Neil Druckmann has confirmed Troy Baker's return to a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog game. Read on to discover more about their long-standing collaboration and what's next for Baker.
Troy Baker's Enduring Partnership with Neil Druckmann
Returning for Naughty Dog's Next Game
A November 25th GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will reprise a leading role in a new Naughty Dog game, confirmed by Neil Druckmann himself. While details about the game remain scarce, Druckmann's announcement highlights his trust in Baker's talent and their established professional relationship.
Troy Baker has once again signed on for a leading role in Druckmann's latest project. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy,
" Druckmann stated. Their history 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 collaboration wasn't always smooth sailing. Baker and Druckmann initially clashed over their differing approaches to character portrayal. Baker, striving for perfection, would frequently re-record his performances. Druckmann eventually intervened, stating, “This is my process. This is what I need.” Baker responded, “No, you need to trust me - it's your job to be viewed, not to view.”
Despite early tensions, a strong friendship developed, leading to Druckmann casting Baker in numerous Naughty Dog titles. While Druckmann describes Baker as "a demanding actor," he praised his performance in The Last of Us Part II, saying, “Troy’s trying to stretch the limits of what thing is, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination.” While specifics about the new game remain under wraps beyond Baker's involvement, fans are undoubtedly excited by this news.
Troy Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career
Troy Baker's talent extends far beyond his roles as Joel in The Last of Us and Sam in the Uncharted series. His impressive resume includes a diverse range of video games and animated shows. He voiced Higgs Monaghan, the main antagonist in Death Stranding, including the recently announced Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. He'll also be lending his voice to the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as Indiana Jones himself.
In animation, Baker's credits include Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass and multiple roles in Naruto: Shippuden, such as Yamato and Pain. He also voiced the villainous Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark, and has appeared in numerous other shows, including Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a small sample of his extensive career.
Baker's exceptional performances have earned him numerous nominations at prestigious game awards, including the BAFTA Awards and the Golden Joystick Awards. He won the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards for his portrayal of Joel in the original The Last of Us. His accolades solidify his position as a leading figure in the voice acting world, especially within the video game industry.
