Troy Baker claims The Last of Us 2 will make fans “question everything”
Naughty Dog / SonyFresh off the shocking news that The Last of Us Part 2 has been delayed indefinitely, Joel’s voice actor Troy Baker eased the pain by dishing out details on the PlayStation 4 game’s harrowing story.
On April 3, Sony and developer Naughty Dog made the shocking announcement that The Last of Us Part 2 had been delayed “until further notice.” The hotly anticipated AAA title was put on hold due to current world events.
While the news was certainly unexpected and disappointing, the voice actor for Joel revealed new details about the game’s story. In an interview with Fandom, Troy Baker gives fans a glimpse into what they should expect for the narrative.
Joel’s voice actor reveals new story details
As seen in the game’s marketing, Ellie has shifted to the game’s main protagonist and players will control the 19-year old. However according to Baker, Joel will still “play a central role” in the title.
The actor also teased that the sequel will have revelations about established characters. “People will question everything. I want to be able to challenge their own ideas about what this game is, what this world is, who the characters are – everything,” he said.
He then explained that he hopes fans of the series go in with an “open mind” with where creator Neil Druckmann takes the story. “I want people to go in open-minded to this story, and allow Joel and Ellie to tell their story – not the story that people think that they want to be told.”
Naughty Dog / SonyThe voice actor also opened up about the first time hearing the full story, and described how he was left speechless during his meeting with Druckmann. “By the end of it, I was silent — like I was sat at the feet of the greatest storyteller. It was an amazing story.”
While The Last of Us is one of the most critically acclaimed titles of all times, Baker explained the uncertainty of how some fans will receive the sequel given the ambitious direction that it takes.
“I don’t know whether people are going to like it or they’re going to hate it, but they definitely will NOT be ambivalent about it,” he said.
The Last of Us Part 2 was announced in 2016 at the PlayStation Experience, and was originally set to release on May 29, 2020. However the title’s release is now on hold indefinitely until “logistics” are figured out.
While fans will have to wait even longer for the sequel, if Joel’s voice actor’s impressions are anything to go off of, they will be in for one hell of an emotional ride. Which isn’t surprising given the first game’s brutally unflinching narrative.