[Warning: This interview discusses a major spoiler from the seventh episode ofWestworld].
Below, we spoke to Wright about his role in Trompe LOeil.
Entertainment Weekly: So when did you find out you were a robot?
Credit: HBO
Jeffrey Wright: I didnt know when we shot the pilot.
Its been something that fans have been speculating about along the way.
I like that it felt like a fair twist.
Its woven into the logic behind the relationship of the characters and its not done for any shock value.
There are very specific reasons why he is synthetic.
But I will think they will be surprised and pleased by how its revealed.
Yes, I want to get into that in a moment.
But what was your reaction as an actor learning this about Bernard?
I glitched for a few moments, then I said to Lisa, Cool.
It just provided meaty additional layers onto Bernard.
She also described Bernard very early on as understated.
Hes very quiet, hes earnest, hes flying under the radar, hes an everyman.
The foil of him being a host is starker because we initially perceive him to be unvarnished and straightforward.
One thing against the Bernard-as-host theory has been that scene where he talks with his wife.
Lets get into that amazing reveal scene then with Bernard, Ford and Theresa.
Hes not only a host but also has to kill his lover.
That was a heavy read when we got that script.
There were a lot of text messages flying around between a lot of cast members.
I did not know Theresa was going to be meet her end.
I wanted Bernard to really seem impacted by what was going on but Ford shuts him down pretty quick.
My hope is that perhaps thats still to come.
Lets see where we go.
What clearly is also revealed is the extent of Fords power his creativity and his malevolence.
What well further explore is his intent.
Although hes emotionally detached, we wanted to express a calculous in the way he operates.
Lisa and [showrunner Jonathan Nolan] are light years ahead of all of us.
Interesting, so youve been keeping half an eye on the fan theories?
Yeah, sure, its great storytelling.
There are a lot of smart ideas out there.
Theyre obviously ingenious, but also considerate and responsible.
Their storytelling is loaded with intent.
I think fans will be gratified.
Episode 7 is all you get for now.
This is enough to chew on for at least a week!
