Kyle MacLachlan Showcases His Yo-Yo Skills on the Set of Fallout Season 2: “I’ve Got This”
Kyle MacLachlan in ‘Fallout’ season 2.
Credit :
Lorenzo Sisti/Prime
Kyle MacLachlan Discusses His Role in Season 2 of Fallout
Kyle MacLachlan recently shared insights about his character, Hank MacLean, in the second season of the post-apocalyptic series Fallout on Prime Video. Known for his versatility, MacLachlan has also revealed a unique connection to a childhood toy— the yo-yo, which he incorporates into his role.
In this season, MacLachlan’s character is the leader of Vault 33 and a significant figure behind the nuclear fallout in America, overseeing the remnants of New Vegas. As the storyline unfolds, viewers will witness Hank’s complex motivations and his return to a corporate lifestyle filled with lab experiments and corporate suits, all while using a yo-yo.
"So we pick up with Hank pretty shortly after the end of season 1," MacLachlan explained. "Basically, it’s a continuation of that same journey. He has an idea, he has a plan, he knows what he wants to do."
Kyle MacLachlan in ‘Fallout’ season 2.
Courtesy of Prime
MacLachlan teased that Hank is "hatching a scheme that we learn as the series progresses" and that the plan intriguingly involves the yo-yo. Unlike many actors who might use special effects or doubles, MacLachlan assured that his yo-yo skills are entirely his own. "There was some worry… like, ‘How are you with a yo-yo? Do you need practice?’ And I’m like, ‘I got it. Don’t you worry,’" he recalled.
Ella Purnell in ‘Fallout’ season 2.
Lorenzo Sisti/Prime
Having grown up as a yo-yo enthusiast, MacLachlan fondly recalled his early days, noting, "I was a big Duncan yo-yos guy… so it was pretty easy to get it going." However, he also mentioned some setbacks on set, where props occasionally malfunctioned. "The yo-yos that we had kept breaking… but we made it through okay," he noted with a sense of humor.
Throughout the season, Hank MacLean’s daughter, Lucy, portrayed by Ella Purnell, pursues her father across the wasteland, eager to confront him about significant family truths. MacLachlan expressed admiration for Purnell, describing her as hardworking, humorous, and a joy to work with. "She has a huge role and keeps a really upbeat personality about it," he said.
From Left: Kyle MacLachlan and Ella Purnell in France on April 6, 2024.
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty
MacLachlan further praised Purnell, noting their shared values of hard work and enjoying the creative process. He emphasized, "She really embodies that."
Reflecting on his diverse career—from leading roles in Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, and Portlandia—MacLachlan shared what excites him about playing Hank. "There are just so many aspects to his personality that I really enjoy," he said. The character presents a mix of joy and darkness, alongside his love for family.
"This is a challenge and a pleasure… I get to explore that in this season even more," he added, indicating that audiences can expect more of Hank’s story as the season unfolds.
Fallout episodes release weekly, with the final episode airing on February 4 on Prime Video.
