Naughty Dog Adds Industry Veteran Troy Baker to Next Game

Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is set to reprise his collaboration with Naughty Dog in a leading role for their next game. This exciting news, confirmed by Neil Druckmann himself, promises another captivating performance from the acclaimed voice actor.

Baker and Druckmann's Collaborative History

A Leading Role Awaits

A recent GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will once again take center stage in an upcoming Naughty Dog title, directed by Neil Druckmann. While plot details remain shrouded in secrecy, Druckmann's public endorsement speaks volumes about his trust in Baker's exceptional talent and their enduring professional relationship.

Druckmann expressed his unwavering confidence in Baker, stating, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy." Their history together is extensive, encompassing 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 overseen by Druckmann.

Their early collaboration wasn't without its challenges. Differing approaches to character development led to initial friction. Baker's meticulous approach, often involving multiple takes to achieve perfection, initially clashed with Druckmann's vision. Druckmann recalls a pivotal moment: "This is my process. This is what I need." Baker's response, "No, you need to trust me – it's your job to be viewed, not to view." highlights their contrasting methodologies.

Despite these early differences, a strong bond formed, resulting in Baker becoming a mainstay in subsequent Naughty Dog productions. Druckmann, while acknowledging Baker's demanding nature as an actor ("a demanding actor"), lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II. He noted, "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 scarce, the announcement of Baker's involvement is undoubtedly thrilling news for fans.

Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Portfolio

Troy Baker's accolades extend far beyond his contributions to Naughty Dog's projects. His impressive resume includes memorable roles in numerous video games and animated series. He masterfully portrayed Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the recently released Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and will lend his voice to the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as the titular adventurer.

His animation work is equally impressive, featuring roles such as Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and various characters in Naruto: Shippuden (Yamato and Pain), and even the villainous Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark. He's also graced shows like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty, among many others. This is merely a glimpse into a career spanning countless roles.

His exceptional talent has garnered numerous awards nominations, including BAFTA Awards and Golden Joystick Awards. His performance as Joel in the original The Last of Us earned him the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards. His consistent excellence has firmly cemented his status as a leading figure in the voice acting industry.