‘Westworld’ Adaptation In The Works At HBO
The folks at HBO are reportedly working on an adaptation of the classic 1973 sci-fi flick Westworld.
Written and directed by acclaimed author Michael Crichton, the film tells the story of a futuristic theme park populated by lifelike robots. However, things turn incredibly grim for a group of tourists when the cybernetic creations suddenly turn violent and extremely deadly.
Instead of plotting a remake or reboot for the big screen, HBO is looking to develop the story as a one-hour drama. In order to bring their project to life, the cable network brought in director J.J. Abrams, Jerry Weintraub and Bryan Burk as executive producers.
According to The Wrap, Person of Interest alum Jonathan Nolan will write and direct the adaptation of Westworld. Burn Notice co-producer Lisa Joy has been tapped to write and produce the project as well.
There are also a slew of companies attached to produce the project. Warner Bros., Bad Robot Productions, Jerry Weintraub Productions, and Kilter Films will all get credit for bringing the show to HBO. Its unclear when the project will arrive on the small screen.
Although the drama is inspired by the flick, it remains to be seen just how much of the theme park setting will be incorporated into the storyline. The series has been described as “a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the future of sin.” That’s a pretty vague logline.
The original Westworld starred Richard Benjamin, James Brolin, and Yul Brynner as a robot who seems more than a little determined to ruin the heroes’ vacation. Warner Bros. released a sequel in 1976 starring Brynne, Peter Fonda, and Blythe Danner.
The story would later inspire the short-lived television series Beyond Westworld. The drama ran for a total of one season back in 1980. The franchise has remained dormant for several decades.
Are you a fan of Westworld? What do you think about HBO and J.J. Abrams developing a one-hour drama based on the classic sci-fi flick?
[Image via Warner Bros. Pictures]
