New Photos Released for Westworld Episode 5, “Akane No Mai”

While our minds are still reeling from “Riddle of the Sphinx,” we have another Westworld episode coming up, and HBO has released some new photos! Sunday’s episode is “Akane No Mai” – written by Dan Dietz and directed by Craig Zobel. The synopsis is “Welcome to Shogun World,” so it would seem the majority of the episode will focus on this new location. You can see newcomer Rinko Kikuchi in the photo above, who will be playing the titular character, Akane. Check out the remaining photos below the cut!

When last we saw Maeve and her band of not so merry misfits, they had wandered too close to Shogun World and were on the verge of being attacked by samurai. In the photo below, it looks like they have been taken captive. Armistice (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal) and the other hosts may be safe enough, but I’m concerned for the all too human Felix (Leonardo Nam)… and maybe slightly for Sylvester (Ptolemy Slocum) and Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) too.

It looks like Hector (Rodrigo Santoro) has assimilated well enough…

And Maeve (Thandie Newton) – in a gorgeous kimono – has as well.

I believe this is our first look at Musashi, played by Hiroyuki Sanada. We don’t have any detailed information about his character, but he is slated to appear in this episode as well as episode six. Perhaps he will help Maeve on her journey to find her daughter?

It looks like an army of warriors are assembling – is this part of their narrative, are they fighting guests, or will they be joining up with Maeve (or perhaps Dolores)?

Finally we have a shot of Teddy (James Marsden) and Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood), so it looks like we’ll see more than just Shogun World. Hopefully we’ll find out just what she is looking for in Sweetwater.

What are your predictions for “Akane No Mai?” Let us know in the comments!