Did Westworld Kill its Own Hype, and Can it Recover?

What was once an exciting new project for HBO has faded into the background. Is there hope for it?

Westworld was always going to be an overly-ambitious project. It’s incredible that the original film from 1973 actually exists at all, so it wasn’t surprising when the new version was put on hold. Before that even happened, however, controversy was brewing that threatened to kill the party before it could really start.

Early in its production, before being put on hold, Westworld came under scrutiny for its use of nudity. Perhaps it was a tad too hasty to get upset before the finished series could air, but the issue was never truly handled. And once people make up their minds, it can be difficult to change them.

After that, Westworld was indefinitely delayed. It’s apparently full steam ahead now, though it doesn’t have a concrete premiere date. It does feel, however, that the initial excitement surrounding Westworld has gone out. With no real news and certainly no new trailer, Westworld feels vague and far off.

It’s possible that once production really kicks into high gear again, some of that old excitement might return. Still, it’s going to be an uphill battle to recapture that feeling. Westworld is going to need, at the very least, a killer trailer to help get the job. Hopefully J. J. Abrams and Christopher Nolan area aware of that fact.

Watch the original Westworld teaser: