Netflix’s new hit series BET, a live-action adaptation inspired by the manga Kakegurui, has taken audiences by storm — and one of the standout characters is Ryan, portrayed by rising star Ayo Solanke. I recently caught up with Ayo for Pop Culture Unplugged, where we talked about the show’s global success, stepping into a beloved fandom, and why Ryan’s evolution is resonating with viewers around the world.
From Audition to Top 10
The buzz around BET is real — topping charts in the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines — and Ayo is soaking it all in.
“It’s been great,” he said, reflecting on the fan reaction. “It’s charting all over. I’ve seen it top ten everywhere. It’s surreal.”
Interestingly, Ayo didn’t even know what he was auditioning for at first. Like many of his castmates, his audition script used a placeholder name — "Harry" instead of Ryan — to conceal the true identity of the project.
“I’d experienced some of the themes before in my life. So I tried to bring it home and make it real — something people could resonate with.”
Ryan vs. Ryota: Honoring the Source While Creating Something New
While Ryan is inspired by Ryota Suzui from the Kakegurui manga, Ayo made a conscious effort to build a version of the character that stood on its own.
“I read the manga, watched the anime, and did all the research. But I wanted to create something real, something grounded. I didn’t want to just mimic Ryota — I wanted to honor him, but give Ryan his own journey.”
And fans have responded to that. Ayo says he’s heard from viewers who felt Ryan brought a more emotional and meaningful presence to the world of BET than they had seen in the source material.
The Shift: From Loyal Soldier to Rebellion
Ryan begins the series as a believer in the school’s ruthless hierarchy, but that loyalty fades fast — especially when he finds himself aligning with Yumiko.
“It was so fun to play that arc. He starts off reserved, almost by the book. But you can feel something brewing underneath. When it flips, it flips hard.”
Solanke points to the final episodes, especially the scenes where Ryan defends Yumiko or squares off with Hunter Cardinal’s character Michael, as some of his favorite to shoot.
“That moment where I pin Michael — it’s not about logic anymore. Ryan is locked in. He’s ride or die for Yumiko.”
Dance Dance Revolution and Behind-the-Scenes Surprises
You wouldn’t expect Dance Dance Revolution to be one of the biggest physical challenges on set — but for Ayo, it was.
“I’m Nigerian, so I can two-step, but I’m not a dancer like that! We trained for weeks to nail that ‘What Is Love’ dance. That might’ve been harder than the fight scenes.”
Still, he credits the experience as a highlight, especially alongside co-star Miku Martineau (Yumiko).
What’s Next for Ryan?
Should BET get a Season 2 (which fans are loudly demanding), Ayo knows exactly what he wants to explore.
“I’d love to dive deeper into Ryan’s mystery, especially his father’s backstory. There’s so much to uncover — who he is beneath the surface, what drives him.”
And when asked if he’d want to be friends with Ryan in real life?
“Absolutely. He’s loyal. He’s real. That’s the kind of guy you want in your corner.”
Final Thoughts: Power, Revenge, and Resonance
Ayo believes BET is more than a stylish teen thriller — it’s a reflection of deeper truths.
“It touches on power, rebellion, loyalty, and healing. I think that’s why people are connecting with Ryan. He reminds them of what it means to care, to change, to fight when it matters.”
For now, Ayo’s back to auditions, but he’s also working on his own short film Island, exploring his skills behind the camera. Still, he’s hopeful for more BET — and judging by the show’s performance, there’s a good chance he’ll get that call.
“I think we deserve a Season 2,” he said with a smile. “Fingers crossed.”
BET is now streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned for more interviews with the cast, right here on Pop Culture Unplugged.
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