Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Unveiled
Sega and Prime Video have thrilled fans with the first glimpse of the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the iconic video game series, Yakuza. Titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza, this series promises to bring the gritty and vibrant world of the games to life. Here's everything you need to know about the show and insights from Masayoshi Yokoyama, Director of RGG Studio.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza to Premiere on October 24
A Fresh Take on Kazuma Kiryu
During San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, Sega and Amazon unveiled the teaser for Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The footage introduced Japanese actor Ryoma Takeuchi portraying the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku as the primary antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Masayoshi Yokoyama, the Director of RGG Studio, shared his excitement about the fresh interpretations by Takeuchi and Kaku, both known for their roles in Japanese television.
"Their portrayals of the characters are completely different from the original story, and that's what makes it great," Yokoyama stated in an interview with Sega at SDCC. He emphasized that while the game series had established Kiryu's character, the live-action adaptation offers a unique perspective on both Kiryu and Nishikiyama.
The teaser provided fleeting glimpses of the show, including scenes from the iconic Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and Kiryu's confrontation with Futoshi Shimano. The series is set to explore the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and the bustling entertainment district of Kamurochō, which is modeled after Tokyo's Shinjuku ward's Kabukichō.
The adaptation draws loose inspiration from the first game, focusing on the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, delving into aspects of Kiryu's life that previous games couldn't fully explore.
Sega's Interview with Masayoshi Yokoyama
Addressing fan concerns about maintaining the balance between the series' gritty atmosphere and its humorous moments, Yokoyama reassured fans that the Prime Video series will capture "aspects of the original's essence." In his interview with Sega at SDCC, he expressed his initial fear that the adaptation might simply imitate the games, but instead, it offers a fresh experience.
"To be honest, it was so good to the level I was jealous," Yokoyama admitted. "We created the setting 20 years ago, but they were able to make it their own… Yet they didn’t neglect the original story."
Yokoyama also hinted at a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him "screaming and jumping on his feet." He believes that the series will be a new world for newcomers and a delightful experience for long-time fans, who will find themselves grinning throughout.
Fans won't have to wait long to dive into this new take on the Yakuza universe. Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set to premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24, with the first three episodes available immediately. The remaining three episodes will follow on November 1.
