Yakuza Actors Dive Headlong into the Ashes of Ichiban

The Surprising Confession of the Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors

The lead actors in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation, Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku, revealed a surprising fact at San Diego Comic-Con last July: neither had played any of the games before or during filming. This deliberate choice aimed to provide a fresh perspective on the characters and the story.

Takeuchi explained, through a translator, that while he's aware of the games' global popularity, the production team intentionally prevented him from playing to ensure a completely original interpretation. Kaku similarly stated they aimed to create their own version, respecting the source material’s spirit while forging their own path.

This decision has sparked a debate among fans. Some fear a significant departure from the source material, while others believe this approach could be beneficial. The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame from the show further fuels these concerns.

Ella Purnell, the lead actress of Prime Video’s Fallout adaptation, offers a contrasting viewpoint. While acknowledging the creative freedom of showrunners, she highlights the value of immersing oneself in the game's world, suggesting a connection between her experience and Fallout’s successful 65 million viewer count in just two weeks.

However, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto. He likened Director Take’s approach to that of the original story's author, highlighting the potential for a unique and engaging adaptation. Yokoyama emphasized that while the actors' portrayal differs significantly from the games, this fresh perspective is precisely what makes it exciting, especially given the games' already established portrayal of Kiryu. He welcomed a reimagining rather than a mere replication.

For more insights into Yokoyama’s perspective and the show’s first teaser, further reading is recommended.