The Twin Peaks UK Festival has just closed its doors in the atmospheric surroundings of Whitechapel, and attendees have been privy to some exciting developments. Firstly, in the festival run up actress Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer) confirmed her involvement in Showtime’s revival of the series. And when she and co-star Dana Ashbrook (Bobby Briggs) took to the stage they delivered the news that would truly link the old to the new – original star Kyle MacLachlan is reprising his role as Special Agent Dale Cooper.
A frequent collaborator with Peaks co-creator David Lynch, MacLachlan became an icon of the show as Cooper, a federal investigator who loved coffee and cherry pie and depended on dreams as much as detection. The part made the actor’s name, and though he went on to distance himself from it afterwards he has shown great interest in returning to the character in recent years. He famously vetoed a key storyline in Season 2 that would have seen him entering into a relationship with teenage temptress Audrey Horne. The writers then had to fill the gap, with mixed results. His participation in companion movie FIRE WALK WITH ME was also reduced as he reportedly didn’t want to be typecast. However, despite MacLachlan going on to forge a long career in TV and movies he never forgot the world of Twin Peaks and expressed a desire to bring the series back as webisodes.
Ashbrook also revealed that he has signed to the new version, so we’ll see what town bad boy Briggs has been up to since leaving high school. He will join Catherine E Coulson (The Log Lady) in a line up that is already full of much-loved names from episodes past. Twin Peaks will air in 2016. MacLachlan will next be seen in Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Source: Twin Peaks Freaks
*UPDATE 13/01/15*
Showtime themselves have confirmed MacLachlan’s casting as the actor took to the stage unannounced in costume to address president David Nevins via Showtime’s Monday panel at the Television Critics Association press tour. The Twin Peaks theme was played as he uttered: “You look like you need a damn fine cup of coffee,” before exiting with the line: “I’m very excited to return to the strange world of Twin Peaks. May the forest be with you.”
Though hardly a surprise, the deal is now officially sealed. Further certified casting developments will follow as the limited series goes into production this year.
Source: THR
