Walton Goggins is no stranger to playing colourful and complex characters, whether in luxurious settings or post-apocalyptic wastelands. Ahead of the second season of Fallout on Amazon Prime Video, Goggins reflected on how his characters would fare in the universe of Fallout, specifically comparing his The White Lotus character, Rick Hatchett, to his role in the Fallout franchise. While Rick met a grim fate during a lavish vacation at The White Lotus, Goggins imagines that his ill-fated character wouldn’t stand a chance in the radioactive chaos of the Fallout universe. But what about his other characters? Let’s dive into Goggins’ thoughts on survival in the post-apocalyptic world and his experience with voice acting.
Overview of Walton Goggins’ Role in Fallout and The White Lotus
Goggins’ versatility as an actor shines through in his wide array of roles. Below, we’ll take a quick look at his most notable characters and their survival prospects in the Fallout world:
| Character | Show | Survival in Fallout |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Hatchett | The White Lotus | Wouldn’t survive long |
| Baby Billy Freeman | The Righteous Gemstones | Would last longer in Fallout |
| Cooper Howard | Fallout (Season 2) | Ready for the post-apocalypse |
Goggins imagines his White Lotus character would not make it far in a nuclear wasteland, due to Rick’s impulsive nature and inability to adapt to high-stress environments.
Why Rick Hatchett Wouldn’t Survive in Fallout’s Apocalyptic World?
In a recent interview, Walton Goggins shared his thoughts on how Rick Hatchett would fare in Fallout’s post-apocalyptic setting. Goggins admitted that Rick, with his immature and combative personality, wouldn’t have the necessary survival instincts for a world dominated by nuclear fallout.
“I don’t think that guy would survive,” Goggins said, referring to his White Lotus character. “Rick, you know, and his arrested state of development would try to pick a fight with everyone, right?” Goggins explained that Rick’s inclination to argue and provoke others in tense situations would quickly get him into trouble in the Fallout universe, where survival often depends on quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Unlike Rick, Goggins believes his Righteous Gemstones character, Baby Billy Freeman, would have a better shot at surviving in the wasteland. Goggins noted that Baby Billy, while equally flawed, possesses more resilience and adaptability than Rick, making him more suited for the challenges of a post-apocalyptic world.
“Rick’s lack of self-awareness and his tendency to engage in unnecessary conflicts would be a recipe for disaster in the harsh environment of Fallout,” says film critic Emma Davis. “In contrast, Baby Billy’s cunning and survival instincts would make him a more viable character in the radioactive wasteland.”
Goggins’ Long-Term Role in the Fallout Franchise
While Rick Hatchett wouldn’t last long in Fallout, Walton Goggins is here to stay in the franchise. In addition to his live-action role in the second season of Fallout, Goggins also lends his voice to Cooper Howard in Fallout 76. His involvement in the series highlights the depth of his commitment to the project and his versatility as an actor.
Goggins shared his excitement about returning to the Fallout universe, noting how he approached the role of Cooper Howard. “I don’t know how to emulate an emotion without feeling it,” Goggins said, explaining how he adapts to voice acting roles. He emphasized the importance of physicality in his performance, even when recording in a booth. For Goggins, voice acting isn’t just about speaking it’s about fully embodying the character.
“Walton Goggins’ ability to channel his characters, even without the visual cues of prosthetics or physical appearances, showcases his immense talent as a voice actor,” says animation director Mark Griffin. “His approach to voice acting is rooted in his commitment to making each role authentic, regardless of whether he’s on camera or behind a microphone.”
Goggins’ Approach to Voice Acting: From Invincible to Fallout 76
Goggins’ journey into voice acting began with his role as Cecil Stedman in Invincible, where he had to adjust his performance to meet the demands of animation. “I don’t know how to emulate an emotion without feeling it,” Goggins explained, reflecting on his early experiences with voice work. He credited the Invincible team with being patient as he navigated this new medium, allowing him to walk around the recording booth to find the emotional depth needed for his character.
This process was no different when recording for Fallout 76. “In some ways, I don’t know how to be the Ghoul without the prosthetics,” Goggins said, emphasizing the challenge of bringing a character to life through voice alone. But despite these challenges, Goggins’ dedication to fully inhabiting his roles shines through in every performance.
“Voice acting can be an entirely different animal, and Goggins’ approach—letting his body guide the emotion in his voice—makes his performances stand out,” says voice acting coach Monica Young. “It’s clear he treats every character, whether on-screen or in a recording booth, with the same level of intensity and commitment.”
Recent Updates: Fallout Season 2 Premiere and Goggins’ Return
The second season of Fallout is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on December 17, 2025. Fans are eagerly anticipating Goggins’ return to the Fallout franchise, where his character, Cooper Howard, is expected to face new challenges in the radioactive wasteland. With Goggins reprising his role, there’s much to look forward to in this highly anticipated season.
Why Goggins’ Role in Fallout Matters?
Goggins’ unique approach to both live-action and voice acting roles brings a depth and complexity to his characters, whether they’re surviving in luxury resorts or navigating a post-apocalyptic world. His versatility in playing contrasting characters like Rick Hatchett and Cooper Howard demonstrates his ability to breathe life into a variety of roles, no matter the environment.
“Goggins is one of those rare actors who can convincingly portray both the villain and the anti-hero,” says entertainment journalist Kelly Mitchell. “His depth of character is what makes his return to Fallout so exciting for fans of the series.”
FAQs
No, Goggins believes Rick’s combative nature and inability to adapt would quickly get him into trouble in Fallout’s dangerous environment.
Yes, Goggins is returning as Cooper Howard in the second season of Fallout on Amazon Prime Video, set to premiere on December 17, 2025.
Goggins uses his physicality to bring characters to life, even in voice acting, by embodying the emotions of the character while recording.
Goggins voiced Cecil Stedman in Invincible and Cooper Howard in Fallout 76, showcasing his range in both animated and video game roles.
Goggins’ portrayal of Cooper Howard adds depth to the Fallout universe, making his role an essential part of the post-apocalyptic narrative.
