Voice Actor Troy Baker Joins Latest Naughty Dog Project

Celebrated voice actor Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is set to reprise his collaboration with Naughty Dog for another highly anticipated title. This exciting news confirms a continued partnership between Baker and creative director Neil Druckmann.

A Dynamic Duo: Baker and Druckmann Reunite

A November 25th GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will take on a leading role in Naughty Dog's next project, a testament to the strong bond and mutual respect between Baker and Druckmann. Druckmann himself stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," highlighting their enduring professional relationship. Their history includes Baker's iconic portrayals of Joel in The Last of Us and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, projects largely helmed by Druckmann.

Their collaboration wasn't always smooth sailing. Early on, differing approaches to character portrayal led to creative friction. Baker's meticulous approach, often involving multiple takes to achieve perfection, initially clashed with Druckmann's 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 challenges, a strong friendship and professional respect blossomed. Druckmann, while describing Baker as "a demanding actor," lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II, commenting, "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 details about the upcoming game remain scarce, the announcement alone is thrilling news for fans.

A Legacy of Voice Acting Excellence

Troy Baker's repertoire extends far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. He's lent his voice to a vast array of popular video games and animated series, including Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny video game, Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and numerous roles in Naruto: Shippuden and Transformers: EarthSpark. His credits also encompass appearances in Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty.

His exceptional talent has garnered numerous accolades, including a Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards for his role as Joel in The Last of Us. Nominations from prestigious awards like the BAFTAs and Golden Joystick Awards further solidify his status as a leading figure in the voice acting world.