'Yakuza' Actors Debut in Live-Action Game Franchise

The lead actors in the upcoming "Like a Dragon: Yakuza" series adaptation revealed a surprising fact: they never played the games before or during filming. This decision and its impact on fan expectations are explored below.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors' Unplayed Games: A Bold Choice

A Fresh Perspective, Not a Lack of Respect

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku, the show's lead actors, confessed to never having played the games they were adapting. This wasn't an oversight; it was a deliberate choice by the production team to foster a unique interpretation.

Takeuchi, speaking through a translator, explained to GamesRadar+ that while aware of the games' global popularity, he was intentionally prevented from playing them. The goal was to approach the characters organically, from a fresh perspective, rather than mimicking existing portrayals.

Kaku echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's desire to create their own version, to embody the characters' essence without directly replicating the game's narrative. He stressed that while they aimed for a distinct approach, their work was rooted in deep respect for the source material.

Fan Reactions: A Spectrum of Opinions

This revelation ignited a mixed response from fans. Some expressed concern that the show might stray too far from the source material. Others countered that this concern is overblown, arguing that a successful adaptation hinges on numerous factors beyond the actors' prior game experience.

The absence of the iconic karaoke minigame, announced earlier, further fueled fan anxieties regarding the show's faithfulness. While some maintain optimism, others question whether the series will truly capture the spirit of the beloved game franchise.

The Fallout Experience: A Different Approach

Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's "Fallout" series, offers a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging the creative freedom of the showrunners, she highlights the benefits of immersing oneself in the game's world. The "Fallout" series, which attracted 65 million viewers in its first two weeks, seemingly demonstrates the potential payoff of such immersion.

RGG Studio's Confidence: Embracing a Unique Vision

Despite the actors' unfamiliarity with the games, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto. He highlighted Director Take's insightful understanding of the original story, suggesting a unique and potentially successful adaptation.

Yokoyama further emphasized that the actors' portrayals, while differing from the games, represent a positive aspect of the adaptation. He views this as an opportunity to offer a fresh interpretation of the already well-established character of Kiryu.

For a deeper dive into Yokoyama's perspective and the show's initial teaser, please refer to the linked article.