Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is set to star in another Naughty Dog title. This exciting news, confirmed by Neil Druckmann, promises another compelling collaboration between these two industry giants. Continue reading to delve deeper into their history and what this means for fans.
The Baker-Druckmann Partnership: A History of Success
A Leading Role Awaits
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 himself. While specifics remain under wraps, Druckmann's endorsement speaks volumes about his faith in Baker's exceptional talent and their enduring professional relationship.
Baker's casting marks another chapter in his long and fruitful collaboration with Druckmann. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated, highlighting their strong bond. Their history includes Baker's iconic portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4 and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – projects largely overseen by Druckmann.
Their journey wasn't always smooth sailing. Early on, their contrasting approaches to character development led to some friction. Baker's meticulous self-criticism and tendency to retake scenes, even when Druckmann felt satisfied, initially caused tension. "This is my process. This is what I need," Druckmann stated at one point. "No, you need to trust me – it's your job to be viewed, not to view.”
Despite these initial differences, a strong friendship developed, and Druckmann consistently sought Baker's talents for subsequent Naughty Dog projects. While acknowledging Baker's "demanding" nature as an actor, Druckmann lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II, stating, "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 details about the new game remain scarce beyond Baker's involvement, fans eagerly anticipate this exciting development.
Beyond Naughty Dog: A Vast and Varied Career
Troy Baker's impact extends far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. His impressive repertoire includes memorable roles in numerous video games and animated series. He voiced Higgs Monaghan, the compelling antagonist in Death Stranding and its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. He's also slated to lend his voice to Indiana Jones in the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
His animation credits are equally impressive, encompassing roles in Code Geass (Schneizel el Britannia), Naruto: Shippuden (Yamato and Pain), and Transformers: EarthSpark (Shockwave), among many others. He's also contributed to popular shows such as Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a glimpse into his extensive and diverse career.
Baker's exceptional talent has garnered numerous accolades, including BAFTA and Golden Joystick Award nominations. His portrayal of Joel in the original The Last of Us game earned him the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards. His consistent recognition firmly establishes him as a leading figure in the voice acting world, particularly within the video game industry.