'Westworld' release date: HBO series launches in October

HBO

As per a report from Collider, it has been confirmed that HBO's upcoming science-fiction/Western series "Westworld" is premiering this coming October. The show is based on the 1973 film of the same title, which was originally developed by famed author Michael Crichton. 

Speaking to Variety, "Westworld" co-creator and executive producer Lisa Joy explained that the show will retain the high level of violence, sexuality and sexual violence that many HBO shows such as "Game of Thrones" are known to include as the show is about showcasing the inner humanity of a person and the harsh realities of life.

"'Westworld' is a consideration of human nature. The best parts of human nature and the basest parts of human nature. That includes violence and sexual violence. It's something we all take seriously... We wanted it to not be about the fetishization of those acts," she explained.

Joy continued to explain that the show will move forward from what the 1973 film previously presented, particularly in the manner that Crichton initially presented a science fiction world but in 2016 this is now supported by science fact and the advancement of real world Artificial Intelligence.

According to Joy, the series will explore the development of AI, the birth of sin and the ramifications of basic human instinct and actions when one is allowed to do everything and anything he or she desired. 

"Westworld" takes place in a futuristic amusement park where adults can enter a virtual world that simulates the Wild West, called "Westworld." The park is inhabited by AI androids that look, speak and act almost exactly like humans. Complications then arise when the androids begin gaining self-awareness and one of them kills a human in the park.

The show will star Anthony Hopkins, James Marsden, Evan Rachel Wood, Ed Harris, Tessa Thompson, Thandie Newton and Jeffrey Wright. The show will officially premiere on HBO on Oct. 2.