Uncharted's Troy Baker Joins Naughty Dog's Next Project

Acclaimed voice actor Troy Baker is set to reprise a leading role in an upcoming Naughty Dog title, confirming a continued collaboration with director Neil Druckmann. This exciting news follows a long and successful partnership between the two.

Baker and Druckmann's Collaborative History

A Leading Role in Naughty Dog's Next Project

A November 25th GQ article confirmed Baker's involvement, highlighting the strong bond between the actor and the director. While details remain scarce, Druckmann's public endorsement speaks volumes about his trust in Baker's talent.

Baker's participation in this new project underscores their enduring professional relationship. "In a heartbeat, I would always work with Troy," Druckmann stated. Their history includes 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, many of which Druckmann directed.

Their journey wasn't always smooth. Early collaborations saw creative differences regarding character portrayal. Baker's dedication to perfection sometimes clashed with Druckmann's vision. Druckmann recalls a pivotal moment: "This is my process. This is what I need," he explained to Baker, adding, "No, you need to trust me—it's your job to be viewed, not to view."

Despite initial friction, a strong friendship developed. Druckmann consistently cast Baker in subsequent Naughty Dog projects, acknowledging his demanding nature while praising his exceptional performance in The Last of Us Part II. "Troy's trying to stretch the limits of what a thing is, and often he succeeds at making it better than it was in my imagination," Druckmann commented. While specifics about the new game remain undisclosed, fans eagerly await this exciting collaboration.

Baker's Extensive Voice Acting Career

Troy Baker's contributions extend far beyond Joel and Sam. His impressive resume includes Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, the upcoming Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Schneizel el Britannia in Code Geass, and various roles in Naruto: Shippuden and Transformers: EarthSpark. He's also lent his voice to numerous animated shows, including Scooby Doo, Ben 10, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. This is just a glimpse of his extensive and acclaimed career.

Baker's talent has earned him numerous accolades, including nominations at prestigious events like the BAFTA Awards and Golden Joystick Awards. His portrayal of Joel in the original The Last of Us even secured him the Best Voice Actor award at the 2013 Spike Video Game Awards. His consistent excellence has cemented his position as a leading figure in the voice acting industry.