Troy Baker Revealed Joel Could Have Gone Horribly Dark in ‘The Last of Us’ Like His Character in the HBO Series

In the penultimate episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, viewers are treated to Ellie getting some solo screentime. In the aftermath of Joel trying to survive a grave injury, Ellie is left to gather supplies out in the wild where she meets some new faces.

She meets David, the leader of a group of survivors, and James, played by Troy Baker, who originally played Joel in the game. According to Troy Baker, David is a reflection of what Joel could have been if things went the wrong way.

Troy Baker’s Idea of David Being Joel’s Reflection in The Last of Us

In a recent interview with Deadline, Troy Baker discussed his portrayal of James in HBO’s The Last of Us and reflected on how easily Joel could have turned out like David, the cannibalistic preacher. 

David is a reflection of Joel. It is the wrong side of the coin because here’s someone who is looking out for those that he cares about and is willing to do whatever it takes to do that. So is Joel.

The series contrasts Joel’s dark side with David’s extreme survival methods, showing the fine line between protecting loved ones and slipping into moral depravity. David is essentially a dark mirror of what Joel could’ve been. They are both ruthless survivors whose only objective is to survive and protect what they care about.

While Joel at least has the semblance of a conscience in the harsh world portrayed by The Last of Us, David’s corruptness stems from his controlling and deceiving nature. Baker’s performance as James, David’s confused right-hand guy, shows the theme of how desperation may corrupt even the most well-intentioned people.

The thing that I realize is that what James wants more than anything is to be the right hand of David. Not because he admires him or respects him but because he understands who he is.

Baker says that the character he portrays has importance in the series in the fact that James is more than just a henchman but also a moral center. He is David’s right hand because he wants to be on the same side as someone he considers the devil.

Baker’s Experience in Getting to be a Part of The Live-Action Adaptation

Troy Baker also reflects on his collaboration with Bella Ramsey, praising her talent and the intensity she brings to her portrayal of Ellie. He recalls a scene that was ultimately cut from the final episode, where James and Ellie have a non-verbal confrontation.

I am selfishly excited for people to see me in this episode, but I think what I’m most excited to see is this episode where Bella really gets to flex and show you exactly what Bella Ramsey is capable of, and it is terrifying.

The relationship between David and James parallels Joel and Ellie’s relationship, showing the complexity of survival and protection in a harsh environment. Baker says that each individual in the plot acts as a reflection or counterpoint to Joel and Ellie.

The interview also touched on Baker’s initial reluctance towards a live-action adaptation of The Last of Us. He was eventually persuaded by Neil Druckmann, the co-director of the game and co-creator of the show, who believed that the story deserved a broader audience beyond gamers. 

Baker revealed that he initially thought he would be cast as a clicker, a common enemy in the game, and was pleasantly surprised to play James instead. He discussed his approach to the character, aiming to portray James as more than just a henchman.

Watch The Last of Us on Max.