There was a time when video games based on movie franchises were all but guaranteed to suck. Thankfully, in recent years at least, we look like we’ve passed that particular hurdle, and are very much in the golden age of film-based excellence. Surprising many though, is the fact that it includes Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
That’s not salt aimed at MachineGames of course. Still, more the relative decline in quality the franchise has suffered in recent years, and it’s in no small part thanks to the incredible performance of Troy Baker as our favorite archaeologist.
Todd Howard Wasn’t a Fan, But Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Proves He’s Wrong

Not everyone may realize, but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle may feature the likeness of Harrison Ford, but it doesn’t include the voice. Instead, MachineGames and Bethesda looked to find the next best thing, a voice actor that could pass as him, or at least encompass the character. Not many can accomplish that, but when presented with a shortlist of appropriate actors to tackle the task, of course, Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Marvel Rivals, Fortnite) is included.
However, Todd Howard was reportedly not the biggest fan of the idea, with Baker telling GamesRadar last month:
“My favorite part of that story is how Todd Howard, when they originally brought my name to him, rolled his eyes like, ‘No, I’m not putting Troy Baker in my game.’ And I never thought that I would be [in it either]”
Well, Howard has quickly been made to eat his words, both before production, and with the swath of reviews praising the game, and also Baker’s performance.
Baker told BBC Newsbeat of the first time Howard had to eat his words (and realize his mistake):
It eventually came down to him and one other actor. The decision was left to a test audience and a “blind taste test” where they had to choose the performance they preferred. “Todd Howard said they picked you every time,” Troy says.
Todd Howard has a history of being on the money with his choices in the long run, but this is one that could quickly have become a nightmare had he gotten his way and cast a different actor in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Also, who could that other actor have been?
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, check out our exclusive interview with Funko Fusion’s Creative Director about the upcoming The Office (US) collab, or how about the moments The Last of Us Season Two needs to adapt most from the second game.
Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!