Yakuza Series Goes Live-Action in New Teaser

Sega and Prime Video unveiled a highly anticipated teaser for their live-action adaptation of the popular Yakuza game series, now titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This article delves into the teaser, director Masayoshi Yokoyama's insights, and the upcoming premiere.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza Debuts October 24th

A fresh perspective on the iconic Kazuma Kiryu is promised in this adaptation. The San Diego Comic-Con teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) as Kiryu and Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama. Director Yokoyama highlighted the actors' unique interpretations: "Their portrayals are completely different from the original, but that's the beauty of it," he stated in a Sega interview. While acknowledging the game's perfected Kiryu, Yokoyama embraced the fresh take offered by the series. The teaser offered glimpses of familiar locations like the Coliseum in Underground Purgatory and a confrontation with Futoshi Shimano.

[Image: Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Screenshot]

The teaser description promises a portrayal of "fierce yet passionate gangsters" inhabiting the vibrant Kamurochō, a fictional district inspired by Kabukichō. Loosely based on the first game, the series will explore Kiryu's life and friendships, revealing aspects "games in the past have not explored."

Director Yokoyama's Perspective

[Image: Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Screenshot]

Addressing initial fan concerns about the adaptation's tone, Yokoyama reassured viewers that the series would capture the essence of the original. He aimed to avoid mere imitation, hoping viewers would experience Like a Dragon as a fresh encounter, regardless of their familiarity with the games. His reaction to the finished product? "It was so good, I was jealous," he admitted. He praised the creators' ability to make the setting their own while staying true to the source material.

[Image: Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live-Action Series Teaser Screenshot]

Yokoyama teased a significant surprise at the end of the first episode, promising a thrilling experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. He confidently stated, "If you’re new to the game, it’s a new world. If you know it, you’ll be grinning the whole time."

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.