Westworld: Where have we seen the cast before?

Westworld has some of the biggest cast and crew from the industry, but before they joined the hit HBO series, what did we see them in?

Westworld has powerhouses like Thandie Newton and Ed Harris in its cast, and this is just scratching the surface. Some of the biggest stars from Hollywood are a part of this mind-boggling series that makes it as intriguing and riveting as it is.

But before they ever wandered the roads of Sweetwater or ventured out onto the Valley Beyond, or had host malfunctions, they were a part of many hit movies, television shows, Broadway shows, and more. Case in point, Sir Anthony Hopkins’ career speaks for itself–who can ever forget Hannibal Lecter?

Each and every cast member has had a wonderful, notable career preceding the crazy drama of Westworld, and we are here to break down where we have seen them before they joined the series. Without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood’s Dolores is one of the most pivotal characters in Westworld, and without her, there would be no story to tell. But before she was gaining consciousness and leading the robot revolution, she got her start as a nine-year-old child actor in Digging to China. She also had a critically acclaimed role in 2003’s Thirteen starring alongside Nikki Reed.

In 2008, she played Mickey Rourke’s daughter in Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler and starred alongside Ryan Gosling in George Clooney’s Ides of March. Evan Rachel Wood is basically a badass through and through, and it’s no surprise that she has a cast a spell over fans by playing the role of Dolores effortlessly.

Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton is known for so many amazing roles–who else remembers Mission Impossible 2? Her career precedes her but in case you have forgotten, let us remind you. Most recently she was in Solo: A Star Wars Story and was also in the fourth season of BBC drama Line of Duty playing DCI Roz Huntley.

In 2004, she was nominated for a BAFTA for the role she played in Crash. Amongst a long list of numerous roles and appearances in movies and television shows, she was in E.R. from 2003-2009 playing the role of Makemba ‘Kem’ Likasu.

And of course, presently we have come to love her as the fierce Maeve who has spent her “woke” state searching for her daughter while obtaining powers, unlike anything the park of Westworld has seen.

Jeffrey Wright

Who can forget that before playing Bernard the host on Westworld, Jeffrey Wright was in the world of James Bond acting alongside Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace? Following the James Bond stint, Wright was also seen in The Hunger Games sequels.

In the pre-Westworld era, Wright was also in George Clooney’s Ides of March with Westworld co-star Evan Rachel Wood. Wright is no stronger to critically acclaimed HBO series’ as he was previously in Boardwalk Empire playing the role of Valentin Narcisse.

James Marsden

Marsden plays the love-struck Teddy on Westworld who has pretty much devoted his life to serving and loving Dolores–well, not anymore. His career has been extremely fruitful and continues to be, but before his personality was adjusted by Dolores, Marsden was playing a handful of notable characters in the world of movies.

One iconic role that Marsden has played is that of Cyclops in the original X-Men franchise and also made a cameo in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Let’s not forget his role as Prince Charming in Enchanted and his stint on Superman Returns.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson needs no introduction because she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her career. Along with Westworld, Thompson played the role of Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok in which she showed off just how badass she really is.

Most notably, Thompson played a role in Ava DuVernay’s Selma right before she landed her breakout role in Creed, the Rocky sequel. And if that isn’t enough to impress you, then we’re not really sure what else will, but she was recently seen in Netflix’s sci-fi thriller Annhiliation alongside Natalie Portman and Gina Rodriguez.

Jimmi Simpson

Best known for his recurring role as Liam McPoyle in comedy series, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Jimmi Simpson was also seen last year in the Black Mirror episode “U.S.S. McCallister” and even snagged a BAFTA nomination for his role. Bravo, Simpson!

Many of you will remember him as the hacker on House of Cards, as well. But his most recent role was on USA’s Unsolved as Detective Russell Poole. Since his days of playing young William have started, Simpson has made a name for himself in the world of television and movies–and it’s only getting better.

Ed Harris

If we started to dive into Ed Harris’ career, it would elicit a post all on its own. On Westworld, Harris plays the mysterious, relentless Man in Black. But before the role of MiB, you’ll remember Harris’ iconic roles in Apollo 13, The Truman Show, and The Hours.

The list goes on and on but we must name a few more including Snowpiercer, Mother!, and A Beautiful Mind. Harris has been nominated for an Oscar three times in the category of Best Supporting Actor–so suffice to say, he is a successful actor with a long list of accomplishments that precede his Westworld days.

Ben Barnes

Ben Barnes is the heartthrob of Westworld–seriously, have you noticed how handsome he is? But before Westworld, many of us knew him for his role as Prince Caspian in Chronicles of Narnia. He was also seen in 2009’s The Picture of Dorian Gray based on the Oscar Wilde classic.

His most recent role was in season 1 of Netflix’s The Punisher as Billy Russo.

The Westworld cast is so powerful and along with the above, so many others make up the story we all have fallen in love with. Kudos to the entire cast and crew that make this series possible, and a round of virtual applause for the creators who have gathered such a seasoned, talented cast from all walks of life to take on these roles.

Which of the cast members did we miss? Share them below with the movies and television shows we’ve seen them in before!