Walton Goggins’ performance as The Ghoul in Prime Video’s Fallout series has become one of the most talked-about roles in recent television. The character’s blend of post-apocalyptic grit and old-school Western swagger has captured the imagination of fans and critics alike.
Showrunners Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner have revealed that The Ghoul was intentionally designed to evoke the spirit of Clint Eastwood’s legendary Man with No Name, a figure synonymous with the Western genre.
From the very first season, the creators wanted The Ghoul to embody the rugged, charismatic, and stoic traits that Eastwood brought to life in films like “A Fistful of Dollars” and “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.
Goggins approached the role by immersing himself in the ethos of classic Westerns rather than the Fallout video games, aiming for a fresh interpretation that would feel authentic to the genre’s roots. He drew inspiration from both Eastwood and John Wayne , building a character who is equal parts cynical loner and magnetic antihero.
The result is a bounty hunter who feels both timeless and modern, someone who has survived two centuries of apocalypse yet still carries the soul of a cowboy.
The Ghoul’s backstory, once a Hollywood Western star turned mutant survivor, mirrors the genre’s own transformation.
Where Westerns once celebrated clear-cut heroes and villains, The Ghoul embodies the moral ambiguity that defines modern storytelling. His journey is one of survival, identity, and the struggle to remain human in a world that has lost its humanity.
The Ghoul’s Evolving Humanity
As Fallout’s second season unfolds, The Ghoul’s character development takes center stage. Walton Goggins has hinted that viewers will see a deeper exploration of Cooper Howard’s past, revealing how his pre-apocalyptic life shaped the man and monster he became.
The show delves into the layers of trauma, loss, and resilience that have defined The Ghoul’s long existence, making him a more complex and relatable figure.
Fallout (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
The relationship between The Ghoul and Lucy MacLean, played by Ella Purnell, is another highlight of the new season. Initially marked by tension and mistrust, their dynamic evolves as both characters confront their own flaws and vulnerabilities.
Purnell describes their interactions as “tense” but “very different” from Season 1, with the two characters forming an unlikely bond as they navigate the dangers of the Wasteland. Their journey together brings out both the worst and best in each other, as Lucy’s moral compass clashes with The Ghoul’s pragmatic, often ruthless approach.
Goggins has reflected on the challenge of portraying The Ghoul’s gradual return to humanity, noting that it is a slow and often reluctant process. “His journey in season two, while he is resisting the whole way, is to become more human,” he said in a recent interview.
This transformation is not straightforward; it is marked by setbacks, moments of vulnerability, and small acts of kindness that hint at the man buried beneath the mutant exterior.
The Lasting Influence of Westerns
The Western genre’s impact on modern storytelling is undeniable, and The Ghoul stands as a testament to its enduring relevance. Today’s Western-inspired characters are far from one-dimensional; they are complex, flawed, and often torn between conflicting desires.
Shows like “Westworld,” “Yellowstone,” and “Justified” have embraced these traits, blending traditional Western themes with contemporary issues to create narratives that resonate with modern audiences.
The Ghoul’s character fits seamlessly into this tradition. He is not simply a monster or a hero, but a man shaped by the harsh realities of his world. His journey reflects the genre’s ability to explore themes of justice, survival, and moral ambiguity, making him a compelling figure in the continually evolving world of genre television.
By channeling the spirit of Western icons like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, Walton Goggins and the Fallout team have created a character who feels both familiar and fresh.
The Ghoul’s blend of post-apocalyptic grit and cowboy cool has redefined what it means to be a Western hero in the 21st century, proving that the genre’s legacy is alive and well.
The finale of It: Welcome to Derry left viewers with a sense of closure, but also a burning curiosity about what comes next for Dick Hallorann.
Chris Chalk, who portrays the younger version of the iconic Stephen King character, has been vocal about his desire to continue Dick’s story. In interviews following the finale, Chalk revealed that he has not only pitched a spinoff series but is also open to taking on an executive producer role.
He told TV Insider, “I’ve pitched it! I have also said, ‘Hey, Dick can kind of do anything. Now that he’s connected to the universe, there’s no need to disconnect him.” This enthusiasm signals Chalk’s commitment to deepening the character’s arc and exploring the years between Derry and the Overlook Hotel.
However, Chalk makes it clear that Dick is far from healed after his traumatic experiences. “Even once the show’s over, he’s by no means fixed. He’s just broke. He just broke five minutes ago,” Chalk explained.
This insight lays the groundwork for a spinoff that could follow Dick’s struggle to master his ‘Shine,’ confront lingering psychological scars, and find peace before he meets the Torrance family.
Fan Reactions and the Stephen King Universe
The idea of a Dick Hallorann spinoff has ignited excitement among fans and critics alike. Social media platforms are filled with calls for a series that bridges the gap between Dick’s time in Derry and his eventual fateful meeting with the Torrance family.
Viewers have expressed hopes for a show that explores his time at the Overlook before Jack Torrance arrives, or even his early days in London as he adjusts to life after Derry. One fan wrote, “I need a spin-off for Halloran.
He easily became my favorite character of the Derry series!” Another added, “Wouldn’t be mad with the experience of Dick at the hotel before the arrival of Jack.” The overwhelming support suggests that HBO and Warner Bros. have a ready-made audience for a Dick Hallorann-centric show.
IT: Welcome to Derry (Credit: Netflix)
Dick Hallorann’s significance in the Stephen King universe adds further weight to the spinoff idea. He is not just a side character; he’s a deeply compassionate psychic who serves as a moral guide and protector across multiple stories.
In Welcome to Derry, he’s depicted as a less seasoned guardian, learning to navigate the shadows of the demons that threaten others. His journey from Derry to the Overlook is a powerful thread in King’s greater lore, one that fans are eager to see explored in greater depth.
What’s Next for Dick Hallorann?
While It: Welcome to Derry’s season 2 is unlikely to feature Chalk since it will reportedly jump back to 1935, there’s still a golden opportunity for a spinoff set between the events of the first season finale and The Shining.
This period offers fertile ground for storytelling, as Dick grapples with the aftermath of his encounter with Pennywise and works to master his abilities.
Chalk believes the spinoff could tackle major questions, such as whether Dick is truly healed after consuming the Maturin root and how he copes with the psychological toll of his experiences.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a Dick Hallorann spinoff has been considered. Director Mike Flanagan, known for his work on Doctor Sleep, previously pitched a Hallorann movie that would have featured the character’s encounter with Pennywise as a young man.
Unfortunately, the project was scrapped due to the box office performance of Doctor Sleep. However, Flanagan’s vision and the renewed fan interest could breathe new life into the idea, especially with Chalk’s passionate advocacy and the success of Welcome to Derry.
The potential for a Dick Hallorann spinoff is more than just a fan dream; it’s a story with deep roots in the Stephen King universe, a passionate fanbase, and a talented actor ready to lead the charge.
Whether the series focuses on Dick’s time in London, his journey to the Overlook, or his ongoing struggle to master his Shine, the possibilities are endless. As Chris Chalk puts it, “Dick can kind of do anything.” And for fans, that’s exactly what they want to see.
