Walton Goggins Reveals Why He Won’t Play Fallout Games While Portraying The Ghoul

As anticipation builds for Fallout Season 2, set to transport viewers to the iconic New Vegas starting December 17 on Prime Video, the cast has been busy offering insights into their roles. Among them, Walton Goggins, the compelling actor behind the pre-war star Cooper Howard and his post-apocalyptic counterpart, The Ghoul, has revealed a strikingly unique approach to his character that sets him apart from many adaptations: he refuses to play the Fallout games.

Walton Goggins’ Deep Dive into The Ghoul’s Reality

In a recent interview, Goggins, whose portrayal of The Ghoul has captivated audiences, articulated a profound reason for his deliberate distance from the game world. He believes his characters, Cooper Howard and The Ghoul, exist within their own tangible reality, not as mere digital constructs.

“I don’t believe that I’m an avatar. I believe The Ghoul exists in the world. I believe that Cooper Howard exists in the world.”

For Goggins, immersing himself in the game would fundamentally alter his perspective, potentially viewing the rich, dangerous world of Fallout as something to be controlled on a screen, rather than a visceral environment his character inhabits. His commitment is to the raw authenticity of his performance.

“The best way that I can serve this world and serve the fans of this game, I think, is to go to work every single day and believe the circumstances that I’m presented with,” he explained. This method allows him to fully embody the gritty reality and complex psyche of The Ghoul, offering a portrayal that resonates deeply with both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.

Co-Stars’ Contrasting Views on Gaming the Wasteland

While Goggins maintains his distinct boundary, his co-stars offer varied perspectives on engaging with the source material.

Aaron Moten: The Patient Explorer

Aaron Moten, who brilliantly plays the Brotherhood of Steel member Maximus, also holds off on playing the games—but with a different rationale. Moten plans to dive into the Wasteland of the games eventually, but not until his work on the series is completely finished.

“I haven’t played them before, and I can’t play them now,” Moten stated. “I feel like I need to be done with the work that we’re doing before I can jump in.” He likened his experience to being in a “Disney World version” of the game, a living, breathing set. “I’m gonna wait till I’m done,” he reiterated, even speculating that new Fallout titles might be released by the time the series concludes.

Ella Purnell: The Informed Enthusiast

In contrast, Ella Purnell, who portrays the resilient Vault-dweller Lucy MacLean, embraced the games early on. She played Fallout 4 during her preparation for Season 1, finding it a “fun and exciting experience.”

“I’m really glad I did, and not because it necessarily informed my performance. Obviously, it’s not a one-to-one adaptation. My character’s not really in the games, but just because it heightened the enjoyment and the experience,” Purnell shared. Seeing the iconic Power Armor built in real life or walking into the Vault set after experiencing it virtually deepened her appreciation for the show’s world-building.

For Season 2, Purnell is changing her strategy, waiting for the show to air before playing Fallout: New Vegas. This reverse approach, she hopes, will offer a fresh perspective on the game after having lived the on-screen experience.

The Art of Immersion: A Diverse Cast’s Commitment to Fallout

The varied approaches of Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, and Ella Purnell highlight the diverse ways actors commit to their craft. Whether through deliberate avoidance, patient anticipation, or enthusiastic exploration of the source material, the collective dedication of the Fallout TV show cast ensures that the complex, captivating universe of Fallout is brought to life with authenticity and passion. Their performances promise to make Fallout Season 2 an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Wasteland.

Don’t miss the premiere of Fallout Season 2, beginning December 17 on Prime Video, and prepare for a journey to New Vegas!