By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (AP) --Judging by the "Twin Peaks" panel at Comic-Con, solving the mystery of David Lynch seemed more pressing than the mystery of where the show is going.
The 18-episode revival of the '90s show is currently airing on Showtime. It's often inscrutable plot has vexed some and delighted others, but that it comes from the singular mind and vision of David Lynch has never been in question.
"I think it's weird! Anyone else?" actor Matthew Lillard asked the 6,500-person Hall H audience Friday at the annual fan convention. "You guys saw Episode 8, right? That's crazy."
Lillard, a newcomer to the series, was joined by fellow "Twin Peaks" novices like Tim Roth and Naomi Watts as well as a few originals like Kimmy Robertson, Dana Ashbrook, James Marshall, Everett McGill and, of course, Kyle MacLachlan.
Some fans in the audience dressed as "Twin Peaks" characters past and present — there was an Audrey Horne and a '90s Agent Dale Cooper who brought along a recorder and an act about talking to Diane, his secretary. The man dressed as the revival-inspired "Dougie Jones" wore an oversized green blazer and a tie on his head. Others sported Twin Peaks t-shirts adorned with Laura Palmer's face.
Much like the first run of "Twin Peaks," future plot points are closely guarded secrets. Not even MacLachlan has seen beyond what has aired and is watching it as it unfolds on Showtime.
"I like to watch at home alone with a glass of wine," MacLachlan said. "That's all I need."
Lynch, who directed the 18-episodes of "Twin Peaks: The Return," did not make the trek to San Diego, but still dominated the conversation, moderated by "Lost" co-creator and self-professed "Twin Peaks" super fan Damon Lindelof.
Lindelof said it was probably a good thing Lynch wasn't there, or else he would just geek out over him.
The cast members tried their best to describe the enigmatic director — which a few said is the question they are most asked.
Lillard said Lynch has an incredible sense of joy and peace.
"He's a fantastic human being," Lillard said.
Watts, who starred in Lynch's "Mulholland Dr.," said she still gets a little star struck around him.
"He's so unique and living on another world," Watts said. "You just want to join that world."
MacLachlan, who said he doesn't know if he'd have had a television and film career were it not for Lynch, went a bit further.
"He's very accessible to all of us and he's very available. And then there is a point at which he goes into a place that is purely David. This is him as the artist. At that point I become like a fan," MacLachlan said. "He's a like a pal, but when he goes there he's an artist in a place that I can't share with him."
Although there weren't any teases, some Comic-Con audiences do have the chance to get a leg up on general audiences. Episode 11 of the series is screening Friday night at Comic-Con in advance of its Sunday premiere.
No word on whether or not coffee and doughnuts will be provided.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More