David Lynch was working on a Netflix Limited series, says Ted Sarandos

On By Littum

David Lynch was creating a new limited series for Netflix when he passed away this week, according to Ted Sarandos.

The streamer’s co-CEO posted a moving tribute to the visionary filmmaker on Instagram Friday, which included the revelation. He says that years after their first meeting, when Lynch screened an early cut of Mulholland Drive for Sarandos, “he came into Netflix to pitch a limited series, which we jumped at.”

“It was a David Lynch production, so full of mystery and risk, but we wanted to go on this creative journey with this genius. First Covid, then some health uncertainties meant that this project was never produced, but we did it obviously, as soon as he was able, we were all in, Sarandos added.

He called Lynch’s work “remarkable, visionary, brave and artful” and lamented that he “will always wonder what he had in mind for us with what would have been his final project.”

Deadline has reached out to Netflix for more details on this limited series. This post will be updated when/if we hear back.

In his post, Sarandos called Lynch “one of my favorite filmmakers” and recalled how he made a deal with Lynch for bulk purchases Eraser head for Netflix back when the company still rented DVDs. It was the first time they met, Sarandos explained. Lynch eventually directed a short film for Netflix called What did Jack do?

“David Lynch was an unapologetic genius. He didn’t want you to understand his work. He knew it was impossible and it was part of the ride together,” Sarandos wrote.

Sarandos’ tribute is just one of dozens that poured in from across Hollywood when news of Lynch’s death broke Thursday. Patricia Arquette, Isabella Rossellini, Mädchen Amick, Ron Howard, Sting, Judd Apatow and more were among those who honored the 4x Oscar nominee.