Acclaimed Voice Actor Troy Baker Signs on for New Naughty Dog Title

Acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker is set to reprise his role in another Naughty Dog production, as confirmed by Neil Druckmann. This exciting news follows Baker's memorable performances in previous Naughty Dog titles. Read on to discover more about their collaborative history and what this means for Baker's future projects.

Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Collaborative History

A Leading Role Awaits

A November 25th GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will once again take on a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog game, a project helmed by Neil Druckmann. While specifics remain undisclosed, Druckmann's confirmation highlights the strong bond and mutual respect between the two. Druckmann stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," emphasizing their enduring professional relationship.

Baker's previous collaborations with Druckmann include 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. Their journey wasn't always smooth sailing, however. Early on, their 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 moment where he had to assert his directorial style, stating, “This is my process. This is what I need.” Baker's response was, “No, you need to trust me - it's your job to be viewed, not to view.”

Despite these initial creative differences, a strong working relationship blossomed, resulting in Baker becoming a staple in Naughty Dog's projects. 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."

Beyond Naughty Dog: A Stellar Voice Acting Career

Troy Baker's talent extends far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. His impressive resume boasts a diverse range of roles across video games and animation. He's known for portraying Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the recently released Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and will lend his voice to the iconic Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

His animation credits are equally impressive, encompassing roles in Code Geass, Naruto: Shippuden, Transformers: EarthSpark, and various animated shows, including Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a glimpse into his extensive and highly acclaimed career.

Baker's exceptional contributions have garnered numerous nominations and awards, including a Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards 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.