Westworld secrecy is a tough nut to crack, but production on Season 2 will surely start soon, in order to make a 2018 return. Before that, the mystery drama’s cast and crew addressed certain mysteries from PaleyFest, including Season 2’s plan to avoid the same production pitfall as Season 1, and a major finale choice that hangs over one character.

You’re warned of light spoilers for Westworld Season 1 from here on out, but don’t fret about showrunners Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy needing to shut down Season 2 production to catch up on writing. The pair wouldn’t confirm precisely when Season 2 filming gets underway, though they did assure all ten scripts will be written ahead of production, so as to avoid some of the delays that plagued Season 1.

Details on Season 2 were scant (we’ll likely see more of “Samurai World” or “Shogun World,” and Ed Harris is not keen to armor up), though at least one lingering season finale question got an official answer. Maeve’s decision not to leave the park was indeed an instance of her free will, and not more complex programming from Ford (via IGN):

If you look at [Thandie Newton’s] performance in that moment, that is really the first decision she’s ever made. For me, it’s a very emotional moment in the episode because you see her free will.

Elsewhere of Westworld Season 2, producers have kept the lion’s share of details under wraps, though the 2018 return is expected to answer practical questions about the park, potentially even a date for the show’s setting. Ed Harris will be back to play Season 2 on extreme mode (no guarantee for William or some of our missing players), while Talulah Riley has been upped to series regular, and we’ll also get answers on the mysterious “SW” park.

In the meantime, stay tuned for further details on Westworld Season 2, arriving in 2018.

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