Justin Theroux, who portrays Robert House in the Prime Video series Fallout, revealed that he has no insight into the crucial phone call scene in the Season 2 finale involving his character and Cooper Howard, played by Walton Goggins. This unresolved moment has left not only fans puzzled but also the actors themselves uncertain about the implications as they await the direction of Season 3. Theroux disclosed the mystery surrounding the call during a detailed interview about the show’s latest season.
Theroux’s Perspective on the Ambiguous Phone Call
In the Season 2 finale, Robert House phones Cooper Howard, but the purpose of this conversation remains unclear. Theroux shared his confusion with DECIDER, explaining he initially questioned why House would reach out to assert innocence about ongoing events, saying,
“Why is he calling him to tell him essentially, like I had nothing to do with this. It wasn’t me.”
He speculated that the call might serve to shift blame or curry favor with Howard, but admitted,
“I don’t know the answer to it, by the way. I don’t have an opinion, but it was a fun call to make.”
This comment highlights Theroux’s openness to how the narrative might unfold but confirms his current lack of knowledge regarding the storyline.
Limited Information From Writers Keeps Actors Guessing
Theroux revealed that the production team maintains secrecy not just from the audience but also from the cast members.
“As good as they are about having their lips buttoned for the fans, they’re equally like that with the actors,”
he explained, indicating both fans and actors are kept in suspense alike. With Season 3 announced to move forward soon, Theroux remains hopeful for clarity but admits no updates have reached him, quipping,
“I haven’t heard anything, phone has not rung. So we’ll see what happens for House.”
Developing Robert House’s Character Without a Clear Endpoint
Theroux described his experience approaching the role of Robert House with limited guidance, stating the writers did not provide a complete character roadmap at the outset.
“They didn’t give me like ‘Here’s where he starts and here’s where he ends,’”
he said. His portrayal evolved scene by scene, starting from their first shoot in a bathroom setting up to a pivotal confrontation in a penthouse. Theroux depicted House as a complex individual—
“a demented fan of Cooper Howard”
who is simultaneously infatuated with and disdainful of Howard’s character.
Insights Into Robert House’s Motivations and Personality
According to Theroux, House’s driving force diverges from fear, differing from many other characters on the show.
“I think he’s one of those people that luxuriates in thought and that he loves thinking through things,”
he said, likening House to a master chess player who juggles multiple strategies simultaneously. Theroux emphasized House’s cold, analytical nature, describing him as “pretty antiseptic” and emotionally detached, which allowed the character to operate as a calculating planner who manipulates people and situations strategically.
Differentiating Between Two Versions of the Same Character
Theroux discussed his approach to playing two distinct versions of Robert House. Rather than making them completely separate, he chose to present House as a consistent individual who genuinely experiences feelings and desires. This contrasted with other characters in the series who function as mere algorithms or disembodied entities. He noted that House uniquely perceives Cooper Howard—not as the antagonist “The Ghoul” but as the continuous identity of the man himself, highlighting the layered performance by Walton Goggins in portraying the complex link between the two personas.
Fan Reactions and On-Screen Chemistry
Theroux acknowledged the enthusiastic fan connections to the relationship between House and Howard, referring to online communities creating edits and shipping the two characters. He admitted to injecting subtle emotions into their interactions, particularly in the early bathroom scene, where House appears both captivated by and critical of Howard.
“I wanted those colors to come through,”
Theroux noted, showing his awareness of the intricate dynamics between the characters.
Expectations and Speculation About Robert House’s Future
When asked about potential developments in Season 3, Theroux echoed the show’s overarching secrecy. Despite the mystery, he expressed a personal interest in exploring House’s backstory:
“I love an origin story much the same way I love seeing Cooper at a birthday party and a bomb going off. I’d love to see what that event is for Mr. House or what that was.”
This reveals Theroux’s curiosity and enthusiasm for further character depth, pending decisions by the show’s creative team.
The Show’s Reflection of Contemporary Issues
Theroux also commented on how Fallout’s narrative parallels current political and social events in America. He praised the writers for their perceptiveness, noting,
“Good artists and good artistry can sort of predict those sorts of events just by reflecting them.”
He compared this to other series like Watchmen, which also anticipated societal upheaval despite being created earlier. Addressing fan criticism regarding the show’s political themes, Theroux suggested that opposition might stem from discomfort with its critical perspectives, stating,
“My guess is the people who are being vocal about it, and this is a guess, are probably being vocal about it because it’s being critical or it’s forcing the kind of critical thinking that doesn’t necessarily support their worldview.”
Availability and Viewing Options for Fallout Season 2
The complete second season of Fallout is currently available for streaming on Prime Video. For those without a subscription, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial of Prime, which includes access to Prime Video and additional benefits like two-day shipping and exclusive deals. After the trial, subscriptions cost $14.99 per month or $139 annually. Young adults aged 18 to 24 can access a discounted Prime membership with age verification, allowing a six-month free trial followed by a reduced monthly rate of $7.49 for up to six years.
