Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

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

The lead actors in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation revealed a surprising detail at San Diego Comic-Con: neither Ryoma Takeuchi nor Kento Kaku had played any of the games before or during filming. This deliberate choice, according to the production team, aimed to foster a fresh, unburdened interpretation of the source material.

Takeuchi explained (via translator) to GamesRadar+ that while aware of the games’ popularity, he was prevented from playing them to ensure a completely original approach to the characters. Kaku echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their intention to create their own version, drawing inspiration from the source material's spirit while forging a distinct on-screen identity.

This decision, however, has ignited a debate among fans. Concerns have arisen about the show's potential deviation from the beloved games, particularly following the earlier announcement that the iconic karaoke minigame would be absent. The actors' unfamiliarity with the games has only amplified these anxieties.

While some remain optimistic, others question whether the adaptation will accurately capture the essence of the Yakuza franchise. Contrastingly, Ella Purnell, lead actress in Amazon's Fallout adaptation (which attracted 65 million viewers in its first two weeks), highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the source material's world during an interview with Jake's Takes. She stressed the importance of understanding the world being built, though acknowledging the ultimate creative authority rests with the showrunners.

Despite this unconventional approach, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto. He described Director Take's understanding of the source material as that of an original author, suggesting a unique and potentially exciting interpretation. Yokoyama further stated that the actors' portrayals, while significantly different from the games, are precisely what makes the adaptation compelling, emphasizing a desire for a fresh perspective rather than mere imitation of the established Kiryu character. He believes the games had already perfected Kiryu, welcoming a new interpretation for the screen.

For further insights into Yokoyama's views and the show's initial teaser, please refer to the linked article.