Update (9:59 P.M.): Since Lynch’s announcement, Showtime released the following statement:

We were saddened to read David Lynch’s statement today since we believed we were working towards solutions with David and his reps on the few remaining deal points. Showtime also loves the world of Twin Peaks and we continue to hold out hope that we can bring it back in all its glory with both of its extraordinary creators, David Lynch and Mark Frost, at its helm.

The original article continues below.

Ever since director David Lynch and Showtime announced that the cult TV classic Twin Peaks would be returning for a third season, fans of the original have been eagerly gobbling up news like it was freshly-baked cherry pie. Lead actors Kyle MacLachlan and Sheryl Lee would be returning! New scripts promised to wrap up old mysteries! Well the news this Easter Sunday is not quite as delicious. While earlier rumors that the series had been cancelled entirely have been debunked, we now know that Lynch –– the visionary behind the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer –– has walked away from the series. His explantation has been collected in the following Facebook update and posted on Lynch’s own Twitter feed:

Rumors of contract disputes between Lynch and Showtime have been circulating for quite awhile. Last month while speaking at an art exhibit in Australia, Lynch told fans:

I haven't returned yet and we’re still working on the contract. But I love the world of Twin Peaks and I love those characters. And I think it will be very special to go back into that world.

The unfortunate turn of events calls to mind the troubled second season of the original series, which declined in popularity after Lynch and co-founder Mark Frost lost some creative control to ABC. The network insisted on “solving” the founding mystery that had given the show its tag line—“Who killed Laura Palmer?”—and then declined to renew the series for a third season.

Fans of the director’s distinctive style will surely be disappointed to learn that Lynch won’t be behind the lens, but there is a silver lining. Front and Lynch have already completed all nine scripts for the Showtime reboot so even if the series will be lacking in Lynch’s visual flair, it will feature his vision. Twin Peaks will return, with or without Lynch, in 2016.