Stranger Than Heaven Stars a Yakuza Film Legend Who Passed Away Over a Decade Ago

Sega’s RGG Studio has unveiled exciting details about the upcoming Yakuza prequel, Stranger Than Heaven. This game boasts a diverse cast, featuring Snoop Dogg, his son, a former American Idol contestant, and a legendary Japanese actor who sadly passed away in 2014.

Bunta Sugawara was a prominent figure in the 1970s, starring in five films from the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series. These influential yakuza films have significantly shaped RGG’s portrayal of the criminal underworld. Sugawara also inspired the design of the formidable One Piece character Admiral Akainu, known as Sakazuki later in the series. In his later years, he lent his voice to characters in several Studio Ghibli films, including Spirited Away and Tales of Earthsea. Takashi Ukaji will voice Sugawara’s character in Stranger Than Heaven, bringing his extensive experience from projects like Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Fist of the North Star.

“In Stranger Than Heaven, the late and legendary actor Bunta Sugawara appears,” representatives from Sega and RGG Studio stated. “Sega received formal consent from his family, and with materials provided by Toei Company, Ltd.—which produced many of Mr. Sugawara’s films, including the Battles Without Honor and Humanity—RGG Studio crafted his CG character design based on archival footage and photographs. The character’s voice is performed by actor Takashi Ukaji, who shared a close connection with Mr. Sugawara.”

And yes, the Italian Mafia makes an appearance in this installment.

Sugawara isn’t the only actor to be ‘revived’ on-screen recently. At April’s CinemaCon, the late Val Kilmer was featured in footage from the upcoming film As Deep As the Grave, created using generative AI. This sparked some controversy, but Kilmer’s family has supported his appearance. “I think this is a really historic precedent, and I’m really proud of him,” said his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

More details about Sugawara’s role in Stranger Than Heaven will be revealed when RGG’s next adventure launches this winter on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5.