Westworld has literally only aired one episode on HBO so far. Regardless, the show has already spent a considerable amount of time figuring out the direction of the series and where it would like to go for the next 5 or 6 seasons, depending on whether or not it gets renewed. If you are familiar with the concept of the original sci fi movie that Westworld is based on, you probably already know that other worlds, including Medieval World, were explored in the flick. However, production designer Zack Grobler recently explained the series isn't ready to delve into other worlds, yet. Here's what he had to say about when that might happen:
For the first season, we only explore the Westworld. There's talk about in the future seasons, if there's more, that there will be a different world. But we're not sure what it will be yet.
Part of the charm of Westworld so far is its setting, which pulls people back into the wild wild west. This isn't an 1800s drama; instead it is a futuristic one. In this world, rich individuals come to Westworld to indulge their greatest fantasies---whether looking for family fun or looking to murder, rape and pillage. All is available in the theme park, because the theme park is populated by androids, which live the same storylines over and over again.
Clearly this concept could work on a broader scale. In the movie the series is based on, we get to see other versions of these theme parks called Medieval World and Roman World, which feature the same concept as Westworld, but in a different setting. Currently, the HBO drama has only focused on Westworld. We've only seen robots with southern accents have problems and we've only seen a behind-the-scenes map of a large swath of desert leading into a cowboy town. That doesn't mean other worlds don't exist, of course, but Westworld certainly has no plans to show them during Season 1--but Per Inverse it seems like other parks could be on the table later.
Considering the fact that the creative team already sat down and reportedly mapped out the first 5-6 seasons of the new science fiction drama, one would think they would know exactly when and if other worlds would play a part in Westworld. Therefore, either they do know exactly when it is happening and are being intentionally vague about it, or there are no plans for other worlds to play a prominent part in the series. Still, in the latter case, the door may be open in the future to nod at other worlds that might be facing the sorts of problems that Westworld is having. With an over $100 million budget, it's probably best if HBO doesn't get too extravagant with the other worlds, anyway.
So far, we are just unraveling this science fiction premise and its rules. There are so many directions this show can go in that ask questions about intelligent life. The behind-the-scenes world as well as the western narrative are both compelling---especially when they clash. For now, we are along for the ride. New episodes of Westworld air on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET, only on HBO. To find out when the rest of the subscription cable network's fall lineup is premiering check out our fall TV premiere schedule.
