Director David Lynch says he can’t leave LA home over fear he’ll catch COVID-19 – Daily News

Legendary director David Lynch will likely retire from filmmaking due to health concerns that prevent him from leaving his Los Angeles home, it was reported Monday.

The “Blue Velvet” director and “Twin Peaks” creator told the British magazine Sight & Sound that he cannot leave his home over fears he will get COVID-19.

“I’ve gotten emphysema from smoking for so long, and so I’m homebound whether I like it or not,” the 78-year-old Lynch told the publication. “It would be very bad for me to get sick, even with a cold.”

The director added he “can only walk a short distance before” running out of oxygen.

Emphysema, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is mainly caused by smoking, air pollution and exposure to dust and chemicals. The World Health Organization has predicted it will become the third-leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.

Lynch’s last major project was Showtime’s “Twin Peaks: The Return” in 2017. The revival of the ABC series was well received by critics and fans alike. The director’s last movie was 2006’s “Inland Empire.”

Lynch told the magazine he’s unlikely to direct a film again, unless he could shoot a film remotely.

“I would do it remotely if it comes to it,” he said. “I wouldn’t like that so much.”

Originally Published: August 5, 2024 at 3:06 p.m.