Dragon Fever: Live-Action Yakuza Series Sneaks Out Teaser

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

Like a Dragon: Yakuza – October 24th Premiere

A Reimagined Kazuma Kiryu

At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega and Amazon unveiled the first teaser for the live-action series, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, on July 26th.

The teaser showcased Ryoma Takeuchi (known for Kamen Rider Drive) as the iconic Kazuma Kiryu and Kento Kaku as the antagonist, Akira Nishikiyama. Director Masayoshi Yokoyama emphasized the actors' unique interpretations of these established characters.

"Honestly, their portrayals are drastically different from the game," Yokoyama stated in a Sega interview at SDCC. "But that's precisely what makes it exciting." He acknowledged the game's perfected portrayal of Kiryu but welcomed the fresh perspective the series offers.

The teaser 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 Kabukichō in Shinjuku.

Loosely based on the first game, the series explores the lives of Kazuma Kiryu and his childhood friends, offering a side of Kiryu previously unseen in the games.

Yokoyama's Perspective on the Adaptation

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

In his SDCC interview, 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.

"To be honest, it was so good, I was envious," Yokoyama continued. "We created the setting 20 years ago, but they made it their own... without sacrificing the core narrative."

After viewing the show, he commented that it offers "a new world for newcomers and a nostalgic experience for fans." He even hinted at a major surprise at the end of the first episode that left him thrilled.

While the teaser is brief, 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.