Troy Baker’s involvement in the upcoming Naughty Dog project has stirred up quite the buzz among fans, especially those of The Last of Us series. Some are speculating that this rules out the possibility of a third installment, given Joel’s fate in the last game. But let’s not jump to conclusions too quickly.
This actually opens up a world of possibilities for what might come next in the TLOU universe. Baker’s rich talent as a voice actor means he could be stepping into any number of exciting roles, just like his performance in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us. His involvement is likely far more than just a nostalgia trip.
Baker, who has famously portrayed Joel Miller, hasn’t limited his career to just this iconic role. His credits span across major franchises beyond The Last of Us, including roles like Sam Drake in Uncharted 4 and the villainous Delson Rowe in Infamous: Second Son. This range of characters — from lovable rogues to morally complex figures — showcases his versatility, a quality that Naughty Dog can leverage for their next big project. His appearance in the TV series was a highlight that many fans thoroughly enjoyed for this very reason.
Joel might have met his end in TLOU2, but that doesn’t shut the door on his return to the narrative entirely. Remember, flashbacks played a significant role in TLOU2, and there’s no reason they couldn’t be used again. It’s conceivable that Baker could return as Joel in flashback sequences or even as part of dream sequences or memories. This would enable the storyline to evolve while still keeping the focus on Ellie and allowing new characters to step into the spotlight.
Moreover, even if this new game doesn’t feature a prominent return as Joel, there’s always a chance for Baker to reappear in a smaller capacity, whether that’s as a cameo or stepping into the shoes of a new NPC. As seen with his cameo in the HBO series, even a brief role can make a meaningful impact. A new character voiced by Baker might come from a different background, offering a fresh perspective within the post-apocalyptic setting of TLOU.
In this way, the franchise can continue to thrive, utilizing Baker’s incredible voice talent without retracing old steps. His presence could enrich the narrative, giving depth to new characters and broadening the scope of the world Naughty Dog has already so masterfully crafted.
