Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

The cast of the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza series revealed a surprising fact: they hadn't played the games before filming. This decision and its impact on fans are explored here.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Game-Free Approach

A Fresh Perspective

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku made headlines by admitting they'd never played the Yakuza games. This wasn't an oversight; the production team consciously chose this approach to foster a fresh interpretation of the characters.

Takeuchi explained (via translator, as reported by GamesRadar+), "I know these games—everyone knows them. But I haven't played them. I wanted to, but they stopped me. They wanted a fresh start, to explore the characters from scratch."

Kaku added, "We aimed to create our own version, to experience the characters anew, capturing their essence and embodying them independently. We drew a line, but respect for the source material remained paramount."

Fan Reactions: A Divided Community

This revelation ignited a mixed response from fans. Concerns arose about potential deviations from the source material, while others countered that such concerns were overblown. Adaptation success hinges on many factors, and prior game knowledge isn't necessarily crucial.

The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame further fueled fan anxieties. While some remain optimistic, others question whether the show will truly capture the spirit of the beloved franchise.

Ella Purnell, from Prime Video's Fallout adaptation (which drew 65 million viewers in two weeks), offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging the creative freedom of showrunners, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game's world to understand the setting.

Despite the actors' unfamiliarity with the games, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. He likened Director Take's understanding to that of the original story's author, highlighting the potential for a unique and engaging adaptation.

Yokoyama acknowledged that the actors' portrayal differed significantly from the original, but praised this divergence. He viewed it as a positive departure, emphasizing his desire for an interpretation that transcended mere imitation, given the games' already established portrayal of Kiryu. He welcomed the show's fresh perspective.

For further insights into Yokoyama's views and the show's initial teaser, see the linked article below.