'Like a Dragon' Voice Actors Discover Game's Charm Firsthand

The cast of the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation revealed a surprising detail: they never played the games! This article explores the actors' reasoning and the ensuing fan reaction.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Actors: A Fresh Perspective

A Conscious Choice

At San Diego Comic-Con last July, lead actors Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku confessed they'd never played the Yakuza games. This wasn't accidental; the production team aimed for a unique interpretation.

Takeuchi, speaking through a translator (per GamesRadar+), explained, "I know these games—everyone does. But I haven't played them. I wanted to, but they stopped me. They wanted a fresh start, to explore the characters from scratch."

Kaku agreed, stating, "We wanted to create our own version, to experience the characters anew, to capture their essence and embody them independently. We aimed for a distinct approach, but always with respect for the source material."

Fan Reactions: A Divided Audience

This revelation has caused a stir among fans. Some fear a significant departure from the games, while others believe the concerns are overblown. Successful adaptations depend on many factors, and prior gaming experience isn't necessarily crucial.

The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame, announced earlier, already fueled fan apprehension. This new revelation only intensified concerns about the show's faithfulness. While some remain optimistic, others question whether the series will truly capture the spirit of the beloved franchise.

Ella Purnell, from Prime Video's Fallout adaptation (which attracted 65 million viewers in two weeks), offered a contrasting perspective. In a Jake's Takes interview, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the game's world, though acknowledging creative freedom rests with the show's creators.

Despite the actors' lack of gaming experience, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto's vision.

In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "Director Take spoke to me as if he were the original story's author. I knew we'd have something special if we trusted him completely."

Regarding the actors' portrayals, he added, "Their interpretations are vastly different from the original, but that's what makes it exciting." Yokoyama emphasized his desire for an adaptation that transcends mere imitation, welcoming a fresh take on the already-perfected Kiryu character.

For more on Yokoyama's perspective and the show's teaser, see the linked article below.