Walton Goggins has shared a behind-the-scenes selfie as he prepares to shoot Season 2 of the much-anticipated series, Fallout. In the image, Goggins is seen wearing a detailed latex mask to reprise his iconic role as the Ghoul. He expressed his excitement on Instagram with the caption, "Back in the saddle. Gatdamn it feels good to slip back into this skin. I do this s*** for the love of the game." Although he appears to be in character, some final touch-ups are still necessary, as his eyebrows and lower lip are still visible. The makeup team will enhance his appearance further during post-production, particularly with the addition of the gaping hole that will characterize his nose.
Fallout, which is set to premiere on April 10 on Prime Video, is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The series presents an original narrative taking place in the Fallout universe, specifically in the year 2296—an era that unfolds 219 years after the catastrophic nuclear war of 2077, which decimated most of humanity. The show delves into the complexities of life in a chaotic and unpredictable North American wasteland, offering viewers a fresh take on a world shaped by the consequences of nuclear devastation.
The character of the Ghoul stands as one of three central protagonists in the series, accompanied by Lucy, portrayed by Ella Purnell, and Maximus, played by Aaron Moten. Once a celebrated film actor before the Great War, the Ghoul’s transformation into a decayed being due to radiation exposure is an essential part of his backstory. In the Fallout series, ghouls are depicted as having an extended lifespan and immunity to certain fatal circumstances, such as severe injuries or consuming spoiled food. However, this comes at the cost of their physical appearance, as they resemble walking corpses, often prompting fear and aversion from those who encounter them.
In the narrative, the Ghoul is seen journeying toward Las Vegas, or its remains, indicating that Season 2 might connect with the events of the critically acclaimed 2010 video game, Fallout: New Vegas. This potential tie-in has piqued the interest of both fans of the series and gamers, creating anticipation for how the televised storyline might integrate elements from the gaming universe. The blend of the game’s lore with the show’s original narrative promises to deepen the storytelling and provide a richer context for viewers.
Ella Purnell’s commitment to the role is evident as she actively engages in research related to the franchise. She shared on BlueSky, mentioning, "I’ve been told to play Fallout: New Vegas. Since I do love some source materials and this may or may not be prep for a certain job I may or may not be on soon." This suggests that the cast is immersing themselves in the source material to better portray their characters, signaling that there is significant interest in honoring the legacy of the original games while crafting a new storyline.
Looking ahead, Fallout Season 2 is expected to debut on Prime Video in 2026, generating excitement among fans and newcomers alike. As the show continues to evolve, Goggins, Purnell, and Moten’s performances will significantly influence how the series is perceived, and the connection to the beloved video games will likely draw in a wider audience. With such a commitment from the cast and the promise of deeper narratives, the forthcoming season aims to elevate the franchise, inviting viewers back into a world of chaos, survival, and the enduring spirit of humanity amidst destruction.
