Joel and Ellie are still very much going to be the centre of attention (I assume) when The Last of Us – Part 2 rolls around, but Naughty Dog is also expanding that universe considerably by introducing a bunch of new characters, many of whom we’ve seen in trailers already.
One of the new characters the game introduces is played by vetern actor Laura Bailey, known for having played many popular roles in video games, from Rise Kujikawa in Persona 4 and and Lucina in Fire Emblem Awakening to Nadine Ross in Uncharted 4 and Kait Diaz in Gears of War 4. Now the actress has apparently wrapped up her work on The Last of Us – Part 2 as well.
The game’s creative director, Neil Druckmann, recently took to Instagram and posted a picture of himself with Bailey, who was in performance capture gear, accompanied with a caption congratulating Bailey on wrapping up her performance capture work for the upcoming game, and complimenting hers as one of his favourite characters.
Performance capture and game design often go hand in hand, especially for a studio like Naughty Dog, and seeing Bailey wrapping up her work – who is, by all accounts, playing a major role in the game – might suggest that the development on the game itself is also in advanced stages- though that’s only conjecture, sadly enough.
In spite of many reports suggesting 2019 release for the game, Naughty Dog remain adamant on not talking about The Last of Us – Part 2 until they’re well and ready to do so.