“What did I miss?”: Pedro Pascal’s Acting Masterclass in The Last of Us Even Caught Troy Baker Off Guard

Joel’s Game Voice Actor Admits to Learning New Nuances and Depth to the Character from Pedro Pascal’s Performance

Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel in HBO’s “The Last of Us” has been a revelation, even to Troy Baker, who originally voiced Joel in the game. Baker, who reprised his role in the series with a guest appearance as James, praised Pascal’s interpretation. He noted that Pascal’s performance continually surprises and teaches him new facets of Joel’s character.

The Last of Us has transitioned seamlessly from an acclaimed video game to a hit TV series on HBO. And with a new season on the way, viewers and fans can only hope to see more world-class acting delivered by the talented cast.

What Troy Baker Had to Say About Pedro Pascal’s Performance in The Last of Us

In an interview with Vulture, Troy Baker revealed that he never expected to play a role in the TV adaptation. He was content to watch from the sidelines, but creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann offered him a part as James, a pragmatic lieutenant in a cannibalistic cult. Baker found the opportunity thrilling and enjoyed exploring new dimensions of the story.

Baker, who has been a part of acclaimed video games like BioShock Infinite and Uncharted 4, found Pedro Pascal‘s performance surprisingly fresh and insightful. He noted that Pascal brings a vulnerability to Joel that the game’s format couldn’t fully explore. This nuanced portrayal revealed layers of Joel that Baker himself hadn’t considered, making him wish he could revisit his original performance.

Pascal’s ability to find new dimensions in Joel’s character impressed Baker. He appreciated how Pascal’s interpretation taught him something new about Joel, highlighting the character’s depth and complexity. This ability to bring out unseen aspects of Joel underscores Pascal’s exceptional talent and understanding of the role.

The All Round Added Depth that a TV Adaptation Brought to The Last of Us

The HBO adaptation has allowed for a more expansive exploration of characters, something Baker acknowledges as a significant advantage over the game. The way the TV adaptation brings viewers closer to the lives and backgrounds of supporting characters like Bill and Frank, or Tommy and Maria is nothing short of amazing for the narrative.

Seeing Bella Ramsey‘s portrayal of Ellie was another eye-opener for Baker. He praised her for capturing Ellie’s essence, noting the similarities in mannerisms between Ramsey and Ashley Johnson, who voiced Ellie in the game. Ramsey’s decision to avoid playing the game to not mimic Johnson’s performance has paid off, as she brings her unique take to the character.

Baker’s experience in live-action was also a learning curve, transitioning from voice acting to being on set. The shift from a controlled booth environment to a dynamic, resource-rich film set was challenging yet rewarding. Baker emphasized that the core task of making a character feel authentic remains the same, whether in a booth or on a massive set.

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us has successfully brought the beloved game to a wider audience. The performances of Pascal and Ramsey have breathed new life into Joel and Ellie, earning praise from both fans and the original voice actors. 

Pascal’s interpretation of Joel has been a game-changer, offering a fresh, emotionally resonant take on a beloved character. His performance has enriched the series, making The Last of Us a standout success on HBO.

The Last of Us is available on HBO