Troy Baker Reteams with Naughty Dog for a New Leading Role
Neil Druckmann has confirmed the return of acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker in a lead role for an upcoming Naughty Dog title. This announcement, featured in a November 25th GQ article, highlights the enduring creative partnership between Baker and Druckmann.
A Long-Standing Collaboration
Druckmann's enthusiastic endorsement of Baker underscores their strong working relationship. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated. Their history together is extensive, with Baker providing the voice of Joel in the acclaimed The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, many of which were directed by Druckmann.
While their initial collaborations weren't without friction – stemming from differing approaches to character portrayal – their professional bond has blossomed into a close friendship. Druckmann, while describing Baker as "a demanding actor," praised his performance in The Last of Us Part II, noting Baker's ability to exceed even Druckmann's own creative vision.
Though details about the new game remain scarce, the news of Baker's involvement is sure to excite fans.
Beyond Naughty Dog: A Celebrated Voice Acting Career
Baker's impressive resume extends far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. He's lent his voice to numerous iconic video game characters, including Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, and will soon portray Indiana Jones in the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny video game. His animation credits are equally impressive, encompassing roles in Code Geass, Naruto: Shippuden, Transformers: EarthSpark, and many more.
His exceptional talent has garnered significant recognition, including nominations for prestigious awards like the BAFTAs and Golden Joystick Awards, and a Spike Video Game Award win for his portrayal of Joel in the original The Last of Us. Baker's contributions have solidified his position as a leading figure in the world of video game voice acting.