'Fallout': Release date, cast, where to watch 'gleefully weird' post-apocalyptic show

A futuristic United States may be ravaged by nuclear warfare in Amazon Prime's "Fallout," yet the tone of the upcoming post-apocalyptic series appears to be anything but grim.

Distinguishing itself from the grittiness of other end-of-the-world series based on popular video game titles – *cough* "Last of Us" *cough* – "Fallout" will lean into campiness and over-the-top action in a showcase of "a gleefully weird, and highly violent" world, Amazon said.

The approach is one that would remain true to the series' source material: Bethesda's iconic action role-playing video game franchise that has spawned numerous titles and a legion of loyal fans. With "Westworld" creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy of Kilter Films as executive producers, the series first announced in 2020 is helmed by showrunners Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner.

Whether you're new to "Fallout" or are a veteran of scouring the Wasteland of the video games' setting, here's what to know about the Prime series.

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When does 'Fallout' come out?

"Fallout" will debut April 11 on Amazon Prime, one day earlier than previously announced.

Unlike other Prime series, all eight episodes of "Fallout" will premiere at once rather than keeping to a weekly release schedule, Amazon said.

What is 'Fallout' about?

Nolan – no, not that one – directed the first three episodes of the series, which, like the games, is highly influenced by the post-World War II culture of the 1950s, despite being set 200 years after a nuclear attack.

The wealthy were able to survive the nuclear war by taking refuge in bunkers purchased from a company known as Vault-Tec. When one of those survivors leaves the safety of the luxury fallout shelter, she finds an irradiated hellscape that was once Los Angeles.

From there, Lucy (Ella Purnell, "Yellowjackets") will have to navigate an unrecognizable brutal, unforgiving world.

How to watch 'Fallout' on Amazon

Watching "Fallout" will require a Prime membership. Those without one can sign up for a 30-day free trial, after which a subscription will cost $14.99 per month.

'Fallout' on Prime:Subscribe

See the 'Fallout' trailer

Amazon dropped the official "Fallout" trailer March 7 that showcases the world that happy-go-lucky vault dweller Lucy uncovers when she heads out into the Wasteland.

Two centuries of the apocalypse hasn't done the world or its inhabitants any favors. And the trailer gives a taste of what awaits Lucy, who comes across a variety of characters who range from quirky to outright menacing.

Among them is a soldier named Maximus (Aaron Moten) who is part of a militaristic faction called Brotherhood of Steel, as well as a ruthless villain known as the Ghoul (Walton Goggins), a bounty hunter with a mysterious past. The trailer even provides a glimpse of a dog named CX404.

"Everyone wants to save the world, they just –" Maximus says in the trailer, "they disagree on how."

Watch the trailer here:

Cast of 'Fallout'

"Fallout" features a large cast to portray a wide array of characters from Bethesda's franchise, but Amazon has only revealed the identities of a select few characters so far.

• Ella Purnell as Lucy
• Aaron Moten as Maximus
• Walton Goggins as The Ghoul
• Kyle MacLachlan as Overseer Hank
• Sarita Choudhury as Moldaver

Also announced to appear in the series are:

• Moisés Arias ("The King of Staten Island")
• Michael Emerson ("LOST")
• Leslie Uggams ("Deadpool")
• Frances Turner ("The Boys")
• Dave Register ("Heightened")
• Zach Cherry ("Severance")
• Johnny Pemberton ("Ant-Man")
• Rodrigo Luzzi ("Dead Ringers")
• Annabel O'Hagan ("Law & Order: SVU")
• Xelia Mendes-Jones ("The Wheel of Time")

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

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