Walton Goggins' dual performance as Cooper Howard and The Ghoul is the emotional core of Fallout. A pre-war movie star who became a post-war nightmare, Cooper's story spans centuries of tragedy, betrayal, and the slow erosion of everything he once believed.
Let's explore the man, the monster, and the performance.
Cooper Howard: The Movie Star
The Golden Age: Before the bombs, Cooper Howard was a beloved film star—the "Vault Boy" mascot was based on his cowboy roles. He represented American optimism.
The Vault-Tec Connection: Cooper's wife, Barb, was a Vault-Tec executive. Through her, he was drawn into their marketing and propaganda.
Growing Suspicion: Cooper began noticing things. The Vaults seemed off. His wife was hiding something. He hired a private investigator—and discovered the truth.
The Betrayal: Barb had helped plan the apocalypse. Cooper confronted her, but it was too late. The bombs fell.
Becoming a Ghoul
The Science: Ghouls are humans who were exposed to massive radiation but didn't die. Instead, their bodies were transformed—rotting flesh, extended lifespan, and resistance to radiation.
The Cost: Most Ghouls eventually go "feral"—losing their minds to become mindless monsters. Non-feral Ghouls fight this descent constantly.
Cooper's Journey: After surviving the initial blasts, Cooper wandered the Wasteland for over 200 years. His movie star charm curdled into cynical survival.
The Ghoul in the Present
Bounty Hunter: The Ghoul now works as a mercenary, capturing or killing for caps. His skills with a gun remained.
The Vials: Ghouls need regular doses of radiation-clearing medicine to stay sane. The Ghoul's supply keeps him from going feral—but makes him dependent on dealers.
Lucy Encounter: His storyline intersects with Lucy's when she escapes the Vault. He sees something of his old idealism in her—and hates it.
The Search: The Ghoul is hunting for Hank MacLean—Lucy's father—who holds answers about what happened to his family.
Walton Goggins' Performance
Dual Role: Goggins plays Cooper and The Ghoul as distinct characters. Pre-war Cooper is charming and principled. The Ghoul is sardonic and brutal.
Physical Transformation: The Ghoul makeup required hours daily. Goggins' eyes and voice convey humanity beneath the horror.
Critical Acclaim: Goggins' performance was universally praised. He brings pathos to what could have been a simple villain.
The Voice: The Ghoul's drawl is slower, more menacing than Cooper's. Two centuries of disappointment weigh on every word.
What The Ghoul Represents
America's Lost Innocence: Cooper literally embodied American idealism. His corruption mirrors the nation's fall.
The Cost of Survival: To survive 200 years, Cooper became something he would have despised. What does survival mean when you lose yourself?
Love and Betrayal: His wife's betrayal wasn't just personal—it was civilizational. She destroyed the world he represented.
The Long Game: The Ghoul is still searching for answers after two centuries. His motivation endures beyond all reason.