Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Drops

Sega and Prime Video recently offered a sneak peek at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza franchise. Dive in to learn more about the series and the director's perspective.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Debuts October 24th

A Fresh Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu

The teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique approach to the roles.

"Their portrayals are completely different from the game," Yokoyama stated in a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's precisely what makes it so compelling." He acknowledged the game's definitive portrayal of Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective the series offers.

The trailer briefly showcased iconic locations like 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 Tokyo's Kabukichō.

Loosely based on the first game, the series explores the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, delving into aspects of Kiryu's story previously unexplored in the games.

Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation

Addressing initial fan concerns about the series' tone potentially neglecting the game's lighter moments, Yokoyama reassured fans that the Prime Video adaptation captures "the essence of the original."

In his SDCC interview, Yokoyama emphasized his desire to avoid mere imitation. "I wanted viewers to experience Like a Dragon as if it were their first encounter," he explained.

"Honestly, it was so good, I was envious," Yokoyama continued. "They took the setting we created 20 years ago and made it their own… without sacrificing the original story."

He revealed that the show's first episode concludes with a major surprise that left him "screaming and jumping for joy."

While the teaser provides only a glimpse, fans won't have long to wait. 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.