Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Troy Baker is one of the most renowned voice actors in the industry. Starting withBloodRayne 2, the man has given voice to some of the most iconic characters in gaming. Among his massive portfolio, though, his more antagonistic roles are a real standout.
For instance, his work on Pagan Min inFar Cry 4is up there as one of the best in that series, especially considering how the character feels tailor-made for Baker to voice. Surprisingly enough, the circumstances surrounding him getting the role are about as insane as one might expect from anythingFar Cry-related.
Troy Baker Used His Pagan Min Impression on an Assistant to Get the Role
With a flamboyant suit and a penchant for committing atrocities while maintaining an unbelievably calm demeanor, Pagan Min cemented himself as an instant icon outside of even the series’ fanbase.
That said, replacing Vaas and Michael Mando as the nextFar Cryvillain was some big shoes to fill,considering his legendary status as a villain. However, Troy Baker still managed to pull off quite a graceful job, and we have no one but a coffee assistant to thank for that.
“I don’t think he should say anything”: Troy Baker May Have Saved the Most Crucial Scene in The Last of Us 2 That Was Originally Much More Disturbing
When asked about what it’s like for him to create a villainous persona at an Indy PopConpanel, Baker recalled how he turned an assistant coming midway into the audition to his advantage, speaking to her with Pagan Min’s persona and giving the audition team a taste of what’s to come:
I said ‘I’m sorry, who is this? Who is this walking into this room right now? N-n-n-no, no, no, no, don’t leave. Sit down. Have a seat. Please. No no no no, just make yourself comfortable. Would you like some coffee that you brought in? It looks very delicious. Now, here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to murder her right in front of you. I’m going to peel your face off and put it on my own. It’ll be the most glorious makeover I’ve ever had.
As one would expect, the moment all but confirmed who the voice behind Pagan Min inFar Cry4was going to be. Though the whole ordeal must have given the assistant a few nightmares, her sacrifice certainly wasn’t in vain, as there really isn’t anyone better than Baker to represent Min’s character.
At the same time, it also gives us a deeper look into the methodology behind one of the best voice actors in gaming and how he creates the most well-known voices time and again.
Troy Baker Prefers the Role of the Villain Instead of a Hero for a Simple Reason
As Baker further explains, the only reason he likes playing villains more is that it is easier to play a protagonist or a hero. Citinghis understanding of Joel’s character fromThe Last of Us,he says it is quite easy to portray an empathetic character and give said character a voice.
“Far Cry with dinosaurs?”: Never Mind Dino Crisis, The Next Turok is Already Here
A villain, on the other hand, requires a deeper understanding of what makes them complex and evil in the first place. The circumstances that lead them into villainy also play an important role in giving them a voice.
Considering how iconicTroy Baker’sroles, such asArkham Origins‘ Joker, Higgs fromDeath Stranding, and, of course, Pagan Min, have been, it’s difficult to deny what the man says. From what we’ve seen so far, his work on Death Stranding 2 might replace Pagan Min’s as one of his very best villains.
With that said, what are your thoughts on this? Would Baker have gotten his role anyway if the assistant wasn’t there? Let us know in the comments below.
Akshit Dangi
Writer - Gaming
Articles Published :266
Akshit is a supposed human being and gaming writer who lurks in different corners of the internet in search of fascinating rabbit holes. Outside of that, though, you’ll most likely find him staring at a piece of art for days or completing another playthrough of Silent Hill.
