Channeling Wasteland Wonders: The Fallout Show's Desert Odyssey

When it comes to bringing the iconic Fallout universe to life, authenticity is paramount. While the Vault sets for Amazon's highly anticipated Fallout show were meticulously constructed in a New York soundstage, the production team went above and beyond to capture the essence of the Wasteland by venturing outdoors and shooting on location in a genuine ghost town and coastal desert.

Ironically, the chosen desert locale is far from the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern California, where the Fallout games are set. Instead, the production opted for the Namib Desert on the coast of Southern Africa, an area that has been host to numerous iconic cinematic endeavors, including the critically acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road.

According to executive producer Jonathan Nolan, several scenes were shot in and around Kolmanskop, a small diamond mining town that was abandoned in the middle of the last century. One of the locations they utilized, as revealed by Maximus actor Aaron Moten, was "a bombed diamond mine that is now a hyenas' den." Nolan expressed his awe at the unique and remote filming environment, stating, "I've never shot somewhere so remote, where literally the only things there are hyenas. It's an incredibly beautiful and strange place."

The production's dedication to capturing the essence of the Wasteland extended even further, as Lucy actor Ella Purnell recalls taking a five-hour helicopter ride to film at an abandoned shipwreck. "I think I will remember that for as long as I live; it was truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced," she shared, exuding a sense of wonder and appreciation for the breathtaking landscapes they encountered.

While the Fallout show might have been the first production to shoot at those particular hyena dens, the ancient Namib Desert has long served as a canvas for cinematic masterpieces. Most notably, the critically acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road spent a year shooting its post-apocalyptic car chase sequences in Namibia, resulting in stunning visuals that captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. With the Fallout show following in its footsteps, fans can anticipate a visually stunning portrayal of the Wasteland that stays true to the spirit of the beloved franchise.