The Last of Us is officially becoming a movie. The Coen Brothers-inspired horror game will be moving to the silver screen by way of Screen Gems and Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures. Starring Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson as Joel and Ellie, respectively, the game featured an immense amount of acting talent that brought its world and characters to life. With the announcement of a film adaptation, it's no surprise that people are curious as to what the game's lead actors think and hope to see from the film.
Both IGN and IBTimes UK caught up with Troy Baker, the voice actor behind Joel (and many other lead characters in video games today) and asked him what he thought about the announcement.
"From experience I trust implicitly everyone at Naughty Dog," Baker told IGN. "From Christophe to Evan to Bruce Straley to Neil Druckmann. To everyone who liked that game, you need to trust what they’re doing. I know that if it wasn’t going to be something that accurately represents that story, they wouldn’t do it... So I’m 100 percent behind it.”
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Baker in no way expects to be brought onto the film to reprise his role as Joel, but he expressed interest to appear in a small cameo if invited.
"If I get a chance to be a hunter or a clicker, I'd be so happy! But even if not I'll participate in watching the film with just as much enthusiasm and excitement as if I was in it."
When approached for comment during by IBTimes UK at an Infamous: Second Son event, the actor spoke of who he would like to see cast as the brooding father figure Joel.
"Me personally, if I were to cast Joel, Josh Brolin would be my ultimate choice, but I know whoever they choose will be someone they trust and I trust them as well," Baked stated.
I think I'd vouch for Josh Brolin as well. He's got that gruff look that can be imposing, but he's also got the face of someone that can express approachable kindness – a good fit for Joel.
The Last of Us has received a ton of awards and its prequel DLC 'Left Behind' released just a few weeks ago. I don't expect much from video game films these days, especially after the mess that was Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, but I hope that Naughty Dog's story and world is adapted gracefully and expertly as it deserves, no-less.