Well, if the big “SW” park full of Samurai weren’t a big honkin’ clue Westworld would visit another era in Season 2, we finally have confirmation. Reports of LOST and The Wolverine star Hiroyuki Sanada joining the cast are now confirmed, and we already have a first look at the armored character.

Initial reports of Sanada’s casting first emerged over IMDb, though TVGuide has since confirmed with the actor’s representation that he’ll appear in multiple Season 2 episodes as “Musashi.” Not enough to presume anything about the actual character, no, but then there’s the unmistakable coincidence of Funko POP! previously debuting a “Musashi” figure clad in samurai armor:

It’s worth noting that Musashi could just as easily be another guest caught up in the robot uprising, but – either way – there’s probably a reason for the armor beyond “eh, sometimes we throw samurai in the cowboy park.” Still unknown is the actual “SW” name, with choices split pretty evenly between “Samurai World” and “Shogun World.”

Elsewhere of Westworld Season 2, the spring 2018 “Journey Into Night” is expected to answer practical questions about the park, potentially even a date for the show’s setting. Ed Harris will be back to play Season 2 on extreme mode (no guarantee for William), while Talulah Riley and Louis Herthum have also been upped to series regular. We’ll also finally get answers on the mysterious “SW” park, and hopefully learn what became of poor Elsie and Stubbs (the latter of whom might be visible in the first trailer).

New additions include Leftovers alum Katja Herbers and Fargo big bad Zahn McClarnon, along with Neil Jackson and American Gods star Jonathan Tucker, Vikings favorite Gustaf Skarsgard, Tyrant alum Fares Fares and actress Betty Gabriel.

We’ll see what other Westworld Season 2 details or footage emerge soon, so stay tuned.

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