David Lynch’s Unmade Absurdist Comedy ‘One Saliva Bubble’ Revealed

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A never-produced absurdist comedy written by filmmaker David Lynch and his collaborator Mark Frost, titled “One Saliva Bubble,” has resurfaced in discussions following Lynch’s recent passing. The script, described as a surreal body-swap comedy, was nearly made in the early 1980s with actors Steve Martin and Martin Short attached to star.

In a past interview, Martin recalled the project, saying, “We were going to do it together.” The film was set in Small Town America and revolved around a bizarre chain reaction triggered by a saliva bubble escaping a security guard’s mouth and infiltrating a secret government weapons system. The incident causes the town’s residents to switch identities, leading to chaos.

Lynch, known for his avant-garde storytelling in films like “Blue Velvet” and “Mulholland Drive,” envisioned the project as a departure from traditional comedy. “It would have been the weirdest thing Short or Martin had ever done,” said a source familiar with the script. The project was ultimately shelved due to studio concerns, a common fate for many of Lynch’s unconventional ideas.

Martin Short, who recently hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the fifth time, reflected on the collaboration during a skit on the show. “From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say, I love most of you so much,” Short joked, referencing his long-standing friendship with Martin and their shared history of comedic ventures.

Lynch’s children have announced plans to honor their father with a “worldwide group meditation” later this year, inviting fans to celebrate his legacy. Meanwhile, tributes from the entertainment industry continue to pour in, with Cannes Director Thierry Fremaux recalling Lynch as a “generous guy” who left an indelible mark on cinema.

Though “One Saliva Bubble” never made it to the screen, its concept remains a testament to Lynch’s unique vision and his ability to blend humor with the surreal. The script, now a cult curiosity, serves as a reminder of the filmmaker’s boundless creativity and the projects that might have been.