Walton Goggins stars as The Ghoul in the highly anticipated adaptation of the popular video game series, 'Fallout,' directed by Jonathan Nolan. The character arc of The Ghoul is intricately connected to a memorable line from the 2008 superhero film, 'The Dark Knight,' written by Nolan's brother, Christopher Nolan.
In 'Fallout,' Goggins portrays Cooper Howard, a former Western movie actor who transforms into The Ghoul, a decaying gunslinger in a post-apocalyptic world. The audience is left to ponder whether The Ghoul is a hero, antihero, or villain as he navigates the desolate wasteland.
The character's evolution from a family man to a morally ambiguous figure is a central theme in the series. Goggins describes The Ghoul as transitioning between antagonist and protagonist, shaped by the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic environment.
The Ghoul's encounter with Lucy MacLean, a Vault-Tec vault dweller, sheds light on his complex nature. Despite initial mistreatment, The Ghoul's actions are driven by a lack of emotion and a survival instinct honed over centuries of hardship.
The creators of 'Fallout,' Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet, delve into the character's duality, portraying him as a blend of antihero and villain. The transformation of Cooper Howard into The Ghoul reflects a shift from Americana cowboy to a gritty, survival-driven persona reminiscent of classic Western archetypes.
The series weaves together themes of morality, survival, and transformation, culminating in a narrative that challenges traditional hero-villain dichotomies. 'Fallout' promises a compelling exploration of human nature in extreme circumstances, set to captivate audiences when it premieres on Prime Video on April 11.