The actors portraying the characters in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation revealed a surprising detail: they never played the games before or during filming. This decision and its impact on fans is explored below.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Fresh Perspective
A Conscious Choice for a Unique Interpretation
At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku made headlines with their admission: they hadn't played the games. This wasn't an oversight; the production team intentionally steered them away from the source material to foster a fresh, independent interpretation of the characters.
Takeuchi, speaking through a translator, explained to GamesRadar+ that while aware of the games' popularity, he was prevented from playing to ensure a completely original approach to his role. Kaku corroborated this, emphasizing their commitment to creating their own version, drawing inspiration from the characters' essence while maintaining respect for the source material.
Fan Reactions: A Balancing Act of Hope and Concern
This revelation ignited a firestorm of opinions among fans. While some voiced concerns about potential deviations from the beloved games, others argued that such familiarity isn't crucial for a successful adaptation. The absence of the iconic karaoke minigame, announced previously, further fueled these anxieties.
The debate highlights the complexities of adapting a beloved franchise. While some fans remain optimistic, others question whether the show will truly capture the spirit of the Yakuza games. Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's Fallout adaptation (which attracted 65 million viewers in two weeks), suggested that immersing oneself in the game world can be beneficial, though creative license ultimately rests with the showrunners.
Despite the actors' lack of gaming experience, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto. He praised Director Take's understanding of the story, believing it would lead to a unique and enjoyable adaptation. Yokoyama highlighted that the actors' portrayals, while different from the games, are precisely what makes the adaptation compelling. He welcomed this fresh interpretation of the iconic Kiryu character, acknowledging that the games had already perfected their version.
For further insights into Yokoyama's perspective and the show's initial teaser, please refer to the linked article below.
