Westworld (Evan Rachel Wood)
Cast member Evan Rachel Wood attends the premiere of the HBO series "Westworld" in Hollywood, California, US. September 28, 2016. Reuters/Phil McCarten

The sophomore season of HBO's “Westworld” is confirmed to air in 2018. Show creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy have explained the reason why the show is not returning this year, saying it is due to the complexity of trying to write and produce the show at the same time.

Nolan has revealed that they have started the conversation about the second season of “Westworld” with HBO when they were shooting for the second episode. He pointed that writing and producing the series are intricate.

“We both work in the movie business as well, and in the movie business the best that you can possibly hope for with a film franchise is to turn around another installment in two or three years. So really on that schedule, we’re doing great,” Nolan told Variety.

Joy has also shared that they have already started working on the script and outlines for “Westworld” season 2. The show creator said it is looking good.

“It’s looking very ambitious. There are some surprises and bits of it that you won’t see coming. I’m having fun,” she said.

During HBO's annual bash on Jan. 8, HBO president of programming Casey Bloys confirmed that “Westworld” season 2 is happening in 2018. He said the production for the second instalment of the series is a big endeavour.

Even Luke Hemsworth (Stubbs) has commented about “Westworld” season 2’s 2018 release. He told the Independent that the reason for season 2's delay is to ensure that things are done right. “They want to go in with a clear plan -- A to Z and everything in between. At least have drafts in place,” he said.

The first season of “Westworld” started airing in Australia on Oct. 3 through Foxtel. The series aired in the US and the UK through HBO. The official release date for “Westworld” season 2 is yet to be confirmed.