Warning: This article contains spoilers fromThe Last of Usseason 1, episode 8.
The part of Joel inThe Last of Ushas had an undeniable impact on the life of Troy Baker.
The actor is known across the gaming landscape for a roster of voices in various titles.
Troy Baker’s James arrives in ‘The Last of Us’ episode 8.Liane Hentscher/HBO
“[He’s] just so physically different…
It’s not anywhere near the right profile,“Mazin previously told EW.
It didn’t come as a bother to Baker whenPedro Pascalwas cast in the drama; he preferred it.
Troy Baker’s James from HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ versus James from the video game.Liane Hentscher/HBO; Naughty Dog
“I had the opportunity to play it once and I left everything on the dance floor.
That’s the thing that I’ve been the most delighted about with Pedro.
He brought something so new to this role.
David (Scott Shepher) leads his flock in ‘The Last of Us’.Liane Hentscher/HBO
There’s always a moment in every episode where I’m like, ‘Oh f—!
That’s good.'”
Baker arrives as James, a different figure from the game.
James is David’s right hand.
“I like playing baddies.
I think that they’re pretty complex,” Baker says.
“The first challenge becomes, how is this person not a villain?
To me, James is not.
James is a pragmatist.
Just look at Joel in the very beginning.
Joel was not a bad guy.
Joel would never be a ruthless survivor.
He was a contractor.
He may have gotten in a tussle every now and then, but he was a good guy.
James is the same way.”
The actor envisioned James as being in law enforcement in some capacity prior to the outbreak.
At the very least, the man trained himself to use a weapon.
“But when it comes to exacting violence, he chokes,” Baker adds.
He’s referring to the scene when David sets out to track Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
James sees her galloping away and shoots down her horse.
There’s still some humanity inside of him,” Baker muses.
I’m so hungry and I’m willing to give into my baser needs.’
Again we see this delineation between Joel and James or even Ellie and James.
How far are you willing to go to sacrifice yourself for the greater good?
What will you give up?”
It’s clear how much thought Baker puts to into his roles, no matter the size.
The process reminds Baker of making that firstThe Last of Usgame with Druckmann.
They would spend hours on the phone together the night before each rehearsal.
He had the chance to do the same thing with Mazin on the series.
“It’s a process I’ve learned to love,” Baker says.
Baker now sees the show and the game as companions that enrich each other.
He also thinks about David.
In the game, one of his henchmen remarks how Ellie is now “David’s newest pet.”
I can’t believe they’re doing that,' or ‘Wow!
What an interesting take on that,'" Baker says.
It all just adds a completely different layer."
This interview has been edited for clarity.
The Last of Usairs Sundays at 9 p.m.
ET on HBO and HBO Max.
