Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

The lead actors in the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series adaptation revealed a surprising fact: they'd never played the games before filming. This decision, and the subsequent fan reaction, is explored below.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Fresh Perspective, or a Risky Gamble?

A Conscious Choice for a Unique Interpretation

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku, the lead actors, confessed they hadn't played any of the games. This wasn't an oversight; the production team intentionally steered them away from the source material. Takeuchi explained (via translator, as reported by GamesRadar+) that the goal was to create a fresh, original take on the characters, starting from scratch. Kaku agreed, emphasizing their commitment to crafting their own version, drawing inspiration from the characters' essence while maintaining respect for the source.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Fandom

This revelation has divided fans. Some worry about a significant departure from the games' established lore and feel. Others believe the concern is overblown, suggesting that actor familiarity isn't the sole determinant of a successful adaptation. The recent news that the iconic karaoke minigame won't be included only heightened these pre-existing anxieties. While optimism remains in some quarters, concerns about the adaptation's faithfulness to the spirit of the games persist.

Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's "Fallout" series, offers a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging creative freedom rests with the showrunners, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game's world, citing the success of "Fallout" (65 million viewers in two weeks) as potential evidence.

Despite the actors' unfamiliarity with the games, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. He described Director Take's understanding of the story as that of an original author, suggesting a unique approach. Yokoyama further stated that the actors' portrayals, while distinct from the games, are precisely what makes the adaptation compelling, welcoming a fresh interpretation of the iconic Kiryu character. He believes the games had already perfected Kiryu, making a new interpretation a welcome change.

For further insights into Yokoyama's perspective and the series' initial teaser, please see the linked article below.