Troy Baker Returns to Naughty Dog: A Leading Role Awaits
Neil Druckmann has confirmed the exciting news: Troy Baker will reprise a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog title. This announcement, featured in a November 25th GQ article, highlights the enduring collaboration between these two industry giants. While details remain scarce, Druckmann's confidence in Baker's talent speaks volumes about their successful partnership.
A Collaborative History, Forged in Creative Tension
Baker's involvement stems from a deep-rooted professional relationship with Druckmann. Druckmann himself stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy,
" showcasing their strong bond. Their history includes Baker's iconic portrayals of Joel in The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – projects largely helmed by Druckmann.
Their journey wasn't without its challenges. Early collaborations saw creative friction, stemming from differing approaches to character portrayal. Baker's meticulous approach, often involving multiple takes to achieve his vision, initially clashed with Druckmann's directorial style. 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 hurdles, a strong friendship blossomed, leading to Baker's consistent casting in subsequent Naughty Dog productions. Druckmann, while acknowledging Baker's "demanding" nature as an actor, lauded his performance in The Last of Us Part II, stating, “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, fans eagerly anticipate Baker's contribution.
A Voice Acting Legacy
Beyond his work with Naughty Dog, Troy Baker boasts an extensive and impressive voice acting resume. His roles span numerous acclaimed video games and animated series. He's known for portraying Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the upcoming Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and will soon lend his voice to Indiana Jones in the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
His animation credits include Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, multiple roles in Naruto: Shippuden (Yamato and Pain), and the villainous Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark. He's also contributed to shows like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a glimpse into his extensive career.
Baker's exceptional talent has garnered numerous nominations and awards, including a Best Voice Actor win at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards for his portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us. His contributions have solidified his position as a leading figure in the voice acting world.
