Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

The actors portraying the characters in the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" adaptation revealed a surprising detail: they hadn't played the games before or during filming. This decision and its impact on fans are explored here.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Fresh Perspective?

A Conscious Choice to Create Their Own Version

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku dropped a bombshell: they were unacquainted with the game series they were bringing to life on screen. This wasn't accidental; the production team actively encouraged this approach.

Takeuchi, speaking through a translator to GamesRadar+, explained, "I know these games—everyone knows them. But I haven't played them. I'd like to, but they stopped me. They wanted a fresh start for the characters, so I decided not to play."

Kaku concurred, stating, "We aimed to create our own interpretation, to experience the characters anew, capture their essence, and embody them independently. We wanted a clear distinction, but always with respect for the source material."

Fan Reactions: A Balancing Act Between Fidelity and Innovation

This revelation has ignited a lively debate among fans. Some fear the show will stray too far from the beloved games, while others believe the concern is overblown. They argue that a successful adaptation hinges on many factors, and prior game experience isn't necessarily paramount.

This announcement follows earlier news that the iconic karaoke minigame would be absent from the show, further fueling fan anxieties about the adaptation's faithfulness. While some maintain optimism, others question whether the series will truly capture the spirit of the original franchise.

Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's "Fallout" series, offers a contrasting perspective. In an interview with Jake's Takes, she highlighted the value of immersing oneself in the source material, noting that the "Fallout" adaptation (which attracted 65 million viewers in two weeks) benefited from this approach. However, she also emphasized that creative decisions ultimately reside with the show's creators.

Despite the actors' lack of gaming experience, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. In a Sega interview at SDCC, he stated, "When I spoke with Director Take, he understood the story as if he’d written it himself. I knew we’d have something special if we trusted him completely."

Regarding the actors' portrayals, Yokoyama added, "Their interpretations are radically different from the original, but that's precisely what makes it exciting." He welcomed this fresh take, believing the games had already perfected Kiryu and that a new perspective was welcome.

For more on Yokoyama's insights into "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" and its initial teaser, see the linked article below.