A brand new Yakuza live-action movie is on the best way from Sega, 1212 Leisure, and Wild Sheep. Whereas we have already had one movie adaptation with 2007’s Like a Dragon, the information was thrilling for a lot of followers of this iconic franchise. With no official details about what the upcoming film can be targeted on, we could not assist however to already begin up our personal want record of who we wish to see play a few of our favourite characters.
Assuming that the upcoming live-action adaptation will observe the core franchise and never act as a spin-off, we first want our Kiryu! So, with out additional ado, listed here are our dream picks for who ought to be forged within the upcoming Yakuza film from Sega.
Kazuma Kiryu
Kazuki Kitamura initially performed Kiryu-san within the Like a Dragon movie, and appeared the half if you happen to squinted one eye and closed the opposite. However there was one thing about his efficiency that did not fairly match.
As an alternative, how about we strive some Simu Liu on for measurement? Liu is a Chinese language actor most recognized for his work in Blood and Water, the Taken TV sequence, and most lately Kim’s Comfort. Whereas his performing chops are assorted, he additionally has that quiet energy that Kiryu has with the underlying pure chaos that comes out occasionally.
He can do comedy, however he additionally has fairly a couple of dramas beneath his belt. When he will get critical, he harnesses some main Kiryu vibes. He isn’t a useless ringer within the face, however that did not cease the casting of Kitamura both, so I believe it is OK.
Haruka Sawamura
Haruka Sawamura does a number of rising up within the Yakuza franchise, and we’re first launched to her as a younger pre-teen. We ultimately see her develop up and evolve by quite a few levels in her life, from being a pop star to changing into a mom.
Snakes and Earrings actress Yuriko Yoshitaka was born and raised in Japan and has been performing professionally since 2006. She appears the a part of an older Sawamura, but it surely’s her performing historical past that makes me suppose that she may deal with the numerous sides that this specific character exhibits all through the franchise.
Goro Majima
The Like a Dragon film truly had the proper Goro Majima. He appeared the half, he was a ache within the butt the entire time, and he actually nailed your complete vibe of this character. The actor even shares a part of the character’s identify: He is Goro Kishitani.
Majima is one other most important playable protagonist from the sequence, and his fierce angle earned him the nickname “The Mad Canine of Shimano.” He is a frontrunner and he’s very charismatic, however his historical past with Kiryu is what makes him distinctive. As soon as rivals, they ultimately turn out to be shut mates with “Solely I can kill you” hanging between them. This additionally has been an enormous supply of fan fiction within the Yakuza fandom, however that is neither right here nor there.
I am not even going to make use of a headshot; here is a nonetheless from when he was in Like a Dragon for reference as an alternative:
See? Annoying but one way or the other good and we love him anyway.
Ryuji Goda
Yakuza 2’s most important antagonist is one which I’ve a love/hate relationship with as a fan. “The Dragon of Kansai” is extremely bold, and it is his ruthlessness that makes him both admired or downright hated. That being stated, his distinctive dynamic with Kiryu and his love for household actually makes that hate arduous to stay.
His actual redeeming qualities are that he has immense honor and he is fiercely loyal. The quickest method to make this man see crimson is to be underhanded and manipulative, or to harm his half-sister or Kiryu. The latter is as a result of he desires to be the one to take our most important man out.
Due to his distinctive character and muscled-up look, I personally really feel that not a number of characters can do him justice when searching for a precise lookalike. Whereas his blond hair and scars make him positively distinctive, I really feel like his voice is the place his energy is and so I wish to see his VA, Masami Iwasaki, take the position. We might need to dump some bleach on his head and tough him up a bit, however he is extremely proficient and is aware of each nook of Goda’s thoughts.
Shun Akiyama
Shun Akiyama is an clever entrepreneur, however he’s additionally sort. He isn’t the standard mortgage shark; he is infamous for lending out cash to those who have nowhere else to go, even when it means he will not ever see it again. He additionally supplies assessments for people who declare they’re in must see if they’re worthy. In the event that they fail the take a look at, he strikes on, however that does not imply he is chilly.
To play Akiyama, Takeshi Kaneshiro initiatives the sense of energy that this character has with out shedding that selfless edge. This Japanese actor is greatest recognized for his work in Hero and Fallen Angels. Not solely that, he additionally has a very gorgeous musical voice too! So principally, in the event that they embrace any of the hilarious minigame elements, this man can be good for karaoke.
Taiga Saejima
Here is the decide that’s going to most likely make lots of people upset and low cost this complete record. Taiga Saejima is a serious character each in Yakuza 4 and 5. He is additionally insanely huge in measurement.
The factor with this character is that with sure facial expressions, he appears nearly precisely like Dave Bautista. He isn’t a Japanese actor, and I did actually need to keep on with that for essentially the most half with this record, however Bautista would make the proper Saejima: identical facial expressions, huge muscle tissue, typically very blunt, can appear harsh however is admittedly only a selfless mushball—the record goes on.
I do know it is in style to to not like this man – we noticed that when he put his identify in to presumably play an element in a Gears film – however he matches the invoice. I do not make the foundations, it is simply science.
Takayuki Yagami
Takayuki Yagami is an idealistic lawyer that finally ends up resigning over a case gone flawed. The now-private investigator is a beloved staple within the sequence, regardless of his extra reserved nature in comparison with a few of the different faces within the franchise.
For his quieter nature, Tsuki no Koibito‘s Takuya Kimura can be a match made in Heaven. He is a highly regarded actor in Japan, particularly proper now, and has a powerful TV drama previous that might serve him properly throughout this character’s arc with resolving his emotions about his profession path. Shag up that hair a bit and Kimura can be the proper match. It additionally doesn’t damage that he, like Goro for his decide, voiced the character in-game.
Ichiban Kasuga
And with the unique film reference being Like a Dragon (and the sport of the identical identify popping out quickly), we’ve got to spherical out our record with Yakuza’s latest hero, Ichiban Kasuga himself! Loyal, goofy, and simply excitable, that is one character out of your complete franchise that I relate to essentially the most. He is additionally presents a really stark distinction from Kiryu’s extra stoic model.
For this, position, we want a comic; somebody who’s used to laughing and making others snigger with him. It is due to that humorous edge that I believe Loopy Wealthy Asians star Chris Pang can be absolutely the good match. His smile is infectious, he isn’t afraid to get bizarre, and might you think about him in a loud Hawaiian shirt? As a result of that simply sounds wonderful.
And that is a wrap! These are our picks for who ought to play a few of our favourite characters within the upcoming Yakuza film! In case you missed the preliminary reveal, you may take a look at our earlier protection here to study extra in regards to the upcoming adaptation. You can even study extra about what it took for Sega to create such an unbelievable franchise with our deep dive here!
