David Lynch, 78, is ‘homebound’ after emphysema diagnosis, would have to direct films ‘remotely’

David Lynch, best known for the TV series “Twin Peaks” and “Mulholland Drive,” is now “homebound” due to emphysema. The director made the revelation during an interview with Sight & Sound.

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

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

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants” like tobacco smoke, which damages the air sacs in the lungs, according to Mayo Clinic.

“Most people with emphysema also have chronic bronchitis” and it can cause a “persistent cough.”

Lynch noted that he cannot “go out” for fear of his health diagnosis and of getting COVID. “[I] can only walk a short distance before [I’m] out of oxygen,” he explained.

Lynch most recently revived “Twin Peaks” with the limited series, “Twin Peaks: The Return,” in 2017. His last feature film, “Inland Empire,” was in 2006.

His 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” has also found renewed interest due to the success of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” (2021) and this year’s “Dune: Part Two.”

Despite his health woes, Lynch has no plans to stop working altogether. He later clarified his comments in a statement via X, formerly Twitter.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Yes, I have emphysema from my many years of smoking. I have to say that I enjoyed smoking very much, and I do love tobacco – the smell of it, lighting cigarettes on fire, smoking them – but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment, and the price for me is emphysema. I have now quit smoking for over two years,” he wrote. “Recently I had many tests and the good news is that I am in excellent shape except for emphysema. I am filled with happiness, and I will never retire.”

He concluded: “I want you all to know that I really appreciate your concern.”