Fallout Showrunner Teases Return of Talking Deathclaws

Geneva Robertson-Dworet, who shares the reins on the Fallout TV adaptation, isn’t shutting the door on any wild ideas for the wasteland. When asked about the possibility of seeing clever, chatty Deathclaws in upcoming episodes, she replied,

I mean, nothing's off the table.

She went on to say,

The intelligent Deathclaws are obviously favourites, and I find, though, all the Deathclaws sympathetic, just because their creation is a human-influenced thing. It wasn't something they asked for. They're not just a product of natural evolution. This is the fault of human error and human hubris. So I feel like even if they're attacking you, it's kind of your own fault in a way.

For those who’ve spent a fair bit of time in the Vaults, the idea of smart Deathclaws isn’t new. Fallout 2 gave players a handful of quests involving these talking beasts, with one, Goris, even joining your party for a stint in the 1998 classic. After that, they more or less vanished from the mainline games, especially once Bethesda took over the franchise. They did, however, pop up again in the free-to-play Fallout Shelter Online and made a curious appearance in the TV tie-in, Viva New Vegas.

Deathclaws on Screen

Deathclaws have already made their mark in the second season of the Fallout series, brought to life with a mix of puppetry and practical effects. They first showed up in a flashback to Anchorage, and later, one blocked the path to New Vegas for The Ghoul and Lucy. Their presence has been both a nod to long-time fans and a fresh threat for newcomers to the story.

While these creatures have always been a terrifying part of the Fallout universe, the show’s approach gives them a bit more depth. Robertson-Dworet’s comments suggest there’s room to explore their origins and motivations, rather than just using them as mindless monsters. The idea that their existence is tied to human mistakes adds a layer of tragedy to their story.

What’s Next for Fallout?

With the second season now streaming, punters are keen to see what’s in store for the rest of the series. The show has already taken a few risks, blending familiar elements from the games with new twists. The potential return of intelligent Deathclaws could be another bold move, especially for those who remember their unique role in Fallout 2.

For anyone keeping an eye on the release schedule, there’s still plenty to look forward to as the season unfolds. And if you’re curious about how the series stacks up, there are reviews out there giving a verdict on the latest episodes. Whether or not talking Deathclaws make their way onto the screen, it’s clear the creative team isn’t afraid to dig deep into the franchise’s weirder corners.