Hearing that Troy Baker is set to join Naughty Dog’s upcoming project has sent Last of Us fans into a frenzy of speculation. While it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that this means The Last of Us 3 is off the table because of Joel’s fate in the sequel, that’s not necessarily a reason for concern for fans of the series.
Actually, this revelation could present exciting new avenues either within The Last of Us world or allow Baker to showcase his talents in an entirely different role, reminiscent of his part in HBO’s adaptation of the series. Baker possesses remarkable range as a voice actor, making his involvement far more than just a nostalgic nod.
Troy Baker has become a household name in gaming largely due to his portrayal of Joel Miller. However, his impressive career spans various franchises with roles like Sam Drake in Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy, and the morally complex Delson Rowe in Infamous: Second Son. His ability to embody such diverse characters—from adventurous heroes to troubled anti-heroes—highlights his versatility, which makes him an asset to any project Naughty Dog undertakes. It’s no wonder his appearance in the show’s premiere season made waves.
Now, could Joel make a return in The Last of Us? It’s still in the realm of possibility. Although his narrative arc wrapped up in TLOU2, there’s room for creativity. Flashbacks played a significant role previously, so Baker reprising Joel for TLOU3 through memories, dreams, or even hallucinations could easily be woven into the storyline. This approach would allow Ellie’s character to evolve while also introducing new faces, all the while keeping Joel’s influence alive.
Even if Baker’s next game at Naughty Dog isn’t about reprising Joel or taking on a whole new lead role, he could enrich the game in minor yet meaningful ways. Perhaps a cameo or as a significant NPC, similar to his appearance in the HBO series where he stepped into the shoes of a character within the cannibal society. This could open up yet another facet of the TLOU universe and leverage Baker’s skills to create a compelling presence that adds depth to the existing lore.
In the end, even if Joel’s journey has concluded, his impact on the series resonates, and Baker’s return can honor that legacy without altering its emotional significance. This enables fans to reconnect with Joel in meaningful ways without taking away from the story’s weight.
Alternatively, by voicing a new NPC, Baker could bring a fresh perspective to the TLOU world, perhaps portraying someone with a unique backstory shaped by the post-apocalyptic landscape. Such a role would allow the franchise to continue thriving, driven by Baker’s strong connection to the game and his ability to create memorable, narrative-rich characters.
