Prime Video continues to expand its collection of video game adaptations with the upcoming series Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Set to premiere later this year. As reported by Variety, the series will debut on October 25th with the release of the first three episodes, and the final three episodes will follow on November 1st, making a total of six episodes.
Based on the popular Sega franchise, Like a Dragon: Yakuza is directed by Take Masaharu (100 Yen Love) and Takimoto Kengo (Kamen Teacher). The only confirmed cast member so far is Takeuchi Ryoma, who will play the iconic protagonist, Kiryu Kazuma.
"I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character in the game series. I strongly felt that I was willing to put my life on the line. Audience will enjoy the show's human drama and conflict that unfolds around Kazuma Kiryu. Moreover, please take a look at Kiryu's intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back," Ryoma said in a press release.
The series will take place in the years 1995 and 2005
Which are significant to fans of the games. The first game in the series, released in North America as Yakuza, came out in 2005. In the original story, Kiryu Kazuma is wrongfully imprisoned for murder and, upon his release, gets embroiled in a mystery involving his friend Yumi Sawamura and 10 billion yen stolen from the Tojo Clan. The show appears to adapt the first game’s plot.
Like a Dragon has become one of Sega’s flagship franchises
Alongside Sonic the Hedgehog and Persona, since its debut. With the recent trend of video game adaptations, Sega properties are receiving much attention. Golden Axe is set for an animated series on Comedy Central, and a live-action Streets of Rage is also in development. The success of the Sonic Cinematic Universe by Paramount has paved the way for more Sega adaptations, making Like a Dragon: Yakuza a logical next step.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's head, Masayoshi Yokoyama
Who wrote the original Yakuza, will serve as an executive producer for the series. In Amazon's press release, Yokoyama expressed his excitement about revisiting the early days of the series and how the show will captivate both long-time fans and new audiences.
"Since the day I first put pen to paper on the original Yakuza's script, I've never once thought about revisiting any of my work on the series. It's because I understand all too well the challenges and hardships that come with remaking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent to the past through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I'd want to create. If I had to go through the wringer anyhow, I'd want to make the most engaging versions of Kamurochō and Kazuma Kiryu I could —and this show has it all. There is no question that Prime Video's Like a Dragon: Yakuza will become another landmark release for the Like a Dragon series. While the games let you experience their world through the subjective lens, this adaptation will be the ultimately objective way to enjoy the show. I have no doubt that fans of the series will be drawn to how it brings the games to life and adds new surprises. Newcomers, I'm sure will find themselves invested simply in the gritty realism of the show. If anything, I'd love to watch this version alongside audiences all around the world—experiencing all of its intensity and soaking in every single second."
