The news that Troy Baker is set to be part of Naughty Dog’s upcoming game has ignited a flurry of theories among enthusiasts of The Last of Us series. This announcement has led some to speculate that The Last of Us Part 3 might not be happening because Joel, Baker’s character, met his end in the previous game. However, this is not necessarily a negative turn for the TLOU community.
In reality, this update might pave the way for thrilling new prospects either within the TLOU universe or by showcasing Baker’s skills in an entirely fresh role. He might even take on a part similar to his appearance in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us Season 1. Given Baker’s vast capabilities as a voice actor, his involvement goes far beyond simply playing a nostalgic role.
Troy Baker is perhaps best recognized in the gaming realm as Joel Miller. But his repertoire spans beyond just The Last of Us, as he’s portrayed a wide array of characters in other renowned video game sagas. For instance, his performances as Sam Drake in Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy, along with the antagonist Delson Rowe in Infamous: Second Son, highlight his knack for embracing diverse personas—from charismatic explorers to troubled anti-heroes.
Moreover, Baker holds a special place in the hearts of The Last of Us fans. It’s this flexibility that allows Naughty Dog to creatively utilize Baker in multiple roles for their next project. His guest appearance in the show’s inaugural season was notably impressive.
Although Joel’s story seems to have concluded, his influence on the narrative might still persist, allowing Baker to make a return. While Joel’s demise was pivotal in TLOU2, flashbacks could pave the way for Baker’s reappearance as Joel Miller. TLOU3 could potentially employ a structure where Joel surfaces through memories, dreams, or hallucinations, which could profoundly impact the storyline and facilitate Ellie’s development alongside the introduction of new characters.
Baker’s involvement in Naughty Dog’s new game doesn’t necessarily imply a major role or a return to Joel. He might take on a subtler role—perhaps a cameo or an NPC. Although familiar with Joel’s flashback appearances, Baker could appear in a minor role akin to his cameo as a member of the cannibalistic society in The Last of Us series on HBO.
A novel NPC role could also provide Naughty Dog with the chance to delve into a different facet of the TLOU world. Baker might voice a character with a unique backstory, potentially someone with their own survival tale amid the apocalyptic chaos. This approach would not only harness Baker’s formidable voice talent to enhance the game’s lore but also offer a narrative branching that might add depth to the storyline, all while leveraging Baker’s undeniable connection with the franchise.
