Yakuza Actors Unfamiliar with Like a Dragon Game

Like a Dragon: Yakuza actors revealed a surprising fact: they hadn't played the games before or during filming. Let's delve into their reasoning and the fan reaction.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Game-Free Approach

A Fresh Perspective

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku dropped a bombshell: they were unacquainted with the Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) game series. This wasn't an oversight; it was a deliberate creative choice. The production team aimed for a fresh, unburdened interpretation of the characters.

Takeuchi explained (via translator, as reported by GamesRadar+), "I know these games—everyone knows them. But I haven’t played them. I’d like to, but they stopped me. They wanted to explore the characters from scratch, so I didn't."

Kaku agreed, stating, "We decided to create our own version, to relive the characters, embody their spirit independently. We drew a line, but the foundation was always respect."

Fan Reactions: A Divided Front

This revelation ignited a mixed response among fans. Some worried about significant deviations from the source material, fearing a loss of the games' essence. Others countered that this wasn't necessarily a deal-breaker, emphasizing that successful adaptations hinge on many factors beyond actor familiarity with the games.

The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame from the show had already caused some fan disappointment. This news further fueled concerns about the show's faithfulness. While some remain optimistic, others are questioning whether the adaptation will truly capture the spirit of the beloved franchise.

Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's Fallout adaptation, offered a contrasting perspective. In an interview with Jake's Takes, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game's world, noting that her approach contributed to the show's success (65 million viewers in two weeks). She stressed understanding the world being built, while acknowledging the ultimate creative authority of the show's creators.

Despite the actors' lack of prior gaming experience, 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, "Director Take spoke to me as if he were the original story's author. I knew we'd get something fun by fully trusting him."

Regarding the actors' portrayals, he added, "Their interpretations are totally different from the original, but that's what's great." Yokoyama sought an adaptation that transcended mere imitation, welcoming a fresh take on the iconic Kiryu character, given the games' already masterful portrayal.

For more on Yokoyama's thoughts on Like a Dragon: Yakuza and its initial teaser, see the article below!