'Westworld' Season 2 Release Date, Plot Rumors: Show Returns in 2018; New Characters Expected

"Westworld," HBO's breakout hit of 2016, is not set to return until 2018, but the excitement is already at a high for the show's second season. The upcoming sophomore cycle is believed to introduce a new world into the mix, as well as a set of new characters.

The season 1 finale of "Westworld" teased the existence of other worlds apart from the titular park. The letters "SW" were seen, alluding to Samurai World as many samurai swords were shown. If more worlds are going to be introduced in future seasons then there is no doubt that fans will also get to meet the robotic characters that inhabit those worlds. Given that, it is likely that season 2 will see new cast members joining the mix.

The possibility of a Samurai World was teased by showrunners Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy in December while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter. "I think the fun and challenge of this show is that season upon season, we'll only get more ambitious," Joy revealed. "We will ultimately encounter other worlds. Just when and where remains to be seen."

As a result of the expansion, Joy continued to express her excitement to work with new actors, especially those of Asian descent since Samurai World would likely mean that a lot of Asian characters will be entering the picture. 

The showrunners also teased that death is never final for the hosts on "Westworld" as there is always a chance of returning. They are, after all, robots. "I would say assume nothing with this show," Nolan cautioned, according to THR.

As for season 2's release date, Nolan revealed that the show will come back no earlier than 2018, which is a rather long wait for fans. However, the huge gap in-between seasons is necessary in order to write and produce more episodes. "Westworld" does employ a huge production as well, which can be very taxing.

The full first season of "Westworld" is available to stream on HBO Now.