Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

The cast of the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation revealed a surprising detail: they hadn't played the games before filming. This article explores their reasoning and the ensuing fan reaction.

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 confessed they'd never played the Yakuza games. This wasn't accidental; the production team aimed for a unique interpretation. Takeuchi, speaking through a translator (per GamesRadar+), explained they wanted a fresh approach to the characters, choosing to avoid prior influence. Kaku agreed, emphasizing their intention to create their own version, drawing inspiration from the source material's spirit while forging their own path.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Front

This revelation has caused a stir among fans. Some fear a significant departure from the source material, while others believe the concerns are overblown. Successful adaptations hinge on many factors, and prior gaming experience isn't necessarily crucial. The absence of the iconic karaoke minigame, announced earlier, further fueled fan anxieties about the show's faithfulness. While some remain optimistic, others question whether the series will truly capture the essence of the beloved franchise.

Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's Fallout series, offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging the creative freedom of showrunners, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game world, citing Fallout's 65 million viewers in its first two weeks as evidence.

RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. He likened Director Take's approach to that of the original story's author, emphasizing his trust in the team's creative direction. Yokoyama acknowledged that the actors' portrayals differ significantly from the games, but viewed this as a positive aspect, welcoming a fresh take on the established character of Kiryu. He believes the games already perfected Kiryu, making a unique adaptation all the more welcome.

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