Celebrated voice actor Troy Baker, known for his iconic roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is set to reprise his collaboration with Naughty Dog for another highly anticipated title. Read on to discover more about this enduring partnership and Baker's upcoming project.
Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Collaborative Journey
A Leading Role Awaits
According to a November 25th GQ article, Neil Druckmann has confirmed Troy Baker's return to a leading role in Naughty Dog's next game. While specifics remain undisclosed, Druckmann's confirmation highlights the strong trust and long-standing professional relationship between the two.
Baker's involvement in Druckmann's new project is a testament to their enduring collaboration. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated. Their history together is extensive, with Baker voicing Joel in the acclaimed The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, many of which were directed by Druckmann.
Their professional relationship wasn't always smooth sailing. Baker and Druckmann initially held differing perspectives on character portrayal. Baker's meticulous approach, often involving multiple takes to achieve the perfect performance, led to some creative friction. Druckmann recalls an instance where he had to intervene: "This is my process. This is what I need," he explained. "No, you need to trust me – it's your job to be viewed, not to view."
Despite these early differences, a strong friendship developed, and Druckmann has since frequently cast Baker in Naughty Dog projects. While describing Baker as "a demanding actor," Druckmann lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II: "Troy’s trying to stretch the limits of what a thing is, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination." Although details about the new game remain scarce, fans are undoubtedly thrilled by this exciting announcement.
Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career
Troy Baker's acclaim extends far beyond his roles as Joel and Sam. His impressive portfolio encompasses a vast array of popular video games and animated series. Notable examples include Higgs Monaghan, the antagonist in Death Stranding and its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and the upcoming role of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
His animation credits are equally impressive, featuring roles such as Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, multiple characters in Naruto: Shippuden (Yamato and Pain), and Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark. He's also lent his voice to numerous shows, including Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty, representing just a fraction of his extensive work.
Baker's exceptional talent has garnered numerous nominations and awards, including BAFTA Awards, Golden Joystick Awards, and a Spike Video Game Award for Best Voice Actor (2013) for his portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us. His consistent excellence has cemented his status as a leading figure in the voice acting world, particularly within the video game industry.
