The actors behind the new Like a Dragon: Yakuza series adaptation made a surprising revelation: they hadn't played the games before filming. Let's explore their reasoning and the fan reaction.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Fresh Perspective
A Conscious Choice
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 an oversight; the production team intentionally steered them away from the source material to foster a unique 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 a fresh take on the characters, a clean slate, so I didn't play."
Kaku agreed, stating, "We aimed for our own version, to reimagine the characters, capturing their essence and embodying them independently. We wanted a clear distinction, but always with respect for the original."
Fan Reactions: A Divided Audience
This decision has ignited a passionate debate among fans. Some fear a significant departure from the source material, while others believe the concerns are overblown. Successful adaptations depend on many factors, and prior game knowledge isn't necessarily crucial.
The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame further fueled fan anxieties. While some remain hopeful, others question whether the series can truly capture the spirit of the beloved franchise.
Ella Purnell, from Prime Video's Fallout series, offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging the creative freedom of the showrunners, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game's world, citing the Fallout adaptation's 65 million viewers in two weeks as evidence.
Despite the actors' lack of prior gaming experience, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. He stated in a Sega SDCC interview, "Director Take spoke about the story with the passion of an original creator. I knew we'd have something special if we trusted him completely."
Regarding the actors' portrayals, Yokoyama added, "Their interpretations are drastically different, but that's what makes it exciting." He welcomed a fresh approach, believing the games had already perfected Kiryu and that a new perspective was beneficial.
To learn more about Yokoyama's insights and the show's initial teaser, see the link below!
