'Like a Dragon' Actors Embark on Immersive Game Experience

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Adaptation – A Fresh Perspective, or a Risky Gamble?

The lead actors of the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation, Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku, revealed a surprising detail at San Diego Comic-Con: neither had played any of the games before or during filming. This deliberate choice, according to the production team, aimed for a fresh interpretation of the source material.

Takeuchi explained, via translator, that while aware of the games’ global popularity, he was prevented from playing to maintain a clean slate for character development. Kaku corroborated this, emphasizing their intention to create their own version, respecting the source material's essence while forging a unique on-screen portrayal. They aimed for a distinct interpretation, not a direct replication.

This decision has ignited a debate among fans. Concerns about the show’s faithfulness to the games are amplified by the previous announcement that the iconic karaoke minigame would be absent. While some remain optimistic, others question whether the show can truly capture the spirit of the beloved franchise.

Ella Purnell, from Prime Video's Fallout adaptation (which garnered 65 million viewers in its first two weeks), offers a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging creative freedom, she highlights the benefits of immersing oneself in the game world for a more nuanced understanding.

However, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision. He described Director Take's understanding of the source material as that of an original author, highlighting the potential for a unique and engaging adaptation. Yokoyama specifically welcomed a departure from direct imitation, believing the games had already perfected Kiryu's character and that a fresh interpretation would be beneficial. He emphasized that the actors' portrayals, while different, are precisely what makes the adaptation exciting.

The success of this bold approach remains to be seen, but the decision to keep the actors distanced from the games promises a potentially unique and unexpected interpretation of the Like a Dragon universe.