Troy Baker reveals he was unprepared for The Last of Us role

Troy Baker reflects on the pressures he faced while embodying Joel in The Last of Us.

Troy Baker reveals challenges of playing Joel in The Last of Us

Troy Baker, known for his diverse roles in video games, spoke candidly at GalaxyCon New Orleans 2025 about his experience playing Joel in The Last of Us. He admitted he felt "woefully unprepared" for the role, highlighting the immense pressure that came with portraying such an iconic character. Baker shared that while he was excited, the weight of delivering a compelling performance loomed large. He noted that among the challenges, he was reminded of his lack of preparation, drawing parallels to the unexpected fears one might feel before jumping off a diving board. Despite these feelings, he recognized that the project was in good hands with Naughty Dog, a studio known for its successful titles. Baker acknowledged that the role significantly impacted his acting skills, teaching him to connect with the character on a deeper level.

Baker's admission sheds light on the often-hidden pressures faced by voice actors in video games. As storytelling becomes more complex in the gaming industry, actors like Baker find themselves navigating new emotional depths. His reflections reveal that the anxiety of performing in a beloved franchise can lead to personal and professional growth. This highlights the evolving landscape of video games where narrative and character development require not only talent but also a profound understanding of the role.

Highlights

Baker's journey underscores the challenges and rewards of voice acting in modern video games.