SPOILER ALERT:The story includes details about Episode 8 ofHBOsThe Last Of Us.
Ellie must then decide if Davids offer is genuine or too good to be true.
TROY BAKER:I feel like Ive never left.
Troy Baker as James in HBO’s The Last of Us’Liane Hentscher/HBO
And I kind of knew that was going to be the case the second that I met him.
Anthony Hopkins tells this beautiful story when he first read the script forSilence of the Lambs.
But some roles come across your path that just feel inherently special.
Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Pedro Pascal (Joel) in HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’Liane Hentscher/HBO
I got inside of Joel and discovered what I felt was a secret that nobody else knew.
Ive been a part of this world for over a decade.
And Ive seen not only the game be made but also be well-received.
It resonates with people in a new way that we hadnt seen with games before.
Anytime they let me do anything, I feel lucky.
If I get a chair at the table, Im grateful.
And I went, Oh my God.
Thank you, guys, so much.
This is all about enriching the story, not replacing it.
DEADLIINE:Lets get into that.
How did this original role come about?
Did Neil and Craig message you beforehand and ask if you wanted to play a lowkey villain?
And when you were offered this part, what went through your mind?
BAKER:It wasnt even that.
Neil was coy about this potential role.
If you dont feel interested, its totally fine.
So, this is an upgrade.
I was so happy.
I love playing a villain to show you hes not the villain.
I love that dance; its very appealing to me.
David is a reflection of Joel.
And what does she look like 20 years on?
She still is a mother.
Shes still cutting Ellies hair, and she did not abandon and abdicate her role as a parent.
Look at Bill and how hes different from Joel and what he can teach Joel.
So, all these characters somehow serve as a counterpoint.
It seems that James does still have the remnants of a moral center.
How much of that was intentional in your performance to try and create this nuanced dynamic?
Not because he admires him or respects him but because he understands who he is.
In Ellie, David sees an equal, and thats what he wants.
And James knows thats what hell never be.
Theres the line, You have a violent heart, which James doesnt have.
He appeals to Davids ego and tricks, but I dont think James believes this for a second.
Can you talk to me about working with Bella Ramsey in that moment?
David is having this conversation with Ellie, and then he gets interrupted by my character.
James comes in and asks, Can I have a minute?
And Davids like, Yeah.
And every time, Ellie wins.
BAKER:Everything has been surprising because none of this has been expected.
It was hoped for, and there was a desire for this thing to find a new audience.
Neil really helped me with that because I was against the idea of the show.
I was like, Why not just leave it as a game?
Seeing this shows resonance with people has been the most surprising thing.
Because if you get to do it once, man, thats a miracle.
The Last of Usairs Sundays on HBO.
