×
Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Westworld Resumes Production Following California Wildfire Delay

HBO's sci-fi western series Westworld shut down production earlier this week due to wildfire activity ravaging southern California. CNN has now confirmed that filming has resumed. 

"Westworld is currently scheduled to resume shooting today," HBO revealed in a statement issued to the outlet on Wednesday afternoon. "The production will have a Fire Safety Officer on set to monitor conditions throughout the day." 

The network first announced the production halt on Monday out of concern for the dangerous situation, stating, "Due to nearby wildfires, Westworld stopped production earlier today and will resume filming as soon as it's safe to do so."

The wildfire, named the Rye Fire, that affected the Westworld shoot began around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, flaring up just north of the San Fernando Valley. High winds encouraged the fire's growth and increased its power, causing it to spread across more than 7,000 acres as of Wednesday, December 6. California's 5 Freeway is currently closed as a result of the wildfire.

Fellow television series S.W.A.T stopped production on Monday as well. Like Westworld, S.W.A.T. films in the nearby Santa Clarita region. A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television, which produces the CBS show, relayed to CNN that filming "continues to be halted." It's unclear when S.W.A.T. production will resume. 

Westworld has become a critically lauded series, due in large part to the stellar performances from its series massive cast, which includes Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Thandie Newton, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Ben Barnes, Luke Hemsworth, Betty Gabriel, Jonathan Tucker, Neil Jackson, Katja Herbers, Simon Quarterman, Angela Sarafyan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Gustaf Skarsgård, Fares Fares, Clifton Collins, Jr., and many more.

No official release date for Westworld season two has been given just yet, but fans should expect it to return to HBO in the spring of 2018.