos reflected on his long relationship with the filmmaker, remembering how they first met when Netflix was still in its early years as a DVD rental service. He went to Lynch’s house to discuss Eraserhead’s rights. The meeting unexpectedly became a private showing of an early version of Mulholland Drive, highlighting Lynch’s surprising creativity and kindness.
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Lynch’s final work with Netflix was mixed. In April, he revealed that the platform had decided against his animated project Snootworld because it was “an old-fashioned story” and did not follow current animation trends. Earlier, he worked with Netflix on a short film called What Did Jack Do? It’s a unique noir film where Lynch questions a talking monkey.
“David Lynch was an unapologetic genius,” Sarandos wrote in his homage. “He didn’t want you to get his work.” He understood it wasn’t possible, which was just part of their journey together.
Hollywood is sad about Lynch’s death, and many people have shared their condolences. Tributes came from friends and fans like Patricia Arquette, Isabella Rossellini, Mädchen Amick, Ron Howard, Sting, and Judd Apatow.
Lynch’s death signals the end of an amazing career that changed film with works like Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, and The Elephant Man. His last Netflix series, which was never made, is still a curious mystery—just like many other puzzling projects from a filmmaker known for them.
