The actors behind the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza series adaptation revealed a surprising detail: they hadn't played the games before filming. This decision, and the fan reaction to it, is explored here.
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 confessed they’d never played the Yakuza games. This wasn't accidental; the production team aimed for a fresh interpretation.
Takeuchi, speaking through a translator (as reported by GamesRadar+), explained, "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 wanted to create our own version, to inhabit the characters spiritually and embody them uniquely. We aimed for a distinct approach, but with utmost respect for the source material."
Fan Reactions: A Divided Front
This revelation sparked a mixed response. Some fans worried about deviations from the games, while others felt the concern was overblown. Adaptation success depends on many factors, and prior game experience isn't necessarily crucial.
The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame already disappointed fans. The actors’ confession further fueled concerns about the show's faithfulness. While some remain optimistic, others question whether the series will capture the games' essence.
Ella Purnell, from Amazon's Fallout adaptation (which drew 65 million viewers in two weeks), highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the source material during an interview with Jake's Takes. She stressed understanding the world, while acknowledging creative freedom rests with the showrunners.
Despite the actors' lack of gaming experience, 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 to me as if he'd written the original story. I knew we'd have something special if we trusted him completely."
Regarding the actors' portrayals, he said, "Their interpretations are entirely different from the original, but that's what makes it great." Yokoyama sought an adaptation that transcended mere imitation, believing the games had already perfected Kiryu and welcoming a fresh take on the character.
For more on Yokoyama's perspective and the show's teaser, see the linked article below!
