Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, recently paid tribute to the late filmmaker David Lynch, who passed away at the age of 78. Sarandos took to Instagram to express his admiration for Lynch, calling him one of his “all-time favorite filmmakers.” He revealed that Lynch had approached Netflix with a pitch for a limited series, which the streaming giant eagerly accepted. However, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Lynch’s health issues, the project never came to fruition.
In a touching post, Sarandos reminisced about his first encounter with Lynch, which took place when Netflix was still primarily a DVD-by-mail service. He recounted how he reached out to Lynch to stock copies of his cult classic film “Eraserhead,” which was out of print at the time. This initial collaboration led to a partnership where Netflix produced a DVD collection of Lynch’s short films, showcasing his visionary work to a wider audience.
There were whispers in the industry about a potential Netflix project from Lynch before his passing. Reports surfaced in 2020 about a Lynch-directed limited series titled “Wisteria,” also known as “Unrecorded Night.” The project was set to feature 13 episodes helmed by Lynch and his longtime collaborator, cinematographer Peter Deming. However, the onset of the pandemic derailed the production, putting the project on hold indefinitely.
Despite the setbacks, there remained hope among fans and collaborators that Lynch would return to the project in the future. In a Q&A session in 2024, Lynch’s producer Sabrina Sutherland hinted at the possibility of the limited series resurfacing, although Lynch was currently focused on his art and music endeavors. The status of the project mentioned by Sarandos in his tribute remains unconfirmed, leaving fans curious about what could have been.
Sarandos fondly recalled a memorable experience with Lynch at his home, where he was treated to a private screening of Lynch’s film “Mulholland Drive.” The unexpected viewing session left Sarandos in awe of Lynch’s talent and creativity, solidifying his admiration for the iconic filmmaker.
As the entertainment industry continues to mourn the loss of a visionary talent like David Lynch, his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking films and the impact he had on those who had the privilege of working with him. Sarandos’ tribute serves as a reminder of the profound influence Lynch had on the world of cinema and the lasting impression he left on all who crossed his path.
