‘Westworld’: ‘Man In Black’ Theory In Jimmi Simpson’s Point Of View
Westworld actor Jimmi Simpson weighs in on a popular fan theory about his character’s connection to Ed Harris’ infamous “Man in Black.”
HBO’s Westworld is gradually becoming the subject of many social media posts as the fans’ minds are boggled by mysteries surrounding the high-tech world of the hosts, leaving them in a corner concocting theories about the show.
Among the most popular fan theories is about the “Man In Black” and Simpson’s character, William, who appears to be attracted to Dolores’ (Evan Rachel Wood) innocence the first time they met in Westworld.
Clues That Confirm The “Man In Black” Theory
According to the Man In Black theory, Harris’ mysterious Man in Black is actually William before he switched from being a “white hat” tourist to donning the enigmatic all black ensemble.
Apparently, theorists believe that the Westworld is showcasing a backstory about the Man in Black who mentioned that he had been returning to the theme park for over 30 years.
The scenes showcased where the Man in Black is involved are believed to be ones from present day, while those that show William are supposedly flashbacks from the era when the Man in Black was still a first-timer in Westworld.
One point that proves this case is the limited interaction between William and his future brother-in-law, Logan (Ben Barnes), with the other main characters in Westworld.
As far as Episode 1 through 4 is concerned, William had only interacted with Dolores and Clementine who are both still hosting Westworld in “present day” while he hadn’t been seen anywhere near Teddy, Maeve, the bandits, the sheriff, and his deputies.
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As the first four episodes of the show explained, Dolores is the oldest host in the park which means she may have already been working at the time the Man in Black first visited Westworld which could also explain his fondness for her.
Second, there are several minute details on the town itself that differ from the period where the Man in Black is already roaming in his dark get up compared to when William first entered Westworld like the “introductory quest.”
Prior to William’s introduction to the show, the quest Teddy was offered was to help capture Hector the bandit. But when William walks by the group, they offered him to join them in fighting the Civil War.
There is also the matter of logos differing during William’s arrival compared to other scenes.
Aside from that, the lady host who offered to help William get dressed was also spotted in one of Arnold’s flashbacks where she appears as an in-park host.
Jimmi Simpson Weighs In On The Theory
While the theory we explained might be quite convincing considering the clues we pointed out that might confirm it, Jimmi Simpson still refuses to spoil the significance of his character in the story and ruin the excitement of it all.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Simpson said that we should wait for more details to determine who his character really is in the show.
“I wish I could say how wrong or right you are, but you guys have to wait just like we did.”
But while he cannot reveal if William was indeed the younger version of the Man in Black, he was open to answering queries about the character’s general background both in his real world and the park.
“William comes from very little means. He’s worked very hard to get this budding position at a company. He’s uncomfortable with complete exercise of his id, or the feeling that he’s entitled to anything.”
“A situation like [Westworld] is something he would never choose. He’s brought in there by his fiancee’s brother and boss’ son — both of those people are Logan,” he adds.
Apparently, William’s visit to the Westworld was Logan’s way of seeing if he will fit into their family, but it also showcases an unwilling guest’s reaction to the park contrary to those who go there to have sex or kill people.
“His journey is about having those expectations removed, and therefore, anything can happen.”
Westworld airs at 9 p.m. EST every Sunday on HBO.
[Featured Image by HBO]
