Troy Baker, Known for Uncharted and TLOU Roles, Signs Up for Another Naughty Dog Game

Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is set to star in another Naughty Dog title. Neil Druckmann confirmed Baker's return, hinting at a significant role. Read on for details about their collaboration and what's next.

Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Creative Partnership

Baker's Leading Role in Naughty Dog's Next Game

A November 25th GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will reprise a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog game, as confirmed by Neil Druckmann. While specifics remain under wraps, Druckmann's statement highlights his trust in Baker's talent and their long-standing professional relationship.

Baker's involvement in Druckmann's new project marks another chapter in their collaboration. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated. Their history includes Baker's iconic portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy—projects largely directed by Druckmann.

Their initial working relationship wasn't without its challenges. Differing approaches to character portrayal led to some friction. Baker's dedication to perfection, often resulting in multiple takes, initially clashed with Druckmann's vision. Druckmann recalls a pivotal moment: "This is my process. This is what I need," he said, adding, "No, you need to trust me—it's your job to be viewed, not to view."

Despite these early hurdles, a strong friendship developed, leading to Baker's recurring roles in Naughty Dog games. Druckmann, while describing Baker as "a demanding actor," lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II: "Troy's trying to stretch the limits of what things are, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination." While details about the new game are scarce, fans are undoubtedly excited by this announcement.

Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career

Troy Baker's contributions extend far beyond Joel and Sam. His impressive resume includes roles in numerous video games and animated series. He voiced Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and will star as Indiana Jones in the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

His animation credits boast roles such as Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and multiple characters in Naruto: Shippuden (Yamato and Pain). He also voiced Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark, and has lent his voice to shows like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a glimpse into his extensive career.

Baker's exceptional talent has garnered numerous nominations, including BAFTA and Golden Joystick Awards. His portrayal of Joel in the original The Last of Us earned him the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards. His achievements solidify his status as a leading voice actor, especially within the video game industry.