'Westworld' season 2 news: Will Zahn McClarnon's accident affect show's release date?

A promotional image for "Westworld" season 2.Facebook/WestworldHBO

The production of the HBO science fiction series "Westworld" season 2 has been discontinued for a little while after a major off-set incident happened to one of its main characters. Zahn McClarnon, who recently joined the western thriller television show in an unknown recurring role, suffered a very serious head injury.

According to TMZ, the 51-year-old star fell somewhere at his home and quickly rushed to the hospital. The actor was said to be placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Fortunately, he is now recuperating but still in the hospital's care.

"Due to a medical emergency involving a performer in a recurring role on season 2 of 'Westworld,' filming on one of the two units has been temporarily suspended," HBO said in a statement revealed by Deadline. The network cleared that McClarno was not on the premises of the show's set when the incident happened.

The company did not give further details about his situation to respect his privacy, and just wished him a fast recovery. As McClarnon is now on the mend, HBO confirmed that "Westworld" season 2 will continue filming on both units next week.

Meanwhile, the role McClarnon is going to portray in the second installment of television series based on the 1973 science fiction western-thriller film with the same title has yet to be revealed. However, as its home network chose to suspend its filming because of his accident, he might be playing a very significant role.

Now, it is a big question if the "Fargo" star's accident will affect the release of the show's second season in 2018. The network promised that its production will resume in the coming week, so it might not be affected at all. 

HBO has yet to announce the series' official return to the small screen, but "Westworld" season 2 is expected to be released in 2018. As its first installment premiered in October 2016, fans are expecting to see it in the same month next year.