Acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker is set to reprise his role in another Naughty Dog title, as confirmed by Neil Druckmann. This collaboration continues a long and successful partnership between the two. Read on for more details on their history and Baker's upcoming project.
Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Collaborative History
Baker's Return to Naughty Dog
A November 25th GQ article revealed that Troy Baker will once again take on a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog game, directed by Neil Druckmann. While specifics remain undisclosed, Druckmann's confirmation highlights the strength of their working relationship and Baker's exceptional talent. Druckmann stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy,
" emphasizing their enduring professional bond. Their past collaborations include 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.
Their initial collaboration wasn't without its challenges. Baker and Druckmann differed on performance approaches, leading to initial friction. Baker's meticulous nature and desire for perfection sometimes clashed with Druckmann's vision. Druckmann recalls an instance where he had to intervene, stating, “This is my process. This is what I need,” to which Baker responded, “No, you need to trust me - it's your job to be viewed, not to view.”
Despite these early differences, a strong friendship and professional respect developed. Druckmann has since frequently cast Baker in Naughty Dog projects, acknowledging him as a "demanding actor" but praising his exceptional contributions, particularly in The Last of Us Part II. Druckmann noted, “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, the news of Baker's involvement is sure to excite fans.
Beyond Naughty Dog: Troy Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career
Troy Baker's impressive resume extends far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. He's known for his roles as Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the sequel Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and as the voice of Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. His animation credits include Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, multiple roles in Naruto: Shippuden, and Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark. He's also lent his voice to numerous animated shows, including Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty.
His exceptional talent has earned him numerous accolades, including nominations for BAFTA Awards and Golden Joystick Awards, and a Spike Video Game Award for Best Voice Actor in 2013 for his role as Joel in The Last of Us. His extensive and varied work has solidified his position as a leading figure in the voice acting industry.
