Discover the surprising revelation from the actors of Like a Dragon: Yakuza and how fans have reacted to this news.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Didn’t Play the Game
‘We Would Do Our Own Version,’ Actor Says
At last July's San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku of Like a Dragon: Yakuza made a surprising confession: neither had ever played the game they were adapting for the screen. This decision was intentional, as the production team aimed to bring a fresh perspective to the characters.
"I know these games—everybody in the world knows these games. But I haven’t played them," Takeuchi explained through a translator, as reported by GamesRadar+. "I’d like to try them, but they had to stop me because they wanted to—for the character in the script—explore from scratch. That’s why I decided not to play."
Kaku reinforced this approach, stating, "We decided we would make sure we would do our own version, relive the characters, take their spiritual elements and embody them on our own. There was a clear line we wanted to draw but everything on the bottom was respect."
Fans Question if the Show Will Capture The Games’ Spirit
This revelation has sparked a range of reactions among fans. Some are concerned that the show might stray too far from the source material, while others believe that the actors' lack of familiarity with the games may not be crucial for a successful adaptation. The recent news that Like a Dragon: Yakuza would not feature the iconic karaoke minigame has further fueled these concerns about the show's fidelity to the games.
While some fans remain hopeful about the adaptation's potential, others are questioning whether it will truly capture the essence of the beloved game franchise. Although playing the game isn't necessary for a successful adaptation, lead actress Ella Purnell of Prime Video's Fallout TV series highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game world. Her approach seemed to pay off, as the show attracted 65 million viewers in just two weeks. In an interview with Jake's Takes, Purnell stressed the importance of understanding the world they’re building, while also acknowledging that creative decisions ultimately rest with the show’s creators.
Despite the decision to keep the lead actors from playing the game, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of the show’s directors, Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto.
"When I talked with Director Take, he was speaking to me as if he was the author of the original story," Yokoyama shared in a Sega interview at SDCC. "I realized then that we’re going to get something fun if we fully entrust him with the project."
Regarding the actors’ portrayal of the game’s characters, Yokoyama added, "to tell you the truth, their portrayal… is totally different from the original story, but that’s what’s great about it." He emphasized his desire for an adaptation that goes beyond mere imitation, noting that the games had already perfected Kiryu, and he welcomed the show’s fresh interpretation of the iconic character.
For more insights into Yokoyama’s thoughts on Like a Dragon: Yakuza and its first teaser, check out the article below!
