When Westworld viewers watch Season 2, they can expect to get used to seeing a lot less of a lot more. After a screening of the Season 2 premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the cast and creators of the series took to the stage to discuss the upcoming installment of the HBO smash hit. One topic that came to the surface was the amount, or rather, the lack thereof, of nudity in Season 2. Westworld co-creator Lisa Joy explained the change, saying:
What is essential to the story is that feeling of both perfection and tragedy. They're sitting there, literally being objectified, treated as objects to be operated on and talked about while they're right there in the room. So you always know what you're asking, and the great trust it takes for actors to go there with you. It's an essential part of the story, and it's guided by what the characters are doing. So yeah, when the hosts get power, they're not gonna spend a lot of time naked on a stool.
EW shared Westworld showrunner Lisa Bloom's comments from the film festival. Westworld Season 2 is not the first HBO series to reduce the presence of nudity, as it progresses. Game of Thrones fans have noticed a similar change as it has continued. What was once one of the series' most infamous characteristics has been reduced every season. Unlike Westworld, no storyline has been used to explain its dwindling presence. Could the additional clothes have something to do with "winter coming?" Anything is possible.
While Game of Thrones' reasons for covering up its cast remains harder to decipher, Westworld's decision is much clearer. The choice to include less nudity in its follow-up season is more character-driven than anything else. With Westworld's hosts regaining their power, the decision to be nude is in their hands. And they are, apparently, over it. Actress Thandie Newton praised the series' handling of nudity behind-the-scenes. She also shared her pleasure at her character, Maeve, not only being able to wear clothes more often but getting a new costume in Season 2.
Westworld's return is one of the most anticipated of the 2018 TV season. The first season concluded in December 2016, which means fans have had to wait over a year for the second season to begin. With that much time to wait, expectations have only built. Will the second season live up to them?
Like its first season, Season 2 will consist of ten episodes. New to the series this season are The Leftovers' Katja Herbers, Vikings' Gustaf Skarsgard, and Rogue One's Fares Fares. Westworld fans will not have to wait much longer to see how their characters come into play.
Find out what a more clothed Westworld looks like when it finally debuts. Westworld Season 2 premieres on HBO, this Sunday, April 22 at 9 p.m. ET. Wondering what else is coming up on HBO? Check out our guides to TV's midseason and summer premieres to find out.
