Troy Baker is eager to collaborate with Naughty Dog again for "The Last of Us Part 3." The voice actor for Joel emphasized in a recent interview that the franchise still offers plenty of untapped lore – regardless of whether the timeline is moved forward or backward.
Rumors have been swirling ever since Naughty Dog took a relatively quiet approach to this console generation. After the cancellation of the ambitious The Last of Us Online, the community is yearning for a genuine sign of life from the series. Baker now delivers the perfect opportunity and places his complete trust in Game Director Neil Druckmann.
Lore holes or a complete reinvention?
The story ideas are practically laid out. Baker himself brings up the 20 years between the first outbreak and the start of Part 1 – specifically, the dark period in which Joel and Tommy survived as Hunters. That would be top-notch prequel material.
Naughty Dog could just as easily surprise us completely. Baker hints that Druckmann might be working on a completely different story that no one has seen coming. The risk is high. Part 2 deeply divided the fanbase. A reinvention could heal old wounds—or inflict new ones.
Whether we'll find out what happens to Ellie and Abby after the traumatic events in Seattle, or whether we'll be controlling Joel's dark past, remains Naughty Dog's secret for now. One thing is certain: Baker will be there from day one, either as an actor or with a controller in his hand.
Skeptical optimism
The name Troy Baker always carries weight, but a third installment isn't a sure thing. For many, the story of Joel and Ellie felt exhausted. While a prequel to Joel's smuggling years has enormous potential in terms of gameplay and narrative, it also risks becoming mere fan service. Naughty Dog needs to deliver to make fans forget their botched live-service attempt.
Do we really need a prequel about Joel and Tommy's 20 years together, or should Naughty Dog bring Ellie and Abby's story to a satisfying conclusion in the future? Let us know in the comments!
Well, if it's a kind of flashback. What happened between the death of Sarah Joel's daughter and the encounter with Tessa Joel's girlfriend about 20 years later.
A remaster of part 1, the remake is a long time ago^^... A prequel with Joel and Tommy in an open world where they both have to fight for survival and use various means of transportation like horses or pickup trucks, but both require resources like fuel, water, and food. Joel and Tommy also need food, etc. That would be the perfect post-apocalyptic zombie game for me.
But please, still on CD 😊
It's already known that part 3 is coming. The head of the developer spoke about it... the story is supposed to be about the brother, Tommy.
Christian Funk has not officially confirmed anything yet.
No, please no part 3! Part 2 was extremely boring. 🙈
Only played 1. Part 2… oh well.
The history of the Turkic peoples. Didn't understand the story either?
Peer Olaf Asser Part 2 Never played 🙂 didn't even watch the series 🤣… Part 1 is and remains the best.
You did everything right.
The history of the Turkic peoples: That the first part is the better one is beyond question.
What is there not to understand?
I don't like prequels, he can't come back, I wouldn't know how... I've heard that not all Naughty Dog employees agreed with it.
So the first 20 years after the outbreak still offer plenty of material. Everything after TLOU2 is uninteresting, or rather, it offers absolutely nothing more.
Well, there's plenty to tell about the events between his daughter's death and before he meets Ellie.
I agree with Troy and support his return, although implementing his role within a sequel will likely be difficult unless he utilizes his undeniable talent and plays a different role than usual, or Naughty Dog decides to make the widely requested prequel. Either way, I'm fine with it. Personally, I don't feel the series has reached its conclusion; there's still plenty of potential for continuing and finalizing the storyline surrounding Ellie and her friends.
The Last of Us Part I & II are two of the best video game experiences since gaming began and a love letter to cinema and video games. Since Naughty Dog has been more than reserved within this generation, it is now all the more time to at least announce something and continue the series.