Veteran voice actor Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in the Uncharted and The Last of Us franchises, is set to reprise his collaboration with Naughty Dog. Neil Druckmann, the acclaimed director, confirmed Baker's leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog title, as reported in a recent GQ article. This announcement highlights the enduring professional relationship between the two creatives.
A Long-Standing Partnership, Forged in Creative Tension
Baker's contributions to Naughty Dog's successes are undeniable, having voiced Joel in The Last of Us and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4 and its sequel. However, their collaborative journey wasn't always smooth sailing. Druckmann and Baker initially clashed over their differing approaches to character portrayal; Baker's meticulous approach contrasted with Druckmann's directorial vision. Despite these early tensions, their professional respect blossomed into a close friendship, resulting in Baker becoming a staple in Druckmann's projects. Druckmann, while acknowledging Baker's demanding nature ("a demanding actor," he's described him), praised Baker's performance in The Last of Us Part II, noting Baker's ability to elevate the characters beyond Druckmann's initial conception.
While specifics about the new game remain undisclosed, the news of Baker's involvement has generated considerable excitement among fans.
A Vast and Varied Voice Acting Legacy
Baker's talent extends far beyond the Naughty Dog universe. His impressive resume includes memorable roles such as Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones game, and numerous characters in acclaimed anime series like Code Geass and Naruto Shippuden. He's also lent his voice to various animated shows, including popular franchises like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. His extensive work has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including a Spike Video Game Award for Best Voice Actor for his portrayal of Joel in the original The Last of Us. His contributions to the gaming and animation world have cemented his status as a leading voice actor.
