After decades of disdain, it feels unusual to acknowledge that Hollywood has finally learned how to adapt our video games. It took time, even spanning several decades, but producers, screenwriters, and directors have ultimately realized that treating gamers poorly is not profitable beyond the 2020s. Indeed, not only did we love the Fallout series, but objectively speaking, it is the best adaptation of a video game in TV series format, surpassing even The Last of Us. Why this is true will be explored further in the following paragraphs, as I spent my entire Monday binge-watching all 8 episodes of this show by Jonathan Nolan, who happens to be Christopher Nolan’s brother. Moreover, if Amazon Prime Video’s series has been so successful, it is largely due to Jonathan Nolan being a video game enthusiast and someone with a deep love for the Fallout series.
VIDEO GAME FINALLY TAKEN SERIOUSLY?
For decades, Hollywood viewed video games as a minor art form or subculture, while filmmakers like him held it in high regard. In 2008, Jonathan Nolan discovered the Fallout game with its third episode and spent nearly 40 hours playing it. This experience inspired him to delve deeper into the license and propose a collaboration with Todd Howard, the producer of both, involving the original content creator—similar to how Craig Mazin approached Neil Druckmann for The Last of Us series, hiring him for writing, production, and even directing Episode 2. This approach is key to truly understanding the source material without belittling it and going beyond its original boundaries. Because before making money off it, these new creators prioritize artistry above all, showing the respect this incredible industry—video games—deserves.
In an interview with Première, Jonathan Nolan stated that video game creators have succeeded where cinema has fallen short, as they are willing to write bold and unconventional stories, taking a punk-rock approach that cinema has not yet embraced. It is accurate that Fallout’s story draws inspiration from various sources while maintaining a highly cinematic artistic quality reminiscent of BioShock. The atomicpunk atmosphere in Fallout and the steampunk setting in Ken Levine’s game perfectly complement narratives that stand out. Notably, BioShock is also scheduled to be adapted into a film by Netflix. Am I reassured? I am not certain. Netflix has a track record of producing both high-quality and subpar content, rarely excelling consistently, particularly when it comes to adapting the intricate universe of BioShock into a two-hour or two-and-a-half-hour film, which is a challenging endeavor. A TV series format might have been a more suitable choice. However, we will have to wait and see how this adaptation unfolds.
In essence, this brings us back to our original topic: to assert that Fallout is currently the best video game adaptation without any dispute. Some may mention The Last of Us, but what works better with Fallout than anything else? Simply because, with Fallout, Jonathan Nolan used the foundation of video games to create a distinct work, whereas The Last of Us is almost a frame-by-frame adaptation of the video game. There are several reasons for this, and it’s not intended to discredit one more than the other. Let’s say that The Last of Us is so cinematic in its staging, narration, and writing that it was enough to simply transpose the game into a television series almost simplistically for it to work, thus reaching a new audience. And it did work, especially since some episodes dare to expand the lore.
For Fallout, it is somewhat more complex due to the extensive history within the series and the lack of a standout hero. The protagonist in Fallout games is a creation of the player, an avatar designed in detail according to personal preferences. Choices related to gender, facial features, hairstyle, and abilities all contribute to forming a unique character that reflects the identity of its creator. This approach does not suit films or series where audiences typically relate to a specific protagonist with a predetermined background and personality. Here is where Jonathan Nolan’s creative talent shines: by introducing three major characters who are entirely new but rooted in the game’s lore, he addresses this challenge effectively.
In Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout series, created by Jonathan Nolan and adapted from the popular video game universe by Bethesda, Aaron Moten plays Maximus, a member of the Iron Brotherhood who transitions from being a squire to a knight skilled in operating advanced armors. This transformation enables him to navigate Westland confidently and establishes him as a valuable ally to Lucy. His initially cold yet resolute demeanor adds depth to his character development. Personally, I was unfamiliar with this 35-year-old actor but found myself pleasantly surprised by his performances. There were moments when his physical appearance and acting style reminded me of a younger Denzel Washington.
In the Fallout TV series adaptation, there is the Ghoul, a well-known creature from the games that physically resembles a zombie but is actually a human exposed excessively to radiation, resulting in a decomposed appearance with missing body parts and superhuman strength. Jonathan Nolan’s genius lies in transforming this creature into one of the most intriguing characters in the series by giving it a detailed backstory, present narrative, and future implications. Furthermore, the role was given to Walton Goggins, who portrays Cooper Howard/The Ghoul with exceptional talent. Goggins has often taken on secondary roles or played madmen in Hollywood, so it is gratifying that Nolan recognized his suitability for this character.
These three opposing characters will intersect multiple times during the 8/9 PM program of Season 1 of Fallout, set against a fragmented and alternating narrative viewed through three different perspectives. We will switch between these viewpoints with a perfectly controlled rhythm while continuing to develop the central and shared storyline, involving other significant characters such as Norman McLean, Lucy’s younger brother, whose revelations are likely to be one of the most crucial elements of the series. In addition to this engaging narrative spanning 8 one-hour episodes, there is also an intention to shift settings and eras. The setting transitions from the atompunk ambiance of atomic shelters to the desolate wastelands, occasionally hinting at the Western genre—a style well-studied by Jonathan Nolan, who co-created the series Westworld alongside his brother Christopher Nolan. Despite HBO canceling the last season, there is hope that the production will be completed.
OKI DOKI
You have likely noticed that Fallout’s high quality stems from its story, narration, and atmosphere, as well as the excellence of its staging and settings, which are frequently filmed outdoors in natural landscapes. The series incorporates a substantial amount of special effects and digital effects, but Jonathan Nolan aimed for a grounded, realistic feel. Filming took place between the Namib Desert and the mountains of Utah, showcasing striking landscapes with wide shots that highlight this post-apocalyptic world. The budget is significant at $153 million for the entire series, which is evident on screen. The aesthetic is grandiose, often surrealistic and absurd, to match the atom-punk atmosphere that can even be burlesque. All of these elements are intentional, complemented by a completely retro-inspired soundtrack featuring 1960s America influences. The main theme from the video game series is also present, integrated into the sound design alongside sounds from games themselves. This creates an auditory experience that is truly delightful.
Fallout serves as a prime example of what can be achieved when the right individuals adapt video games to transcend their original medium. Hollywood has now understood how to select which moments from a game are suitable for adaptation and how much deviation is acceptable, resulting in successful adaptations that pique interest in gaming. Since the release of the Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime Video, there has been a noticeable increase in sales of Fallout video games. If video games continue to generate significant interest and box office success similar to what superhero movies once did for Hollywood, I am convinced they will remain a key source of new creative content.
If you’re a fan of Bethesda’s expansive universe and the anticipation that comes with their latest releases, be sure to check out our recent review roundup for Starfield (published on August 31st by Marcus Thompson). This insightful piece dives into the mixed reactions from critics around the world. While some reviewers are underwhelmed by what they see as a rehash of Bethesda’s past successes like Fallout and Skyrim with a space twist, others celebrate its ambitious scope and potential for future growth. Whether you’re ready to dive into the cosmos or just curious about how it measures up against the hype, head over to [Read the article] to get the full scoop.
