Sega and Prime Video recently offered a captivating first look at their upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the details revealed at San Diego Comic-Con and director Masayoshi Yokoyama's insights.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza Premieres October 24th
A Fresh 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 takes on the role of the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique approaches to their characters.
In a Sega interview at SDCC, Yokoyama stated, "Their portrayals are entirely different from the game's original story, but that's precisely what makes it so compelling." He acknowledged the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective offered by the series.
The teaser showcased fleeting glimpses of iconic locations, including 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 in Shinjuku.
Loosely based on the first game, the series explores the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, promising to unveil aspects of Kiryu's story previously unexplored in the games.
Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation
Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's ability to capture the game's lighter moments alongside its grittier aspects, Yokoyama reassured fans that the Prime Video series will retain "the essence of the original."
In his SDCC interview with Sega, Yokoyama 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 story.
He commented, "To be honest, it was so good, I was envious. They took the setting we created 20 years ago and made it their own, without sacrificing the original story."
Following a viewing of the series, Yokoyama teased, "For newcomers, it's a whole new world. For fans, it's a guaranteed grin-inducing experience." He even hinted at a major surprise at the end of the first episode, claiming it made him jump out of his seat.
While the teaser provides only a brief 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.
