Sega and Prime Video have finally offered a sneak peek at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the details revealed so far, including comments from RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th
A Reimagined Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26th, Sega and Amazon treated Yakuza fans to the first glimpse of the live-action series.The teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique interpretations of these established characters.
"Their portrayals are vastly different from the game," Yokoyama stated in a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's the beauty of it." He acknowledged the game's perfected Kiryu but expressed appreciation for the fresh perspective offered by the series.
The teaser provided fleeting glimpses of iconic locations, including the Coliseum in Underground Purgatory, and a confrontation between Kiryu and Futoshi Shimano.
The teaser description promises a portrayal of "fierce yet passionate gangsters and the inhabitants of Kamurochō," a fictional district inspired by Kabukichō in Shinjuku.
Loosely based on the first game, the series explores the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, offering fans a side of Kiryu previously unseen in the games.
Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation
Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's ability to capture the game's lighter moments, Yokoyama assured fans that the Prime Video series would retain "the essence of the original."
In his SDCC interview, Yokoyama revealed his primary fear was creating a mere imitation. He aimed for viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter with the story.
"Honestly, it was so good, I was envious," Yokoyama continued. "We created the setting 20 years ago, but they made it their own... without compromising the original story."
He teased that the series will resonate with both newcomers and longtime fans, promising a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him genuinely excited.
While the teaser is brief, the wait is almost over. Like a Dragon: Yakuza premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24th, with the first three episodes released simultaneously. The remaining three episodes will follow on November 1st.
