Troy Baker is returning to Naughty Dog, but not in The Last of Us Part 3. Find out why his next project with Neil Druckmann.

Well, if you have been keeping tabs on all the recent rumors and were thinking that Troy Baker’s involvement in Naughty Dog’s new project could only mean The Last of Us Part 3, you might want to take a seat. According to the latest reports, it’s true that Baker will be working with the studio again, but not in the way many fans were hoping.

Fans are excited to see what Baker will take part in. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

However, instead of playing Joel Miller in The Last of Us 3, Baker’s next role seems to be attached to a whole new project directed by Neil Druckmann. While fans might have been hoping for the return of their favorite survivor, this news could be a bit of a gut punch for those who still hope to see Joel in another chapter in The Last of Us saga.

What’s the Next Project for Troy Baker and Naughty Dog?

There are lots of rumors floating around but it seems like Baker will be working on a new project. | Image credit: Naughty Dog

Given the tragic events of The Last of Us Part 2, there were very few chances for Joel to make his return in the next installment of the beloved franchise. His death in the sequel felt like the end of his journey, and while fans still hoping to see him as a flashback or some other way, it seems less likely that will happen.

So, what does Troy Baker’s involvement mean for future projects? Could he be involved in a fresh franchise or returning as a previous character? With his impressive talent and ongoing success, fans are also curious to see what character he will bring to life next.

Baker’s latest project is the upcoming Indiana Jones and The Circle Circle (6th December), where he is breathing new life into the character of Indiana Jones. The trailer and teaser have shown that Baker is doing justice to the role, further cementing his legacy.

While there are rumors floating suggesting that he may make a return to the iconic Uncharted series, and possibly reprise his role as Sam Drake, it’s still a long shot. Uncharted 4 had a definitive ending, and a 5th installment seems less unlikely.

Some fans are even speculating that Baker might be involved in an entirely new project. After all, Druckamnn has been proving that the studio is not a one-trick pony. With the success of franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us, the studio certainly has some room to embrace its creative side and delve into a fresh new franchise.

A New Era for Naughty Dog

Druckmann wants to show that the studio can create more franchises and doesn’t need to rely on the previous ones. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Even though the future installment of the beloved series is still up for question, one thing is clear: Troy Baker’s relationship with the Studio is not over. Even after his characters reach the end of their stories, his voice and talent remain crucial to the studio’s creative direction.

While the recent report didn’t mention what new project Baker is going to be working on, whether it’s a new role in a brand-new franchise or a continuation of an old favorite, fans are excited to see more of the actor’s performances in the future. After all, he’s made countless characters iconic over the years.

As for the fans of The Last of Us, who hoped for a return of Joel in any way possible, this report has made it clear that the series is moving on and fans should, too. If Druckmann’s indication is anything to go by, the studio is looking to embrace new stories.

In the end, while it may feel like the end of an era, it’s the beginning of something new. So fans should prepare themselves and get ready to embark on a new adventure from Naughty Dogs.