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 details on their history and what this means for fans.
Troy Baker and Neil Druckmann: A Collaborative History
Baker Returns 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 about the project remain undisclosed, Druckmann's confirmation highlights the strong bond and mutual respect between them. Druckmann himself stated, "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy,
" showcasing their enduring professional relationship. Their previous collaborations include Baker's iconic 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 working relationship wasn't always smooth sailing. Early on, their differing approaches to character development led to some 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 intervene, emphasizing the importance of trust in the director's process.
Despite these initial challenges, their professional bond strengthened, resulting in numerous collaborations. Druckmann, while acknowledging Baker's demanding nature as an actor, praised his performance in The Last of Us Part II, noting his ability to surpass even Druckmann's own expectations.
While details about the new game remain scarce, the news of Baker's involvement is sure to excite fans.
Beyond Naughty Dog: Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career
Troy Baker's talent extends far beyond his work with Naughty Dog. His impressive resume includes roles in numerous critically acclaimed video games and animated series. He's known for voicing Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, including the recently released sequel, and will soon be heard as Indiana Jones in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny game.
His animation credits are equally impressive, encompassing roles in Code Geass, Naruto: Shippuden, Transformers: EarthSpark, and many more, including appearances in shows like Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty.
Baker's exceptional performances have garnered him numerous awards and nominations, including a Spike Video Game Award for Best Voice Actor (2013) for his role as Joel in The Last of Us. His contributions to the world of voice acting have solidified his status as a leading figure in the industry.