Sega and Prime Video recently offered a sneak peek at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza game series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the details revealed and the director's perspective.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th
A Reimagined Kazuma Kiryu
At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega and Amazon unveiled the first teaser for the live-action series. Ryoma Takeuchi portrays the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku takes on the role of the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique interpretations.
In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "Their portrayals are completely different from the original game, but that's precisely what makes it exciting." He acknowledged the game's perfected Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective the series brings to both characters.
The teaser showcased iconic locations like the Underground Purgatory Coliseum and a glimpse of Kiryu's confrontation with 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 viewers a side of Kiryu previously unseen in the games.
Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation
Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's tone, Yokoyama reassured viewers that the series captures "the essence" of the original.
In his SDCC interview, he explained his primary concern was avoiding mere imitation. He aimed for viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter with the world.
"Honestly, it was so good, I was envious," Yokoyama shared. "They took the setting we created 20 years ago and made it their own, while staying true to the original story."
He teased that the series offers a fresh experience for both newcomers and longtime fans, promising a surprising twist at the end of the first episode.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on October 24th, with the first three episodes available simultaneously. The remaining three episodes will be released on November 1st.
