Yakuza Cast New to 'Like a Dragon' Franchise

The actors portraying the characters in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza series adaptation revealed a surprising detail: they hadn't played the games before or during filming. This decision and its impact on fan expectations are explored below.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors' Unconventional Approach

A Fresh Perspective on Familiar Characters

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku confessed to never having played the Yakuza games. This wasn't accidental; the production team consciously chose this approach to foster a fresh interpretation of the characters.

Takeuchi explained (via translator, as reported by GamesRadar+), "I know these games – everyone knows these games. But I haven't played them. I'd like to try them, but they stopped me. They wanted to explore the characters from scratch."

Kaku agreed, stating, "We decided to create our own version, to reimagine the characters, capturing their essence and embodying them uniquely. We aimed for a distinct approach, but always with respect for the source material."

Fan Reactions: A Balancing Act Between Hope and Concern

This revelation has generated mixed reactions. While some fans worry about potential deviations from the games, others believe this concern is overblown. Successful adaptations depend on numerous factors, and prior game knowledge isn't necessarily crucial.

The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame further fueled fan anxieties. Although some remain optimistic, others question whether the series will truly capture the spirit of the beloved franchise.

Ella Purnell, from Prime Video's Fallout series (which attracted 65 million viewers in two weeks), offered a different perspective. While acknowledging the importance of understanding the game world, she noted that creative choices ultimately rest with the show's creators. Her experience suggests immersion can be beneficial, but it isn't the only path to success.

Despite the actors' lack of prior gameplay experience, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. He stated (in a Sega interview at SDCC), "Director Take spoke to me as if he were the original story's author. I knew we'd get something fun by fully trusting him."

Regarding the actors' portrayals, Yokoyama commented, "Their interpretations are totally different from the original, but that's what's great about it." He welcomed a fresh take, believing the games had already perfected Kiryu and that a unique approach was desirable.

For more of Yokoyama's insights, see the linked article below.