Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is out on Netflix, and we’re thrilled to speak to Earl Baylon, the voice behind Jonah Maiava. Known for his incredible work in the Tomb Raider Survivor trilogy, Baylon has once again brought Jonah to life in the animated show. In this interview, we dive into his experience reprising the role and what fans can expect from the new series. 

Q: The last time you voiced Jonah was in 2018's Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Looking back on the entire Tomb Raider Survivor trilogy, what aspect of Jonah’s adventures did you enjoy portraying the most? 

I loved working in all the very quiet moments of the trilogy. While the big action, high-stakes scenes were really cool, what really stuck with me were the moments of connection, not just between Jonah and Lara, but with the other crew members of the Endurance. There are a few scenes in Tomb Raider 2013 shot from Sam’s camcorder that I think about - little slices of life on the ship before they actually make it to the Dragon’s Triangle. In particular there’s a scene where Jonah’s trying to teach Dr. Whitman how to clean a fish. Seems like such an insignificant moment, but I really liked that stuff.  I’ve said this before, too, but my favorite scenes in Shadow were the ones where you could very much see the relationship between Jonah and Lara, e.g. walking away after the cave-in at the beginning of the game or the conversation at the campfire where they talk about their families. 

Q: Did you ever think you'd get the chance to return as Jonah after Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and how did you find out about your role in the upcoming Tomb Raider anime? 

A: Honestly, no! It was a huge surprise to me that the animated series was even in the works! After wrapping on Shadow, I didn’t think I’d get another chance to slip into Jonah’s shoes. Camilla and I actually spoke about it on set, how it was probably going to be the last one for us. So, when I got word from my agent that the show was going into production, I was really excited and hoped that I’d get tapped to work on it. A few weeks later I got an email that I was officially on the project. It felt much like when I booked Tomb Raider 2013 - I was beyond ecstatic. I can’t thank everyone involved enough for the chance to portray Jonah in a new medium. 

Q: How was the creative process of bringing Jonah to life in the anime different from the video games? Did you have the opportunity to provide input or collaborate with the writers on Jonah’s character in the anime? 

I think the main difference is that much of the games was recorded in the performance capture volume - all of us actors together in a big space wearing mocap suits and head-mounted cameras.  We had additional days in the voice booth as well, but it was mainly performance capture work. 

This show, however, was done completely in the booth, like most 2-D animation. As far as input, I’m not really sure that’s my place - I didn’t offer any input with regards to Jonah’s character, nor did I really need to. I think Tasha (who is a long-time Tomb Raider fan) and the rest of the writing crew did a great job capturing him on the page. I was just there to give life to the text. 

Q: Were you able to record your lines for Jonah alongside other cast members, or was the process done separately in individual sessions? 

All my sessions for The Legend of Lara Croft were recorded solo in the booth, which seems too be the norm these days. Not to mention we started recording at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember my first few sessions were super isolated. Protocol was for me to wait outside the recording studio while they disinfected the booth between sessions. Then, I’d receive a call when all was clear for me to enter the booth. The only people in the entire building were me and the recording engineer. Everyone else Zoomed in. It felt kinda lonely - I definitely missed working face to face with folks at times. 

Q: Jonah has always been a loyal companion to Lara Croft throughout the games. What do you find most interesting about their dynamic? 

I like the fact that there are few secrets between the two. Almost nothing gets left unsaid - I think we could use more of that IRL. All of us could use a person you have that level of comfort with, someone with whom you feel wholly supported. I think that’s what Lara and Jonah have - it’s honestly kinda inspirational. 

Q: What do you think motivates Jonah to remain by Lara's side? 

I of course have thought about this a lot over the course of the last decade - and it finally really clicked, oddly enough, as I sat in the theater watching the 2018 live-action film. Jonah has always had an instinct to protect Lara, despite the fact that she doesn’t need to be protected, at least from external dangers. The question is, why? I think at the root of it all, Jonah just wants to see and help Lara find happiness. 

Q: At the end of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it was hinted that Jonah formed a close connection with Abigaile Ortiz. Were you intrigued by the opportunity to explore a romantic dimension of Jonah's character? 

Absolutely! It was an aspect of the character that previously wasn’t much explored - and isn’t always when we’re talking about big action/adventure games. It stands in contrast to all the death-defying, world-changing, globe-trekking adventures as right hand man to the one and only Lara Croft, so yes - pretty cool.  I still remember when I was going over the script for a shoot day and Jonah referred to an “Abby”. This was before we had shot the meet cute in Kuwaq Yaku, so I had no idea who that was. I asked Jill (head writer) and Darryl (P-cap director) on set the next day, and they explained to me she was a potential love interest for Jonah. I was like, “Whhhaaaa?!” The feeling was like when you see good a friend of yours like REALLY clicking with someone at a party, and you think, “Alright, alright, do yo’ thang!” Except instead of being happy for a friend, I was happy for a fictional guy that lives in my head. You know, normal stuff. 

Q: What do you hope viewers take away from Jonah’s journey in the anime? 

I hope they see what’s at the core of the character - just a simple dude trying to make his way through the galaxy, and love his friends at the same time. 

Q: What excites you most about Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, especially for long-time fans of the series? 

THERE WILL BE SURPRISES. Is that a spoiler?  

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is live, exclusively on Netflix!

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