The iconic Fallout franchise, beloved for its darkly humorous exploration of a post-nuclear world, is finally receiving its long-awaited television adaptation this month. Set to release on April 11 on Amazon Prime, the series takes interesting creative choices.
The Ghoul’s Appearance Reflects The World Of Fallout
The Fallout show, much like the games, delves into a world forever altered by a devastating nuclear war. Those fortunate enough to secure a spot within specially designed Vaults weathered the initial turmoil, while others were forced to adapt and carve out an existence on the ravaged surface, now known as the wasteland.
The Ghoul is a mutated gunslinger who has walked the wasteland for centuries. Veteran actor Walton Goggins takes on the role of The Ghoul, whose macabre, noseless appearance serves as a stark reminder of the devastation that befell the world.
However, the creative team, working closely with Goggins, aimed to create a character that was more than just shock and awe. Their objective was to craft a design that toed the line between visually intriguing and humanizing, making viewers want to know The Ghoul’s story despite his hideous, mutated form.
Jonathan Nolan’s Idea For The Ghoul Scared Goggins
Goggins spent months working with the team, initiating discussions nearly a year before filming commenced, to finalize the design for The Ghoul. In an interview with Screen Rant, Goggins said:
One of the first takeaways was, “Okay, in crafting this person, we want to take this opportunity to create something that doesn’t repulse an audience, but makes them lean in to this experience and want to look at his face, and to study his face, because it is, in and of itself, a roadmap of his life for the last 219 years since the bombs dropped.”
Jonathan Nolan, the director of the show, also pitched an idea that would’ve made The Ghoul’s appearance a bit too eerie for the character’s own good:
At one point, Jonah wanted to try contact lenses for his eyes, and after we had crafted everything, and we had it on, we put them in and – aside from being an extremely claustrophobic person, and the idea of it scared me – it just wasn’t right. Because it took away his humanity, there was no way to connect with him. We both realized just how powerful the eyes are, when you take everything else away.
The makeup process itself was extensive and involved, requiring multiple tests to perfect The Ghoul’s design. Goggins spent time outside in full makeup, reflecting on the character and allowing himself to truly embody The Ghoul. This dedication paid off, resulting in a character that looks authentic and at-home in the wasteland.
Intriguingly, Goggins also portrays another character in the show: Cooper Howard. Exact details about Cooper are unknown right now, but it’s clear that he’s a polar opposite of The Ghoul. Goggins hints at a surprising connection between the two characters, but fans will have to tune in to the show to discover what it is.
