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Just because it’s the end of the world, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a pleasant attitude.

Fallout is a drama about survival in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The television series is based on the best-selling video game franchise. If you’ve seen the show, then you know that Lucy MacLean is an absolute delight. Ella Purnell’s character brings a sense of earnestness and optimism to a world full of dread.  

Speaking to a crowd at Fan Expo Chicago 2024, Purnell recalled how the Fallout showrunners initially pitched the character to her. “The first interaction I had was a meeting with Geneva [Roberston-Dworet] and Graham [Wagner], the writers, and Jonah [Nolan], and they wanted to explain the tone and character to me before I read the script, and I’m really glad they did, because I’m not sure I would have got the part had I not had that initial meeting and understood the comedy and satirical elements of the show. They described Lucy as Leslie Knope meets Ned Flanders, and I was like, ‘Absolutely, watching that show!’ Put that character in the wasteland and see what happens.”

It wasn’t long before Purnell fell in love with Lucy. “Fallout is probably the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I love Lucy, I love that character, I love the entire crew and the cast, and it truly is such a special and important time in my life. The first day I ever tried on the Vault suit…I had played the games, and I had spent so much time researching, and really living, breathing, eating everything Fallout. Putting on the Vault suit and looking in the mirror for the first time was like, I got emotional. It was not lost on me how important this is and what special and profound opportunity I had been given, and I really wanted to do it justice.”

Purnell went on to say that while she doesn’t know how Lucy’s story will end, she’s excited to see where it goes. “Something I personally love exploring with her is the theme of morality and identity. Lucy represents the good in this trifecta of the good, the bad, and the ugly. I guess I’m excited to see what they do with that.”

Fallout season 2 is currently in production. It’s expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video in 2026.

Get ready to get out of your Vault and into the Fallout world - with our help, of course. Here is a guide to the Fallout timeline, how to play and watch all of Fallout, details on the Fallout cast, how the Fallout cast & crew really get the harsh humor we're looking for, as well as a Q&A with Fallout showrunners Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner.