Live-action adaptations for games have proven to be a successful formula, with every game-based TV series managing to bring in a massive number of viewers. The new live-action series to watch out for is based on SEGA’s popular JRPG franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The series was announced last month and is set to arrive on Amazon Prime on October 25. The actor set to play the iconic Kazuma Kiryu in Like a Dragon: Yakuza recently spoke about his feelings about playing this beloved character.
Ryoma Takeuchi, renowned for his work in projects like Kamen Rider Drive and many more, recently shared his insights on Kazuma Kiryu with IGN Japan. Takeuchi was surprised at being offered the role, given his familiarity with the Like a Dragon: Yakuza franchise from playing the first game at his uncle’s place. He emphasized the careful consideration he gave to the role, acknowledging the ‘real challenge’ of playing a character from an existing work.
Kazuma Kiryu’s Qualities
Takeuchi further elaborated, noting that Kiryu’s qualities, such as strength, physical prowess, and a sense of heroism, are more than just surface-level attributes. He emphasized just copying these qualities wouldn’t be enough. Therefore, in preparing for the Like a Dragon: Yakuza series, he had to ‘create Kiryu from scratch’, which allowed him to ‘link’ himself with Kiryu and ‘become one’ with the character.
How Takeuchi wishes to portray Kiryu in Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Takeuchi adds that he wishes to show the fans his portrayal of Kazuma Kiryu instead of working on pre-conceptions. The actor studied the Like a Dragon: Yakuza series and understood the qualities that make Kiryu who he is and embodied them. Additionally, he has trained very hard to look the part and explained how he will change the character’s fighting style as time moves on in that world and as his character gains more experience. Similarly, Takeuchi has also worked on how the character’s emotions change as he ages and becomes more of a top dog in the underworld.
Takeuchi confidently stated that he had given his all to play the character in Amazon Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action series. He understands that there is ‘no point in trying to surpass the original game ‘; instead, he aims to show respect to the games while ‘creating something new as an artist’.
In other news, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth sold a million copies a few months ago. What do you feel about the views of Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action actor playing Kazuma Kiryu? Let us know in the comments.
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They should have done an anime and bring back Shenmue The Animation.