Westworld Season 3 Warworld Scene Used Practical Effects In Unexpected Ways

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The VFX team behind Westworld used practical effects to create the Warworld scene from the latest episode of the HBO's mind-bending series. “The Winter Line” sees Maeve AKA Isabella wake up during the Second World War; as both Maeve and the viewer know, she hasn’t traveled back in time but is in Warworld. In typical Westworld fashion, the second episode of season 3 contained some surprises; in addition to a few Game of Thrones cameos, we were treated to a The Matrix-esque plot and a visually impressive sequence.

The episode's Warworld portion was filmed in Spain, a substitute for 1940s Italy. In an HBO behind the scenes featurette (posted to YouTube), Westworld creators, Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, along with the costume, production, and VFX departments discuss crafting a pivotal moment in “The Winter Line.” After realizing she’s in a simulation, Maeve overloads the system; bullets stop mid-flight, and soldiers freeze in precarious positions as our protagonist walks away. The video below explains how the creators were able to choreograph and sell the illusion using practical effects.

While Maeve may not have actually been in Warworld, it’s safe to assume it, and more Delos parks, exist. Westworld is the flagship park, but it isn’t the only one; season 2 introduced us to The Raj and Shogun World. This latest episode all but confirms the existence of Warworld and the medieval/fantasy-themed Park 4. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy have also confirmed the existence of a fifth park that we can expect to see by the end of season 3. If the first couple of episodes are any indication, season 3 of Westworld is set to feature a handful of impressive sequences, whether they be in a park or the 2058 outside world.

Westworld is about a futuristic adult amusement park -- which is looked after by robotic "hosts" -- that allows its visitors to live out their fantasies through artificial consciousness. Westworld is based on the 1973 Michael Crichton movie of the same name.