Sega and Prime Video have thrilled fans by unveiling the first teaser for the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of the iconic Yakuza series, titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza. Dive into the details about the upcoming show and hear from Masayoshi Yokoyama, the Director of RGG Studio, about his vision for this exciting project.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza to Premiere on October 24
A Fresh Take on Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, Sega and Amazon provided fans with their initial glimpse into *Like a Dragon: Yakuza*, the live-action adaptation of the beloved game series. The teaser introduced Japanese actor Ryoma Takeuchi stepping into the shoes of the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, with Kento Kaku portraying the primary antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Masayoshi Yokoyama, Director of RGG Studio, praised the actors for their unique interpretations of the characters."In truth, their portrayals diverge significantly from the original narrative," Yokoyama shared during an interview with Sega at SDCC. "However, that's precisely what makes it compelling." He acknowledged the game's definitive portrayal of Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective the show brings to both characters.
The teaser offered tantalizing glimpses of the show, including scenes from the iconic Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and Kiryu's intense confrontation with Futoshi Shimano.
According to the teaser's description, Like a Dragon: Yakuza aims to "depict the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and the inhabitants of the vibrant entertainment district, Kamurochō," which draws inspiration from the notorious Kabukichō in Tokyo's Shinjuku ward.
The series, loosely based on the first game, will explore the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, revealing facets of Kiryu's character that previous games have not fully explored.
Sega’s Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama
Despite initial fan concerns regarding the adaptation's ability to balance the game's gritty atmosphere with its humorous moments, Yokoyama reassured fans that the Prime Video series would capture "the essence of the original."
In his interview with Sega at SDCC, Yokoyama expressed his primary concern was that the show might simply mimic the game. "Instead, I wanted people to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter with it," he explained.
"I was genuinely envious of how well they did," Yokoyama added. "We crafted the setting two decades ago, but they managed to make it uniquely theirs while still honoring the original story."
After viewing the series, Yokoyama remarked, "If you're new to the game, it's a new world. If you're familiar with it, you'll be grinning throughout." He hinted at a significant surprise at the end of the first episode that left him ecstatic.
While the teaser only offers a brief preview, fans won't have to wait long to see more. Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24, with the first three episodes available simultaneously. The final three episodes will follow on November 1.
