Naughty Dog's Next Game Signs Troy Baker

Troy Baker Returns to Naughty Dog: A Leading Role Confirmed

Neil Druckmann has officially confirmed Troy Baker's return for a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog title, as reported in a recent GQ article. This announcement highlights the enduring collaboration between these two industry giants.

A Longstanding Partnership, Forged in Creative Friction

Baker's casting underscores the strong bond between him and Druckmann. Druckmann himself stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," revealing a deep professional respect. Their history is extensive, with Baker lending his voice to iconic characters like Joel in The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy, many of which were Druckmann-directed.

Their creative journey wasn't always smooth sailing. Early collaborations saw clashes in their approaches to character portrayal. Baker's meticulous nature, often leading to multiple takes, initially tested Druckmann's patience. 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 differences, a strong friendship and professional respect developed. Druckmann, while describing Baker as "a demanding actor," praised his performance in The Last of Us Part II, noting, "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 new game remain scarce, fans are undoubtedly thrilled by Baker's involvement.

Troy Baker: A Voice Acting Legacy

Troy Baker's contributions extend far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. His extensive repertoire includes memorable roles like Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny game, Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and various characters in Naruto: Shippuden, Transformers: EarthSpark, and numerous animated shows.

His exceptional talent has garnered numerous accolades, 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 voice actor in the gaming industry.