Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Westworld exclusive: Creator Jonathan Nolan names the classic film that inspired the HBO series

A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Emmy-nominated TV series' world

 

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 09 November 2017 13:22 EST
Comments
Exclusive: Behind the scenes of Westworld

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

HBO series Westworld has almost been off screens for a year, but fans can now relive the first season in preparation for what looks to be a terrifyingly intense follow-up that we now know will be released Spring 2018 thanks to Evan Rachel Wood.

We've been granted an exclusive look behind-the-scenes at how the amusement park - created by fictional corporation Delos in the series - was brought to life.

Showrunner Jonathan Nolan introduces Melody Ranch (also used for HBO series Deadwood and Quentin Tarantino film Django Unchained), the location where the world of the HBO series is brought to life alive, and the crew's efforts in "ripping the town apart" to place in the recognisable railway track frequently featured in the series.

Nolan describes the series as "a pastiche of different ideas" from across several decades and cites 1968 Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western Once Upon a Time in the West as a key inspiration.

Season 2 plot details are sparse but the release of a new website teased the destruction caused by the park's anarchic robots as witnessed in the climactic moments of the first season - something that seemed to be all part of Anthony Hopkins character Dr. Robert Ford's master plan.

Westworld season 1 is available to own on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD now - the second season will arrive on HBO, Sky Atlantic and NOWTV in 2018.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in