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Steven Spielberg’s Near Directorial Debut in ‘Twin Peaks’

Sarah Parker January 24, 2025

Imagine making such a groundbreaking impact at work that you catch the eye of a legendary figure in your industry. This scenario unfolded with David Lynch and his iconic series Twin Peaks during the early 1990s. The show revolutionized the television landscape, captivating audiences and reshaping the entertainment industry forever. Notably, Steven Spielberg became an admirer of the series and even expressed a desire to direct an episode in Season 2. This intriguing behind-the-scenes tidbit is recounted in Reflections: An Oral History of Twin Peaks by Brad Dukes, revealing how close this collaboration came to fruition.

Steven Spielberg’s Aspirations to Direct the Season 2 Premiere of ?Twin Peaks?

In the quirky town of Twin Peaks, where familiarity breeds intrigue and the unexpected reigns supreme, the same peculiarities are echoed in Hollywood. The immense success of Twin Peaks during its inaugural season sparked interest from numerous industry titans, including the legendary Steven Spielberg. This fascination began with a personal connection, as writer Harley Peyton had ties to Spielberg through his first wife, who was friends with Kate Capshaw, Spielberg’s spouse. Peyton recalls that Spielberg casually mentioned his enthusiasm for directing an episode in Season 2, highlighting the allure and cultural significance of the series.

Recognizing the potential of this opportunity, Peyton approached co-creator Mark Frost the following summer to discuss the idea of having Spielberg direct the Season 2 premiere. He suggested, “This is probably not a bad way to kick off the second season, right?” Frost was in agreement. The duo was then invited to dinner at Spielberg and Capshaw’s home, where they discussed the prospect in depth. During this dinner, Frost even shared a rough cut of the Season 1 finale, which he directed, further fueling the conversation about Spielberg’s involvement.

Despite the excitement surrounding this collaboration, the plans ultimately fell through due to David Lynch’s determination to direct the premiere himself. When Frost and Lynch convened to outline the episode, the topic of Spielberg’s potential direction arose. However, Lynch was resolute about taking the reins, leading Frost to abstain from pressing the issue. Peyton recalls Lynch?s hopeful remark that perhaps Spielberg could helm a later episode, but this, too, remained unfulfilled, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors.

Where To Stream David Lynch’s Surreal Masterpiece ‘Twin Peaks’

Remembering the late, great David Lynch.

Steven Spielberg’s Vision for His ?Twin Peaks? Episode: “As Weird as Possible”

One of the defining characteristics of Twin Peaks is its remarkable weirdness, a quality that permeates every aspect of the series. David Lynch’s unique vision creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge, from the peculiar dialogue of the characters to the mysterious forces surrounding the tragic fate of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). This unsettling ambiance was exactly what Steven Spielberg wanted to maintain. He expressed his desire, saying, “I want to do it as weird as possible; it’ll be so much fun.” This approach would have certainly resonated with the show’s protagonist, Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), whose character thrives in the bizarre world of Twin Peaks.

However, with Lynch committed to directing the Season 2 premiere, Spielberg’s opportunity to contribute would have to wait for another episode. Unfortunately, as Mark Frost noted, Spielberg became preoccupied with directing one of his films, leading to a scheduling conflict that ultimately prevented him from stepping behind the camera for an episode of Twin Peaks. Notably, around that time, Spielberg was involved with either Hook, which entered principal photography in February 1991, Jurassic Park, which began filming in August 1992, or the pre-production of Schindler’s List.

As the second season of Twin Peaks unfolded, it faced criticism for a perceived decline in quality, as convoluted plots overshadowed the initial murder investigation. After Lynch and Frost reduced their involvement, various directors took over, leading to an inconsistent series of episodes during the latter half of the season. Having a director of Spielberg’s caliber involved in even one episode during Season 2 could have significantly elevated the series, injecting fresh talent and star power precisely when it was needed most. However, it seems that this collaboration was never meant to be.

The Long-Awaited Collaboration: Spielberg and Lynch Unite in ?The Fabelmans?

The prospect of two cinematic geniuses, David Lynch and Steven Spielberg, collaborating on Twin Peaks was a tantalizing thought for film and television enthusiasts alike. While that dream remained unrealized, fortunate circumstances allowed them to work together in a different capacity. Lynch portrayed the legendary filmmaker John Ford in Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans. This performance stands as one of Lynch’s most acclaimed contributions to acting, offering profound insights into the art of filmmaking as he imparts wisdom to young Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) on scene composition. Although fans might have longed for more collaboration between these two titans, this moment serves as a fitting tribute to their respective legacies.

For those interested in experiencing the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks, the original two seasons are available for streaming on Apple TV+ in the U.S., allowing new audiences to discover the magic of this groundbreaking series.