Despite the recent release of three seasons, Westworld has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of modern television, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and thought-provoking themes. This series, produced by HBO, has garnered significant attention and investment, becoming a strategic gem in the network’s lineup.
Overview of Westworld
Westworld is a visually stunning series that features contributions from renowned producers like J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Trek Into Darkness) alongside Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan (brother of Christopher Nolan). The show draws inspiration from the 1973 film of the same name, set in a futuristic amusement park called “Westworld,” populated by lifelike robots. These highly advanced artificial beings are designed to cater to human desires, often leading to ethical dilemmas and existential questions. However, Nolan and Joy have skillfully avoided revealing any specific details about their narrative direction.
Recently, several cast members from Westworld, including Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Jimmi Simpson, and Ben Barnes, participated in a panel discussion at New York Comic-Con. Although they were “tight-lipped” about future plot developments, the actors shared engaging insights during the panel to hint at potential story arcs.
The Role of Gaming in Westworld
Nolan acknowledged that he has often viewed video games as a means of preparation and research for Westworld. He stated, “Before having children, I often played video games, but I stopped once I became a parent. However, we have played a bit to gather ideas for the show.”
Additionally, he believes that the 1973 version of Westworld will feel vastly different when compared to the current series. Nolan remarked that his wife, Lisa Joy, is an avid gamer, often immersing herself in virtual worlds reminiscent of Westworld.
Thandie Newton also pointed out that video game elements prominently feature in many scenes. Newton shared that several episodes have made her feel directly connected to the video game experience. Many scenes are clearly inspired by specific games, creating a sense of immersion in a digital world.
Is the Man in Black a Robot?
Ed Harris plays the enigmatic Man in Black, a character full of secrets in Westworld. He has become a prominent figure known for his ruthless behavior, striving to “win” the game within the virtual world. In the original version, the character was portrayed by Yul Brynner as a notorious gunslinger robot who hunted down humans.
So, is the Man in Black a “hidden” robot in the series? According to Nolan, the answer is no. He describes Harris’s character as emphasizing the dark side of humanity. The way we act within the virtual realm does not reflect our true selves. Therefore, the Man in Black is a deeply human character that filmmakers are actively exploring.
Season 2 Currently Under Development
While Westworld has yet to officially announce the release of Season 2, Jonathan Nolan confirmed that they are actively working on it. Nolan explained that he is focused on creating long-form narratives that extend beyond typical two-hour storytelling. The brother of the director of The Dark Knight mentioned there are numerous plot twists and ideas in development for Season 2. “We are currently preparing for the second season,” Nolan stated.
The Cast Knows More Than We Do
With a talented cast that includes Ed Harris, James Marsden, Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright, Jimmi Simpson, Ben Barnes, and Sir Anthony Hopkins, do you think Nolan and Joy trust their actors enough to keep them in the dark about plot twists? Not quite.
Simpson mentioned, “They don’t let us in on anything.” Barnes added, “I find it easier when I have no idea what’s happening.” Nolan and Joy have indeed crafted a detailed and intricate plot. They create a complex narrative that is clear and intelligent but only reveals enough for the actors to perform a scene or an episode. The scripts are handed to the actors only after Nolan and Joy have finalized them, and sometimes this is just days before filming begins.
Jeffrey Wright also noted that he received the script just the night before and began shooting at 6 AM the next day. If a scene featured Anthony Hopkins, he would often take longer to prepare for his character.
The Answer is Here
Finally, Joy and Nolan addressed some fan questions. In the cinematic version of Westworld, there are various themed worlds like Roman World and Medieval World. When asked if these worlds would exist in the “universe” of the show and whether computer viruses could spread as per the original concept, Nolan stated, “I think it’s entirely speculative.” However, Joy remarked, “I don’t think this is the last time you’ll hear about those worlds.” This suggests that Roman World and Medieval World could make an appearance in future seasons.
Regardless, with three seasons now available, Westworld is firmly establishing itself as a significant contender in the realm of television, potentially taking over the mantle from Game of Thrones as it edges towards its conclusion. What else could possibly match the intrigue and excitement of Westworld on HBO every week?
