David Lynch, the renowned director, actor, and producer, is joining the cast of Steven Spielberg’s upcoming drama, The Fabelmans, according to Variety. While the plot and Lynch’s role in the film remains a secret, the movie is described as a semi-autobiographical project, drawing from Spielberg’s time growing up in Arizona.
Both Spielberg and Lynch are heavily regarded as tremendous directors who rose to fame in the 1970s. Spielberg has a splendid body of work ranging from E.T. to Jaws to more recently, West Side Story. Lynch on the other hand is known for his “Lynchian” work consisting of a mix of horror, mystery, and supernatural beings. Lynch rose to fame by directing many iconic films such as Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, The Straight Story, and Lost Highway.
His 1980 historical drama The Elephant Man received eight Oscar nominations, including one for his directorial work. Lynch also received Oscar nominations for best director for Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. His crime romance Wild at Heart starring Laura Dern and Nicolas Cage won the Palme d’Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival. His most recent film, Inland Empire, was released in 2006 and was praised by critics.
Lynch is also prominently known for creating, directing, exec producing and acting in the hit mystery-horror drama TV series, Twin Peaks. Lynch directed six episodes in the series’ two-season run in the 1990s, as well its 1992 prequel film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. In 2017, Lynch returned to Twin Peaks, directing an 18-episode sequel series for Showtime.
The director also has an impeccable resume of acting as well. He played FBI agent Gordon Cole across all iterations of Twin Peaks and his other credits range from guest appearances on Louie and The Cleveland Show to a supporting role in the 2017 Harry Dean Stanton vehicle Lucky. He even made a special appearance in an episode of Robot Chicken in 2020, in the role of the mad scientist.
David Lynch Is Part of a Strong Ensemble Cast in The Fabelmans
Lynch joins a star-studded cast including Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Paul Dano, Julia Butters, and newcomer Gabriel LaBelle. Williams and Dano are expected to take on characters drawn from Spielberg’s parents, while Rogen’s role is said to be influenced by Spielberg’s uncle. LaBelle stars as aspiring filmmaker Sammy, a Spielberg analog, while Butters portrays his sister, Anne. The Fabelmans ensemble also features Judd Hirsch, Sam Rechner, Oakes Fegley, Chloe East, Jeannie Berlin, Robin Bartlett, Jonathan Hadary and Isabelle Kusman.
Spielberg co-wrote the script with his frequent collaborator, Tony Kushner, marking the director’s first screenplay credit since 2001. The pair recently teamed on West Side Story, which is in the center of all awards conversation at the moment. They also paired on numerous collaborations including 2005’s Munich and 2012’s Lincoln. Spielberg and Kushner also serve as producers, alongside Kristie Macosko Krieger.
The Fabelmans is currently in post-production, however, Universal Pictures has set a release date around the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
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