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Justin Theroux and Walton Goggins have taken their friendship to the next level by collaborating as co-stars in the second season of Fallout.
The two actors, who have been friends for years through their connections in the entertainment industry, are now sharing the screen in the popular Prime Video series. Theroux portrays Robert House, while Goggins takes on the role of Cooper Howard, also known as The Ghoul. The characters, who are adversaries, have their first on-screen confrontation in the third episode of the season.
Theroux reflects on the dynamics of their friendship, noting that while competition is common among younger actors, he and Goggins have always supported one another’s successes.
“There are two types of actors,” Theroux explained. “Some compete with each other, especially when they’re younger, and others cheer each other on. Walton and I, along with a large group of friends, have always belonged to that second group, celebrating each other’s achievements.”
In Fallout, this camaraderie translates into portraying characters that are at odds in a world both before and after a nuclear apocalypse. In Episode 3, titled “The Profligate,” the tension between their characters comes to a head during a bathroom encounter where Robert House, a mysterious tech visionary, scrutinizes Cooper’s political views, questioning whether he is a “pinko,” or liberal.
It’s that taut back-and-forth dynamic — which has only been newly introduced and will continue to develop throughout Season 2 — that made Theroux excited to dive into scenework with his friend on set with Goggins, as well as the other stars of the show.
“When he [Walton Goggins] called me and told me that he wanted me to come play with them, I was like, ‘Oh, yes.’ It was a dream come true, [I was] really flattered and also so excited to get to work,” he said. “Most times you get a job and you think, ‘I’ll show up and I hope that person’s cool and whatever.”
He added, “Those days with him were really special and that’s sort of the experience that I’ll walk away with from this whole thing… Just really good, long days on set with him.”
Will their relationship in the show continue to see them suspicious of each other’s intentions? Perhaps House and Cooper Howard will put aside their differences and kiss as Theroux and Goggins did at last year’s Webby Awards? Unlikely, but one can hope.
How To Watch Fallout
The first four episodes of Fallout Season 2 are now streaming on Prime Video. New episodes release Wednesdays.
