"Westworld" Season 1 set up the nature of the park right from its premiere episode, wherein the android hosts were not capable of harming the human guests. That all changes in the finale when Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) gained true consciousness and this will play a large part in the shift in theme and tone for Season 2.
In a new feature video from HBO, series co-creator Jonathan Nolan explained that one of their primary goals was to develop Dolores from a meek and innocent character into a violent liberator. In his words, he compared her from being a Disney princess into a French revolutionist and liberator.
"The first season was about a theme park. Now it's about a very, very dangerous environment. The fantasy has become reality," Nolan stated. "The gloves have come off. The guests can be hurt, killed; they're locked in with the hosts. The stakes have risen dramatically. It should be a lot of fun."
Nolan also explained before the first season ended that the entire Season 1 was more akin to a prologue of the real meat of the story. The original 1973 film, directed by author Michael Crichton, focused on the hosts murdering the guests inside the park and Season 2 is expected to take this concept into full swing.
He also explained that audiences should not assume which characters may be returning for Season 2, Gamespot reported. As it stands, only Ed Harris has yet been confirmed to reprise his role as the Man in Black. It is also unlikely that Anthony Hopkins will be returning due to how events played out in the finale.
According to a report from Cinema Blend, the younger William (Jimmi Simpson) and his story may no longer be revisited in Season 2 but Maeve (Thandie Newton) and Man in Black's battle against the hosts has just begun. Elsie (Shannon Woodward) and Stubbs' (Luke Hemsworth) fate have yet to be revealed.
"Westworld" Season 2 is scheduled to release in 2018.