Troy Baker's role in Naughty Dog's next project does not rule out The Last of Us 3

Confirmation that Troy Baker will be involved in Naughty Dog's next game has sparked a wave of speculation among fans The last of us. While some were quick to interpret this as a sign that TLOU3 not in the cards just because joel was killed off in the last installment doesn't necessarily mean bad news for TLO ventilators.

In fact, this news can open up exciting new opportunities within the boundaries TLO universe or for Baker's talents to shine in an entirely new role, perhaps one like the one he played on the HBO series The last of us Season 1. Baker has a huge range as a voice actor, so it's safe to say that his involvement won't just be a nostalgia card.

Troy Baker has a double meaning for Naughty Dog

Troy Baker is best known in the gaming industry for his role as Joel Miller. However, apart from his iconic role in The last of usBaker has also voiced a wide variety of characters in other video game franchises. His role as Sam Drake in the Uncharted 4 and A lost legacyas well as villain Delson Rowe in the Infamous: Second sonfor example, demonstrates his ability to play very different personalities, from charming adventurers to controversial anti-heroes.

Second, it has sentimental value in hearts The last of us fanbase. It's this versatility that gives Naughty Dog's next game the flexibility to use Baker in a variety of ways. That is why his episodic role in the first part of the show became a headliner through and through.

Joel's return to Last of Us is still possible

Confirmation of Baker's return could still include TLO universe, albeit in a way that doesn't conflict with Joel's death TLOU2. Flashbacks are already widely used in TLOU2and it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for Baker to return as Joel Miller in that capacity. Heavy flash structure for TLOU3 it could even be that Joel appears in a dream sequence, flashback, or hallucination, and that would be enough to affect the story, allowing more room for Ellie to grow and new characters to come into focus.

While it's clear that Joel's arc is complete, his influence on the story isn't necessarily over, and Baker's involvement in this way will allow fans to revisit him

TLoU
character without removing the emotional weight of his death.

Baker may also return as an NPC or cameo

Troy Baker's return for Naughty Dog's next game, even if that's what it's going to be The last of usdoesn't necessarily mean he'll be taking on a major new role or reprising Joel. Instead, it could just be a subtle role, such as a cameo role or an NPC role. While the idea of ​​Joel appearing through flashbacks is familiar, Baker could very well appear in a much lesser capacity, similar to his cannibal society cameo in The last of us HBO series.

The new NPC role could also allow Naughty Dog to explore another aspect of the game TLO universe Baker could voice a character from a different background, perhaps someone who has gone through his own struggles in a post-apocalyptic world. This would allow the franchise to increase traction through Baker's connection to the game while also using his depth as a voice actor to create a distinct non-game character that adds to the lore in some way.