Like a Dragon: Yakuza Adaptation – A Fresh Perspective, or a Risky Gamble?
The lead actors in the upcoming Like a Dragon: Yakuza adaptation made a surprising revelation at SDCC: neither Ryoma Takeuchi nor Kento Kaku 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 characters, unburdened by pre-conceived notions.
Takeuchi explained, via translator, that while aware of the games' global popularity, he was prevented from playing them to maintain a fresh approach to the character. Kaku similarly stated their intention to create their own version, respecting the source material's spirit while forging a unique on-screen portrayal.
This decision has ignited a debate among fans. While some express concern about potential deviations from the source material, others believe that the actors' unfamiliarity isn't necessarily detrimental to a successful adaptation. The omission of the iconic karaoke minigame from the show has already fueled fan anxieties, further intensifying concerns about the show's faithfulness.
Ella Purnell, lead actress in Prime Video's Fallout adaptation (which garnered 65 million viewers in its first two weeks), offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging the creative freedom of the showrunners, she highlighted the benefits of immersing oneself in the source material to better understand the world being built.
However, RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama expressed confidence in the vision of directors Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto. He praised Director Take's understanding of the source material, emphasizing the potential for a unique and engaging adaptation. Yokoyama highlighted that the actors' interpretations, while differing significantly from the games, are precisely what makes the adaptation exciting, offering a fresh perspective on the already well-established character of Kiryu. He welcomed this departure from direct imitation, aiming for an adaptation that transcends simple replication. The success of this bold approach remains to be seen.
