Sega and Prime Video recently offered fans a sneak peek at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the show's details and highlights comments from RGG Studio Director Masayoshi Yokoyama.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th

A Novel Interpretation of Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con on July 26th, Sega and Amazon unveiled the first teaser for the live-action series. Ryoma Takeuchi portrays the iconic Kazuma Kiryu, and Kento Kaku plays the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Yokoyama emphasized the actors' unique approach to their roles.

In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "Their portrayal is entirely different from the game, but that's precisely its strength." While acknowledging the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu, he welcomed the fresh perspective offered by the show. The teaser showcased glimpses of 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 Kabukichō. Loosely based on the first game, the series explores the lives of Kiryu and his childhood friends, revealing aspects of Kiryu's story previously unexplored in the games.

Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation

Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's tone, Yokoyama assured viewers that the Prime Video series captures the essence of the original. He explained his primary concern was avoiding mere imitation, aiming instead for a fresh and engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

In his SDCC interview, Yokoyama shared, "It was so good, I was envious. They made the setting, created 20 years ago, their own, yet remained true to the original story." He teased that the show offers a new world for newcomers and a rewarding experience for veterans, even hinting at a major surprise at the end of the first episode.

While the teaser offers limited footage, 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 debut on November 1st.