War never changes, but the cast of the Fallout series certainly does! In a move that’s sure to have vault dwellers everywhere buzzing with excitement, Macaulay Culkin has joined the Amazon Prime Video series for its second season. This news from Deadline comes as a welcome surprise, especially as we approach the holiday season, a time when many of us find ourselves revisiting Culkin’s iconic performance in Home Alone. But instead of defending his home from bumbling burglars, he’ll be navigating the perils of the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
The first season of Fallout, which debuted earlier this year, has been celebrated for its gripping narrative and respectful adaptation of its video game source material, blending dark humour with complex drama. It was a part of a recent wave of successful video game adaptations by Hollywood, signaling a potential end to the genre’s previously cursed reputation. Amazon, encouraged by this success, is pressing forward with the show’s production, with filming for season 2 slated to start this month.
Culkin, renowned for his childhood role as Kevin McCallister, will be playing what is described as a “crazy genius-type character”, though further details about his role remain undisclosed. Fans have already begun to speculate that Culkin’s role could be that of a ghoul or a doctor/scientist (he does bear an uncanny resemblance to Fallout: New Vegas‘ Arcade Gannon…). This role marks a significant return to high-profile projects for Culkin, who has appeared sporadically in television roles such as in American Horror Story, and maintained a presence in film communities through appearances on the YouTube channel RedLetterMedia.
Despite the ongoing success and anticipation around Fallout, the show carves its own path in the franchise’s universe, set chronologically after the games with few direct ties to their plots. This setting leaves plenty of room for new characters and stories, suggesting Culkin’s role could be a fresh addition to the saga.
The original Fallout cast, including Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, and Kyle MacLachlan, are all set to return, which promises continuity as well as new dynamics in the next season. While the exact release date for season two isn’t known, it’s speculated not to premiere until around 2026, given the scale and scope of production.
Macaulay Culkin’s casting in Fallout not only highlights his personal comeback but also underscores the show’s ambition to expand its already impressive narrative landscape. As production gears up, more casting news is expected to follow, potentially revealing how Culkin’s character will fit into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout. With the series’ proven track record and the addition of a well-loved figure like Culkin, expectations are high.