Troy Baker Returns to Naughty Dog

Neil Druckmann confirmed Troy Baker’s return in a key role for Naughty Dog’s game. Read on to learn more about their enduring collaboration and what’s next for Baker.

Troy Baker’s Robust Professional Partnership with Neil DruckmannReturning for Naughty Dog’s Upcoming Game

Neil Druckmann confirmed that Troy Baker will reprise a starring role in Naughty Dog’s upcoming title, according to a November 25th GQ article. While specifics about the game remain undisclosed, Druckmann's affirmation highlights his faith in Baker's abilities and their enduring professional bond.

Troy Baker has again accepted a starring role in Druckmann’s new endeavor at Naughty Dog. In a heartbeat, I would always collaborate with Troy, Druckmann stated. The pair share a lengthy history, with Baker voicing Joel in the acclaimed The Last of Us series and Samuel Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, many of which Druckmann directed.

Their professional relationship was initially challenging, as Baker and Druckmann held differing opinions on character portrayal. For example, Baker would review his performance and re-record if dissatisfied. At one juncture, Druckmann interjected. “This is my method. This is what I require,” he declared. “No, you must trust me - it's your duty to be observed, not to observe.”

Despite the friction between them, they became close friends and Druckmann cast Baker in most of Naughty Dog’s games. Though the game director characterized him “as a demanding performer,” he lauded Baker’s performance in The Last of Us II. “Troy’s trying to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination.”
Though there is no further information about this upcoming game, aside from Baker’s voice acting role, fans will surely be pleased with this exciting news.

Troy Baker’s Voice Acting History

Troy Baker is not only lauded as Joel in The Last of Us I and II or Sam in the Uncharted series. He also starred in numerous popular video games and animated series. For instance, he voiced Higgs Monaghan, the primary antagonist in the Death Stranding series, including the new Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Baker also assumes the lead role as Indiana Jones in the forthcoming and one of the most anticipated games this year, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

On the animation front, Baker voiced Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass and multiple characters in Naruto: Shippuden, such as Yamato and Pain. He also played the villainous role of Shockwave in Transformers: EarthSpark. Additionally, he voiced characters in series like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, Rick and Morty, and more. These examples are just a fraction of Baker's extensive voice-acting credits.

Due to his exceptional performances, Baker received numerous nominations at game awards, such as the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Joystick Awards, and several others. He won the Best Voice Actor award at the Spike Video Game Awards in 2013 for his portrayal of Joel in the first The Last of Us game. With numerous nominations and awards, Baker has solidified his position as a leading figure in the voice-acting industry, especially in video games.