The Last of Us is an action-adventure game that has become a hit amongst gamers since its release in 2013.
This post-apocalyptic zombie game has won numerous awards, and one of the main characters, Joel, has become a beloved protagonist.
Who plays Joel in The Last of Us?
This article will answer that question and explore the actor’s history and his other works.
What is The Last of Us
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2013. It has become one of the most popular games of the modern gaming era, selling over 17 million copies worldwide.
Joel is an integral part of The Last of Us, and his character helps drive the story forward. He is a survivor who has been hardened by years of living in a post-apocalyptic world. His relationship with Ellie, and their journey together, serves as a core part of the game’s narrative arc.
The Actor: Troy Baker
Background information on Troy Baker
1. Early life and career
Troy Baker is an actor and voice actor best known for his roles in movies, video games, and television shows. He was born in Dallas, Texas on April 1st, 1976, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a trumpet player and his mother was a singer.
2. Notable previous roles
Prior to his role as Joel in The Last of Us, Troy Baker had already established a successful career as an actor and voice actor. Some of his notable roles include playing Booker DeWitt in the popular video game Bioshock Infinite, Kanji Tatsumi in the game Persona 4, and Delsin Rowe in the popular game Infamous Second Son. He has also voiced roles in popular animated movies such as Big Hero 6 and The Lego Movie.
The process of casting Troy Baker as Joel
1. Audition and selection
Troy Baker was selected for the role of Joel after a rigorous audition process. He had to compete against other actors and voice actors for the part, and he was ultimately chosen by director Neil Druckmann due to his acting ability and emotional range.
2. Director’s decision to cast Baker
Director Neil Druckmann ultimately chose to cast Troy Baker as Joel in The Last of Us due to his ability to bring the complex character of Joel to life. Druckmann was impressed by Baker’s depth and range of emotions, and he felt that the actor could capture the essence and humanity of Joel. Druckmann recalled, “Troy brought something special to the character that I wasn’t expecting.”
Understanding Joel as a Character
Joel’s role in The Last of Us
1. Main protagonist and playable character
Joel is the main protagonist and playable character in The Last of Us. He is a middle-aged survivor of the post-apocalyptic world, struggling to keep his humanity intact despite the horrific violence he has witnessed firsthand.
2. Complex and layered personality
Joel is a complex character with a layered personality that drives the story of The Last of Us forward. On the surface, he may appear to be a gruff and hardened survivor, but beneath this exterior lies a deep pain from his past that has shaped him into who he is today.
Troy Baker’s portrayal of Joel
1. Bringing depth and authenticity to the character
Troy Baker was able to bring depth and authenticity to his portrayal of Joel truly bringing the character to life. He was able to convey both the gruff exterior and the pain and vulnerability that lay beneath it, which made Joel feel like an honest and real person. Baker’s performance was praised by many critics for its emotional depth and nuance.
2. Emotional range and nuanced performance
Troy Baker was able to bring a range of emotions to his portrayal of Joel, from anger and frustration to despair and sadness. His nuanced performance was able to capture the complexity of Joel’s character, making him feel like a real person whose motivations and actions had real depth and meaning.
Reception and Impact
Critical reception to Troy Baker’s performance
1. Praise for capturing the essence of Joel
Troy Baker’s performance as Joel in The Last of Us was met with critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to capture the essence of the character and bring him to life in a realistic and relatable way. Many noted that Baker was able to portray both the strength and vulnerability of Joel, making him a truly memorable character.
2. Awards and nominations
Troy Baker’s performance as Joel in The Last of Us was recognized by the gaming industry with many awards and nominations, including a nomination for Outstanding Character Performance at the 17th Annual DICE Awards, and a win for Best Performance at the 2014 Video Game BAFTAs.
Impact of Troy Baker’s portrayal on the game’s success
1. Engaging players and creating emotional connections
Troy Baker’s portrayal of Joel was integral to the success of The Last of Us, as it enabled players to engage with the character in a meaningful way and created an emotional connection between them and Joel that made the game even more immersive.
2. Contributing to the game’s immersive storytelling
Troy Baker’s portrayal of Joel also helped contribute to the game’s immersive storytelling, as it allowed players to understand and empathize with Joel in a way that made his journey and struggles more meaningful.
Legacy of Joel and Troy Baker’s Performance
Lasting impact on the gaming community
1. Fans’ appreciation for the character and the actor
Troy Baker’s performance as Joel in The Last of Us has been fondly remembered by gaming fans, with many praising his ability to bring the character to life and create an emotional connection between them and Joel.
2. Memorable moments and quotes
Troy Baker’s performance as Joel in The Last of Us had many memorable moments and quotes that resonated with players, such as his tearful goodbye to Ellie or his declaration of “I’m not going to save the world” after destroying the Fireflies’ lab.
Troy Baker’s ongoing career in voice acting
1. Continuing to portray beloved characters in other games
Troy Baker has continued to portray beloved characters in other games, with his performances as Booker DeWitt in Bioshock Infinite, Higgs Monaghan in Death Stranding, and Corvo Attano in Dishonored 2 being particularly well-received.
2. Establishing himself as a prominent voice actor in the industry
Troy Baker has since established himself as one of the most prominent voice actors in the gaming industry, earning praise from fans and critics for his performances in numerous games. His success has led to a variety of opportunities outside of video games, such as voicing characters on animated television shows and in films.
Conclusion
Troy Baker’s performance as Joel in The Last of Us was integral to the game’s success, as his nuanced portrayal enabled players to engage with and empathize with the character in a meaningful way. His performance also created an emotional connection between them and Joel that made the game even more immersive.
His impact was recognized by the gaming industry with many awards and nominations, and his legacy continues to live on with fans of the game cherishing the character he brought to life. Troy Baker has since gone on to establish himself as one of the most prominent voice actors in the gaming industry, and his success is a testament to his skill and talent.
