A teaser trailer for Amazon Prime’s upcoming Fallout series was unveiled at this year’s Gamescom. While an exact release date was not announced, Prime Video has announced that the show will premiere in 2024. During Bethesda’s presentation for the upcoming sci-fi game Starfield, Creative Director Todd Howard unveiled the teaser trailer.
The series won’t follow any of the game’s storylines, which is good. With the karma system and various endings of the Fallout games, it would be difficult to emulate the storylines on screen in a way that appeals to players.
“It’s not retelling a game’s story,” said Todd Howard, who is also an executive producer for the show, in an interview with the Lex Friedman podcast. “It’s an area of the map and like, Let’s tell a story here that fits in the world we built and doesn’t break any of the rules. It can reference things in the games but isn’t a retelling of the games.”
While the Fallout trailer was meant to be a Gamescom exclusive, it has been leaked online and Bethesda isn’t rushing to have it taken down. While the trailer gives little away in terms of plot, the sneak peeks of nuclear explosions, power armour and the wastelands make it clear the adaptation will stay true to the games in terms of aesthetics. And as the leaked photos of the Red Rocket gas station set have already proven, fans can expect the gritty, run-down atmosphere of the Fallout universe to really pop on screen.
Viewers will also get a glimpse of a ghoul and Vault 33. One thing that’s clear from the teaser is that the show is set in Los Angeles. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the creators of HBO’s Westworld, are writing and developing the series. Cast members include Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), Walton Goggins (The Righteous Gemstones), Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets) and Aixa Kendrick (Happy!).
“Fallout is one of the greatest game series of all time,” said Joy and Nolan. “Each chapter of this insanely imaginative story has cost us countless hours we could have spent with family and friends. So, we’re incredibly excited to partner with Todd Howard and the rest of the brilliant lunatics at Bethesda to bring this massive, subversive, and darkly funny universe to life with Amazon Studios.”
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.