Filming on Westworld season 2 has ground to a halt – and not for the first time.
Five weeks ago, we brought you the news that HBO’s production was temporarily interrupted in the wake of a “medical emergency.” That on-set accident purportedly involved an actor in a recurring role, though no further details were ever released.
However, fast forward to now, and we have some troubling news from Variety: Westworld has postponed production on season 2 indefinitely in response to the wildfires currently ravaging parts of Southern California. CBS procedural S.W.A.T. has also been affected by the ongoing disaster.
Both series had been lensing in Santa Clarita, where the Rye Fire has devastated more than 500 acres of land. Thousands of residents have since been evacuated, though with two other wildfires – namely the Thomas Fire in Ventura County and the Creek Fire close to Sylmar – also blazing across parts of the state, it’s unlikely Westworld season 2 will resume production anytime soon.
Indeed, HBO’s official statement on the matter confirms that, “due to nearby wildfires, ‘Westworld’ stopped production earlier today and will resume filming as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
As things stand, Westworld season 2 has been slated for a spring 2018 premiere on HBO, though it’s possible that date will be pushed in order to accommodate these extenuating circumstances. We’ll let you know if and when that delay is imposed, along with the moment filming resumes.
Season 2 of Westworld is expected to boot online via HBO early next year, and if early reports hold true, it’ll herald a bloodbath of epic proportions, as the Hosts begin to seize control of the Wild West. And that’s before you even consider the other parks incubating within the bowels of Delos. A trip to the Samurai/Shogun world, perhaps? Or how about a Medieval realm? So many questions, so few answers.
