Yakuza Actors: Uncharted Dragon Territory

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

Like a Dragon: Yakuza cast members confessed to not playing the game before or during filming. Discover what the cast shared about this and how fans responded to the news.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Cast Didn’t Play the Game‘We Would Do Our Own Interpretation,’ Actor Says

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

Like a Dragon: Yakuza lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku offered a surprising revelation at SDCC last July: neither had played any games in the franchise they were adapting. This was a deliberate choice, as the team aimed for a novel interpretation of the characters.

"I'm familiar with these games—everyone knows them. But I haven't played them," Takeuchi stated through a translator, as reported by GamesRadar+. "I wanted to, but I was prevented from doing so; the team wanted a fresh start with the characters. That's why I refrained from playing."

Kaku shared this viewpoint, saying, "We opted to craft our own rendition, reinterpret the characters, absorb their essence, and embody them uniquely. We aimed for a distinct approach, yet our foundation was respect."

Fans Question if the Adaptation Will Convey the Games’ Essence

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

This move has prompted varied responses among fans. Some fear the show might stray too far from the source material. Others contend that fans are overestimating the impact. Numerous factors contribute to a successful adaptation, and the actors’ familiarity with the series isn't crucial.

Last week, fans already faced the news that Like a Dragon: Yakuza wouldn't feature the game’s signature karaoke minigame. The recent announcement has exacerbated fan anxieties about the show’s faithfulness to the games. While some fans remain hopeful about the adaptation's potential, others are questioning whether the series will genuinely capture the spirit of the popular game franchise.

While playing the game isn't mandatory for a successful adaptation, lead actress Ella Purnell of Prime Video’s Fallout TV series believes immersing oneself in the game world is advantageous. It seemed to yield positive results, as the show attracted 65 million viewers in just two weeks. Purnell highlighted in an interview with Jake's Takes the significance of understanding the world they're creating, while also acknowledging that creative choices ultimately reside with the show's creators.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors Have Never Played the Game

Despite the decision to keep the lead performers from playing the game, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama was confident in the vision of the show’s directors, Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto, for the adaptation.

"When I talked with Director Take, he was speaking to me as if he was the author of the original narrative," Yokoyama said in a Sega interview at SDCC. "I realized then that we’re going to get something enjoyable if we fully entrust him with the project."

Regarding the actors’ depiction of the game’s characters, he added, "to tell you the truth, their depiction… are totally different from the original narrative, but that’s what’s excellent about it." Yokoyama emphasized his desire for an adaptation that surpasses imitation. According to him, the games had already perfected Kiryu, so he welcomed the show’s novel interpretation of the iconic character.

For more on Yokoyama’s thoughts on Like a Dragon: Yakuza and its first teaser, check out the article below!