Filmmaker David Lynch eyes retirement after emphysema diagnosis

“Twin Peaks” creator David Lynch has said he will most likely retire due to an emphysema diagnosis, a lung disease with no known cure.

The 78-year-old American filmmaker said in an interview for the magazine Sight and Sound’s September cover story that he is no longer able to leave his home, as he is afraid of contracting Covid-19, which would threaten his health even further.

“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not. … And now, because of Covid, it would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold,” Lynch told the British magazine.

The “Eraserhead” and “The Elephant Man” filmmaker also mentioned that he can only walk a short distance before he runs out of oxygen.

A representative for Lynch did not respond to a request for comment.

For Lynch, it is unlikely that he will ever direct in-person again, but he mentioned the possibility of directing remotely.

“I would really hate that,” he added, admitting that directing virtually would not be desirable for the Oscar-nominated director.