The cast of the live-action "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series revealed a surprising detail: they hadn't played the games before or during filming. This article explores the actors' perspectives and the resulting fan reaction.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors' Unplayed Games
A Fresh Perspective
At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku confessed they were unacquainted with the games. This was a deliberate choice by the production team, aiming for a unique interpretation of the characters.
Takeuchi explained (via translator, per GamesRadar+), "I know these games—everyone does. But I haven't played them. I wanted to, but they stopped me. They wanted a fresh approach to the characters, starting from scratch."
Kaku agreed, stating, "We wanted our own version, to experience the characters anew, capturing their essence and embodying them independently. We aimed for a distinct approach, but always with respect for the source material."
Fan Reactions: Fidelity Concerns
Fan response has been mixed. Some worry about deviations from the games, while others believe the concern is overblown, emphasizing that successful adaptations hinge on many factors beyond actor familiarity.
The omission 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 spirit of the beloved franchise.
Ella Purnell, of Prime Video's "Fallout" adaptation (which drew 65 million viewers in two weeks), offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging creative freedom rests with the showrunners, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game world for a successful adaptation.
Despite the actors' unfamiliarity, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision.
In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "Director Take spoke with such ownership of the story, I knew we'd have something special by trusting him completely."
Regarding the actors' portrayals, he added, "Their interpretations are vastly different from the original, and that’s fantastic!" Yokoyama stressed his desire for a unique adaptation, not mere imitation, welcoming a fresh take on the established character of Kiryu.
For more on Yokoyama's perspective and the show's first teaser, see the linked article below!
