Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout is just right around the corner and the showrunners and filmmakers are rolling out in full swing for interviews and sharing details of how it relates to the games.
Bethesda CEO and game director Todd Howard teamed up with Westworld director Jonah Nolan to create a live-action show that takes place within the same timeline but promises a different experience.
Director Jonah Nolan Describes The Show As A Non-Interactive Version Of Fallout
The idea for a live-action show was conceived during a lunch meeting between Nolan and Todd Howard, the CEO of Bethesda and director of the video games. As a fan of the franchise, Nolan proposed a creative project, to which Howard agreed on the condition that it would not be a direct adaptation, but rather an original story. Nolan was determined to stay true to this idea, as he revealed in interviews.
“Our series sits in relation to the games as the games sit in relation to each other. It’s almost like we’re Fallout 5,”
Nolan continued by clarifying where the series stands within the game’s timeline:
“I don’t want to sound presumptuous, but it’s just a non-interactive version of it, right?”
Todd Howard’s contributions to the franchise have been significant and does not want to see his work be remade for a new format and audience, instead, he saw Prime Video as an opportunity to tell more stories about Fallout.
Adaptations of video games to either TV shows or live-action movies have been somewhat of a hit-or-miss situation. However, the recent success of HBO’s The Last of Us gave Nolan the confidence to work on this project from a different angle.
Jonah Nolan’s Show May Not Be In The Same Caliber As Todd Howard’s Fallout
Nolan made a joke that worried fans about the possibility of Bethesda fully committing to the idea of shifting gears from video games to a live-action show but that was never the case and the company is already working on the next major installment.
Nolan has the creative freedom to take the franchise in a unique direction. Amazon Prime’s show is like Fallout 5 but in another format. The show is tied to the same continuity, giving Nolan more flexibility and a fresh approach.
“I think it would be very presumptuous for someone to assume that we’d reach the caliber of the games,”
The video games were a source of inspiration but Nolan wanted to bring something new to the table and to expand the lore that could not have been achieved in previous games.
“It means you have all of the benefit of beautiful storytelling that Todd and [Bethesda Game Studio] has contributed to, but we also get to tell an original story within that world. As writers and filmmakers, it’s just a dream come true.”
Fans will have nothing to worry about given the involvement of Todd Howard and Jonathan Nolan’s love for the franchise. Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout will be a treat for both new and old fans alike.
Are you excited about the show? Let us know in the comments section!
