Acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker is set to reprise his role in another Naughty Dog title, as confirmed by Neil Druckmann. This collaboration continues a long and successful partnership between the two. Read on to discover more about their history and Baker's upcoming project.
Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Collaborative History
Returning for a Leading Role
A November 25th GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will once again take on a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog game, directed by Neil Druckmann. While details remain scarce, Druckmann's statement highlights the strong bond and mutual respect between them. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated.
Their history together is extensive, with Baker voicing Joel in the critically 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 Druckmann's directorial efforts. Their professional relationship wasn't always smooth sailing, however. Baker's meticulous approach and high standards sometimes clashed with Druckmann's vision. Druckmann recalls a specific instance where he had to remind Baker to trust the directorial process.
Despite initial creative differences, they forged a strong working relationship and 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 expectations. "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 undisclosed, the news of Baker's involvement is sure to excite fans.
A Celebrated Voice Acting Career
Troy Baker's contributions extend far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. He's lent his voice to numerous iconic video game characters and animated series. His roles include Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and various characters in Naruto: Shippuden and Transformers: EarthSpark. His extensive credits also include 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 portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us. His consistent excellence has cemented his place as a leading figure in the voice acting industry.
