'Yakuza' Actors Step into the 'Like a Dragon' Realm

The actors behind the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series revealed a surprising detail: they hadn't played the games before filming. This decision, and the fan reaction to it, is explored here.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Fresh Perspective

A Conscious Choice

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku dropped a bombshell: their involvement in the "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" adaptation didn't involve playing the source material. This wasn't an oversight; it was a deliberate creative choice. The production team sought a fresh, unburdened interpretation of the characters.

Takeuchi, speaking through a translator (as reported by 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 approach to the characters, starting from scratch."

Kaku agreed, stating, "We aimed to create our own version, to re-experience the characters, capture their essence, and embody them uniquely. We wanted a clear distinction, but underpinning everything was respect for the source material."

Fan Reactions: A Divided Front

This revelation ignited a firestorm of opinions among fans. Some expressed concern about potential deviations from the beloved games. Others countered that this reaction was excessive, arguing that a successful adaptation hinges on numerous factors beyond the actors' prior gaming experience.

The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame had already caused some fan unrest. This new revelation further fueled anxieties about the show's faithfulness to the games. While optimism remains among some fans, doubts about the adaptation's ability to capture the franchise's spirit are growing.

A Different Approach to Adaptation

While gaming experience isn't a mandatory requirement for successful adaptation, Ella Purnell (from Prime Video's "Fallout" series), highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game world. The success of "Fallout," which attracted 65 million viewers in just two weeks, seemingly supports this view. In an interview with Jake's Takes, Purnell stressed the importance of understanding the world being created, while acknowledging the ultimate creative authority rests with the show's creators.

Despite the actors' unfamiliarity with the games, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto.

In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama 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, he added, "Honestly, their interpretations are vastly different from the original, and that's what makes it exciting." Yokoyama clearly desired an adaptation that transcended mere imitation, welcoming a fresh take on the iconic Kiryu character, believing the games had already perfected his original portrayal.

For further insights into Yokoyama's perspective on "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" and its initial teaser, refer to the linked article.