Yakuza Actors Unfamiliar With Like a Dragon Game

Like a Dragon: Yakuza cast members confessed to not playing the game before or during filming. Discover what the cast had to say 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 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 for television. This was a deliberate choice, as the production team aimed for a novel interpretation of the characters.

"I'm familiar with these games—everyone globally knows these games. But I haven't played them," Takeuchi stated through a translator, as reported by GamesRadar+. "I intended to play them, but the team prevented me because they wanted—for the character's portrayal—a fresh start. That's why I chose not to play."

Kaku shared this viewpoint, stating, "We chose to craft our own adaptation, reinterpret the characters, absorb their essence and embody it independently. We aimed for a distinct approach, yet our foundation was respect."

Fans Question if the Adaptation Will Convey the Games’ Essence

This move has prompted varied responses among fans. Some fear the show will stray excessively from the source material. Others contend that fans are overestimating their concerns. Numerous elements contribute to a successful adaptation, and the actors’ familiarity with the series isn't crucial.

Last week, fans already grappled with the news that Like a Dragon: Yakuza would omit the game’s signature karaoke minigame. The recent disclosure has intensified 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 authentically 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 appeared to be worthwhile, as the show attracted 65 million viewers in just two weeks. Purnell highlighted in an interview with Jake's Takes the importance of comprehending the world they're creating, although she also conceded that creative choices ultimately reside with the show’s creators.

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 original author," 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 story, 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!