Todd Howard Teases Possibility of Elder Scrolls TV Series After Fallout’s Triumph
Bethesda’s Todd Howard hints that an Elder Scrolls TV adaptation could happen someday, following Fallout’s streaming success, but fans may have to wait a long time for any official news.
With Fallout ’s explosive debut as a streaming series on Amazon Prime, fans are buzzing about what Bethesda might bring to the screen next. Todd Howard, the studio’s longtime leader, recently addressed the possibility of adapting the beloved Elder Scrolls universe for television. While he didn’t confirm any plans, Howard left the door open for the fantasy franchise to make its way to TV—eventually.
Howard Reflects on Fallout’s Long Road to TV
Howard shared that the journey to bring Fallout to television was anything but quick.
“I will say this, the Fallout journey was like a 10 year one,”
he explained. After Fallout 3, there was immediate interest in a movie or show, but Bethesda took its time before moving forward.
“But, you never know. I think the impact of the show on Fallout as a franchise has been bigger than I expected, so it does make you think like ‘hey, is there a path?’. But, nothing today… [and] I'm willing to say 'no' for a decade.”
Howard’s comments suggest that, while the idea is intriguing, any Elder Scrolls adaptation would be a long-term project.
Comparing Fallout and Elder Scrolls for TV
Howard also pointed out that Fallout’s unique setting made it especially well-suited for a TV adaptation.
“I think Fallout is more uniquely suited”
for the screen, he said, noting that it has
“more to say in its genre.”
The show’s retro-futuristic take on a post-apocalyptic world, filled with mutants, raiders, and the iconic Vault dwellers, sets it apart from other series. In contrast, any large-scale fantasy adaptation would inevitably be compared to major franchises like Game of Thrones, which could be both a blessing and a challenge for Elder Scrolls.
What’s Next for Fallout and Game Adaptations
The Fallout series continues to build momentum, with its second season set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on December 17. New episodes will drop weekly, keeping fans engaged with the wasteland’s wild stories. As for Elder Scrolls, Howard’s comments make it clear that while the idea isn’t off the table, fans shouldn’t expect any announcements soon.
With the success of Fallout, the door is open for more video game adaptations. Upcoming projects like The Legend of Zelda, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil, and Street Fighter are all on the horizon, giving fans plenty to look forward to as the line between gaming and television continues to blur.