A little over 50 years ago, author Michael Crichton changed the world of pop culture with his film Westworld. Originating the concept of a computer virus, the writer/director delivered a sci-fi vision that still inspires to this very day. While HBO’s latest crack at this tale came to an abrupt end in 2022, Warner Bros. is about to restore all motor functions on this IP – thanks to a fresh reboot that may or may not mark another Crichton-fueled reunion.
Warner Bros. Is Rebooting Westworld, With A David Koepp Script
If there’s anyone that feels cut out to reshape the world of Delos’ killer theme park, it’s original Jurassic Park co-scribe David Koepp. A new scoop from Deadline reveals a new take on the tale of robotic attractions threatening a park full of guests is queuing up for an unspecified release date. What’s more, this tantalizing tease towards another huge piece of news that came with Mr. Koepp’s confirmation:
Koepp is writing the script and a major filmmaker is circling.
Now what I’m about to suggest is one of the wildest swings ever; especially considering Westworld’s pedigree. So allow me to share a crazy pitch on who the mysterious helmer “circling” this reimagination of The Man in Black, and everything that comes with his territory, just might be.
I Think Westworld Could Be Steven Spielberg’s Upcoming ‘Western’
Some might think that Mr. Spielberg jumping behind the camera for Westworld would be like making another Jurassic Park. Considering Michael Crichton’s original theme park of terror predates its dinosaur-themed cousin by close to two decades, that claim would be false.
But before we talk this up any further, you need to read the recent Steven Spielberg quote that has the wheels turning in my mind. Check out what the Disclosure Day director had to say about his next film, courtesy of The Big Picture podcast’s big SXSW episode:
Well, I’m developing a Western; and it’s gonna have horses, and there will be guns. But there’ll be no tropes, I can just tell you that. There are gonna be no stereotypes, no tropes.
If this new project was going to be a standard Western, I don’t think there’d be this much secrecy surrounding the proceedings. Not to mention, the promise of “no tropes” and “no stereotypes” suggests a modern, non-traditional angle on this storied genre. This is the same sort of thinking that sees Star Wars labeled as a Western from time to time. So since Westworld sends guests back to the “Old West” in a way that’s updated for more contemporary sensibilities, this theory still stands.
There’s A Chance Steven Spielberg May Only Be ‘Developing’ Westworld.
Given that David Koepp and Steven Spielberg collaborated so closely on Disclosure Day, “the lads just may have been “development” on Westworld could have been taking place for some time. That’s enough of a vague overlap to suggest that Spielberg is helping shape the project – while “circling” the project to scratch another genre itch of his.
Keep in mind, this is a combination of speculation and personal wishes. While I still very much want Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy to finish their take on Westworld; David Koepp’s involvement is quite exciting to ponder. Should it lead to a Steven Spielberg directed revamp on this dystopia-adjacent narrative, I’d be even more excited to take this trip of a lifetime.
Then again, we may have to wait and see how Disclosure Day does in theaters, before hearing any updates. Universal’s Spielberg picture, starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor, arrives in theaters on June 12th – all in the name of delivering the truth. While you wait, feel free to disclose all of the information you want from THS’ Movie News archives – as it contains the latest and greatest in pop culture!
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