Like a Dragon: Yakuza’s Kiryu actor "really wants" to try the game series, but only if he has enough time to play it from start to finish

Oct. 26, 2024

Exclusive: Ryoma Takeuchi is looking forward to trying out the Like a Dragon series in future

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Despite not playing the game series for his hard-hitting role, Like a Dragon: Yakuza’s Kiryu actor Ryoma Takeuchi is “looking forward” to playing them in future.

“Yes, actually I do have a strong feeling towards that. I really want to play the game, but if only I could be given a break to do so,” Takeuchi said (via translation) when GamesRadar+ asked whether he would now be tempted to play the Like a Dragon series, formerly known as Yakuza in the west.

“What I mean is that I really like playing video games, but if I start playing it I need to play the whole game. So, I need to stay in front of the television screen for a long, long time.”

Despite Takeuchi outlining his intentions, don’t expect him to be Tiger Dropping gangsters or getting seriously into Pocket Circuit on the virtual streets of Kamurocho any time soon.

“I have so many things that are waiting for me to do and accomplish in front of me,” Takeuchi said. “So, that’s where I am right now. But I look forward to playing the games.”

Previously, Takeuchitold us at San Diego Comic-Conthat the creative team behind the new Prime Video series suggested he explore the character of Kiryu “from scratch”.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Makes sense to us. After all, even the likes of The Last of Us’ Ellie actor Bella Ramsey and Joel actor Pedro Pascal were told not to pick up a controller and dabble in the source material before filming.

“I was actually encouraged not to,” Ramsey toldUSA Today. “After my first audition, they asked me, ‘Have you played it?’ And I said, ‘Nope,’ and they said, ‘Keep it that way.'”

The first three episodes of Like a Dragon: Yakuza are now streaming worldwide on Prime Video. For more, check out the fullLike a Dragon: Yakuza release schedule, our verdict of the first season in theLike a Dragon: Yakuza review, and our ranking of thebest Yakuza games.

I’m the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you’ll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

A Hulu/Disney Plus fan-favorite with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score is coming back for season 2

Sherlock creator Steven Moffat responds to recent revival comments, revealing that he already has an idea for how Benedict Cumberbatch’s detective could return

Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”