Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is back with Naughty Dog for another project! Neil Druckmann confirmed Baker's leading role in an upcoming game. Let's delve into their collaborative history and what this means for fans.
The Baker-Druckmann Partnership: A Story of Collaboration
A Reunion at Naughty Dog
A November 25th GQ article confirmed Troy Baker's leading role in Naughty Dog's next game, a testament to the strong bond between Baker and director Neil Druckmann. While details remain scarce, Druckmann's statement highlights his trust in Baker's exceptional talent.
Baker's involvement underscores the enduring collaboration between the two. Druckmann himself stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy,
" emphasizing their long-standing professional relationship. Baker previously voiced Joel in The Last of Us and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4 and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, many of which were directed by Druckmann.
Their journey wasn't always smooth sailing. Early on, their creative approaches clashed. Baker's meticulous approach, often re-recording scenes until he felt satisfied, initially contrasted with Druckmann's directorial style. Druckmann recalls needing to intervene, 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 these initial differences, their collaboration flourished. They forged a strong friendship, and Druckmann subsequently cast Baker in numerous Naughty Dog projects. Even describing Baker as "a demanding actor," Druckmann lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II, noting, “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 are yet to be revealed, this exciting news is sure to thrill fans.
Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career
Troy Baker's impact extends far beyond Joel and Sam. His impressive resume includes roles in numerous popular video games and animated series. He notably voiced Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the recently released Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and will 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, Naruto: Shippuden, Transformers: EarthSpark, and various beloved shows like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a glimpse of his extensive and varied work.
Baker's exceptional talent has earned him numerous accolades, including BAFTA and Golden Joystick Award nominations. His portrayal of Joel in the first The Last of Us secured him the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards. His achievements solidify his position as a leading figure in the voice acting world, particularly within the video game industry.
