Uncharted and TLOU Star Troy Baker Joins New Naughty Dog Project

Troy Baker, renowned for his roles in Uncharted and The Last of Us, is confirmed to star in another Naughty Dog title. Discover more about his enduring partnership with Neil Druckmann and what this collaboration means for the future.

Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Collaborative History

A Leading Role Awaits

According to a November 25th GQ article, Neil Druckmann has officially confirmed Troy Baker's return to a leading role in Naughty Dog's next project. While details remain scarce, Druckmann's announcement highlights his trust in Baker's talent and their long-standing professional relationship.

Baker's involvement in Druckmann's latest venture is a testament to their enduring collaboration. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated. Their history spans several critically acclaimed titles, including Baker's portrayal of Joel in 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.

Their professional journey wasn't without its challenges. Baker's perfectionism and Druckmann's directorial vision initially clashed. Baker's habit of re-recording performances until satisfied led to occasional disagreements. Druckmann recalls a specific instance: "This is my process. This is what I need," he explained. "No, you need to trust me - it's your job to be viewed, not to view."

Despite these early tensions, a strong friendship formed, resulting in Baker becoming a mainstay in Naughty Dog's projects. Druckmann, while describing Baker as "a demanding actor," lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II. "Troy's trying to stretch the limits of what things are, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination." While specifics about the new game remain undisclosed, fans eagerly anticipate this exciting news.

Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career

Troy Baker's contributions extend far beyond Joel and Sam. His voice acting credits span numerous popular video games and animated series. He notably voiced Higgs Monaghan, the antagonist in Death Stranding, including the recently released Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. He also stars as Indiana Jones in the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

His animation work includes Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass and various roles in Naruto: Shippuden (Yamato and Pain). He also played Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark and lent his voice to characters in Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, Rick and Morty, and many more. This is merely a glimpse into Baker's extensive and acclaimed career.

His exceptional talent has earned him numerous nominations at prestigious game awards, including the BAFTA Awards and Golden Joystick Awards. His performance as Joel in the original The Last of Us won him the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards. With a wealth of accolades, Baker remains a leading figure in the voice acting world, especially within the video game industry.