Fallout TV Show: The Biggest Burning Questions Answered (ft. Todd Howard & Jonathan Nolan)

Summary

The transcript is a detailed discussion with Todd Howard and Jonathan Nolan, key figures behind the 'Fallout' TV series now streaming on Prime Video. They delve into the show's creation, touching on the importance of staying true to the game's lore while introducing new elements. The conversation covers the show's reception, fan theories, and the creators' approach to the Fallout universe. They also discuss the main characters, the challenges of adapting such a vast game into a TV series, and the potential for future seasons. The interview is filled with insights into the creative process, the balance between respecting the source material and innovation, and the excitement of bringing the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout to life on screen.

Takeaways

• 📺 **Fallout Series on Prime Video**: The first season of the Fallout series is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
• 🤝 **Collaboration with Bethesda**: Todd Howard from Bethesda is an executive producer on the show, collaborating closely with the team to maintain the Fallout universe's integrity.
• 🎮 **Jonah's Gaming Experience**: Jonathan Nolan, a big Fallout 3 fan, started playing the game shortly after its release in 2008 and has spent countless hours on it.
• 🚫 **Avoiding Over-Engagement with Fan Theories**: The creators acknowledge the fan theories but are cautious not to let them influence the show's direction too much.
• 📽️ **Respect for the Source Material**: The show aims to be loyal to the Fallout games' lore and art design, with careful consideration given to the game's timeline and events.
• 💡 **Creative Pitch**: What convinced Todd Howard to move forward with the adaptation was Jonah Nolan's pitch that respected the game's world and proposed a new story that fit within the existing narrative.
• 🎭 **Character Development**: The main characters of Lucy, Maximus, and Cooper (Ghoul) embody different moral alignments, with Lucy as good, Maximus as neutral, and Ghoul as evil, adding depth to their interactions.
• ⏳ **Flashbacks and Time Span**: The show explores the time before the war and the impact of those events on the characters, with a focus on storytelling through these flashbacks.
• 🔍 **Lore and Satire**: The series continues the satirical elements from the games, particularly aiming it towards Vault-Tec and the corporate sponsorship aspect of the Fallout universe.
• 🎬 **Artistic License**: While respecting the lore, the show takes creative liberties where necessary to tell a compelling story, such as the destruction of Shady Sands.
• 📆 **Timeline and Future Events**: The show's creators are careful to align the series with the game's timeline, ensuring that it doesn't conflict with the events of Fallout: New Vegas and other games.

Q & A

What is the general reception of the Fallout series on Prime Video?

The show has been well-received, with fans enjoying it and discussing it earnestly. The creators have been following the reactions and fan theories, which has been gratifying for them.

How did Jonah Nolan become involved in the Fallout series adaptation?

Todd Howard, an executive producer from Bethesda, had been approached for years about a Fallout adaptation but said no until Jonah Nolan came along with a pitch that resonated with Howard's vision for a new story within the Fallout universe.

What was the initial focus during the development of the Fallout series?

The initial focus was on the tone of the show. The creators wanted to ensure that the show would stand up as another entry in the series, rather than retelling one of the games, and that it would be loyal to the world of the games.

How did Todd Howard contribute to the show's development?

Todd Howard was involved from the beginning to guide the show, ensuring that the tone and other aspects of the fiction were in line with the Fallout universe. He also helped to correct any inaccuracies and provided insights from his deep knowledge of the lore.

What was the approach to handling the lore and art design in the show?

The creators aimed to be extremely loyal to the lore and art design of the games. They wanted to respect the storytelling that had come before while also adding to it, ensuring that the show fit within the consistent universe established by the games.

How did the creators approach the character development in the show?

The creators focused on the characters' growth and change while maintaining essential aspects of their personalities. They aimed to explore how the characters would react to the challenges of the Wasteland and what parts of their character they would hold onto.

What was the significance of the line 'War. War never changes.' in the show?

The line is a well-known ethos from the Fallout games. Its inclusion in the show was carefully considered, and it was used to plant a flag indicating that the story has just begun, mirroring its use in the game series.

How did the creators decide on the portrayal of the Brotherhood of Steel through the character of Maximus?

Maximus represents a player's potential experience in the games, where moral compromises might be made for the sake of powerful gear and weapons. His portrayal was designed to reflect the ambiguity and neutrality that a player might feel when interacting with the Brotherhood of Steel.

What was the inspiration behind the character of Cooper, played by Walton Goggins?

Cooper was inspired by the idea of a figure involved in a Red Scare, McCarthy-like moment set in a Bizarro alternate future of Hollywood. The creators also liked the meta-satirical aspect of having a character that could comment on corporate sponsorship and the ethics of actors and writers.

How did the creators approach the intertwining of the show's timeline with the game's lore?

The creators were very careful about the timeline to ensure that the events of the show landed correctly within the established universe of the games. They made sure that the show's events moved the world of Fallout forward without contradicting the established lore.

What is the current plan for future Fallout games following the success of the TV show?

While the focus is currently on Elder Scrolls VI, plans for Fallout 5 are ongoing. The success of the show has not changed the development order, but it has likely influenced the enthusiasm and direction of future projects within the Fallout universe.