Troy Baker Returns to Naughty Dog: A Leading Role Confirmed
Neil Druckmann has confirmed the return of acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker for a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog title. This announcement, featured in a November 25th GQ article, highlights the enduring collaboration between Baker and Druckmann.
A Long-Standing, Yet Evolving Partnership
Baker's involvement underscores the deep trust and respect between him and Druckmann. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated. Their history is extensive, encompassing Baker's iconic portrayals of Joel in The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – projects largely overseen by Druckmann.
Their professional journey wasn't without its challenges. Early collaborations saw clashes in creative approaches, with Baker's meticulous self-critique sometimes clashing with Druckmann's directorial vision. Druckmann recalls a pivotal moment: "This is my process. This is what I need," he said. "No, you need to trust me – it's your job to be viewed, not to view.”
Despite these initial differences, a strong bond formed. Druckmann, while describing Baker as "a demanding actor," lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II, noting, "Troy's trying to stretch the limits of what a thing is, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination."
While details remain scarce about this new project, the news of Baker's participation is sure to excite fans.
Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Legacy
Beyond his work with Naughty Dog, Troy Baker boasts a remarkable career. His credits include Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, the upcoming Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and numerous roles in Naruto: Shippuden and Transformers: EarthSpark. His voice work spans animation, including appearances in Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty.
His exceptional talent has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including a Spike Video Game Award for Best Voice Actor (2013) for his role as Joel in The Last of Us. Baker stands as a leading figure in video game voice acting.
