[Editor’s note: this piece contains spoilers for the most recent episode of HBO’s mega hit drama series, “The Last of Us.” If you haven’t watched s1e8 “When We Are in Need” yet, you may want to do that before reading past this point.]
Episode 8 of HBO’s “The Last of Us” has brought to life one of the most terrifying parts of the video game. More than clickers and infected, the most terrifying thing in the apocalypse is other people. Episode 8 introduced the religious cannibal cult led by David and his right hand James. Fans of the game will immediately recognize a familiar face. James is played by none other than Troy Baker, who performed voice and physical capture for Joel in the video game. And he couldn’t be happier to continue to be part of the series.
Baker detailed his feelings about being cast as James for the show. He spoke about game creator Neil Druckmann, and his dedication to bring the series to life as something for non-gamers to experience. “Neil and [co-showrunner Craig Mazin] had been incredibly gracious. It was an unexpected surprise. And I’ve been graciously welcomed now to the table of this extended family that we now have,” Baker told Variety. “Neil came to me like, “Dude, we’ve got a role for you” I’m like, “No shit!” He said, “Dude, you get to play James!” And I’m like, “Oh my God, dude…who is James?” And it was like, “Oh, it’s buddy boy! Gotcha, gotcha, gotcha.”
From Unwilling Hero To Unwilling Villain [SPOILERS]
This time around, Baker isn’t the hero, but a villain. Serving as David’s [Scott Shepherd ] right hand, the voice actor proves himself a competent screen actor. James isn’t a one-note villain like in the video game. He’s multi-faceted and complex. He’s a character whose view of what’s right has been warped by suffering, hardship, and David’s twisted gospel. In a way, he’s trapped by David as much as he’s part of the flock.
“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 revealed. “David is the Devil, and I definitely want to be on the right side of the Devil than the wrong side. So that’s where James is positioning himself.”
The series continues to surpass all expectations with record viewing numbers. Catch episode 9 March 12th, 2023.
