The Fallout series was a tremendous hit for Prime Video. And so, it’s no surprise another game adaptation is heading to the platform. Next in line is a live-action series adaptation of SEGA’s gaming franchise Yakuza: Like a Dragon titled Like a Dragon: Yakuza. This wildly popular series of games was first released in 2005 and contains a number of entries including spinoffs, remakes, and more. It seems the series even changed English-language names over time, switching from Yakuza to Like a Dragon. (Prime Video has encapsulated both these titles in its series name). And now it can add a live-action series to its deep well. Here’s what we know so far about Like a Dragon: Yakuza.
What Is Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza Series About?
A release shares more about what we can expect from Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza live-action series. It seems the show will take some inspiration from the first game in the franchise while, of course, making the story its own. Prime Video shares:
Released in 2005 by SEGA, the ‘Yakuza’ game series was positioned as an entertaining game for adults, which found massive fanfare amongst its target audience. The series depicts the lives of fierce yet passionate gangsters and people living in a huge entertainment district, Kamurochō, a fictional district modeled after the violent Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō, that acts as the backdrop of the gameplay. Like a Dragon: Yakuza showcases modern Japan and the dramatic stories of these intense characters, such as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu, that games in the past have not been able to explore. The much-loved game has captured the attention and hearts of fans not only in Japan but also internationally and will now be adapted, developed, and streamed worldwide on Prime Video.
Seems like we’re in for a dramatic, action-packed ride that’s sure to thrill us.
When Will Like a Dragon: Yakuza Take Place?
The live-action Like a Dragon: Yakuza series will actually take place in two timelines. A release notes, “In 1995 and 2005, spanning across two time periods, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, an original crime-suspense-action series, follows the life, childhood friends, and repercussions of the decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity.”
Director Masaharu Take notes, “In 1995, the protagonist is still young, and he makes a lot of mistakes, and these lead to him spending a decade in prison and the consequences he faces when he got out in 2005. I tried to show those differences in the two time periods, and the cast helped to achieve this as well.”
The Cast and Creators of Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza
As noted, the critically acclaimed Masaharu Take will direct the series. Like a Dragon: Yakuza will also star Ryoma Takeuchi as its lead character, Kazuma Kiryu.
Ryoma Takeuchi shared, “I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character and the game series. I strongly felt that I was willing to put my life on the line. Audiences will enjoy the show’s human drama and conflict that unfolds around Kazuma Kiryu. Moreover, please take a look Kiryu’s intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back.”
Meanwhile, director Take revealed, “I have poured out my heart, soul, and the experience that I have garnered over 35 years into Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The unbridled passion, talent, and countless hours of efforts from the entire team have helped bring this spectacular story to life in the form of a riveting series that will be launched this year, the year of the dragon. Please look forward to Kazuma Kiryu, played by Ryoma Takeuchi.”
When Will the Live-Action Like a Dragon: Yakuza Series Release on Prime Video?
Like a Dragon: Yakuza will release its first batch of episodes worldwide on October 25, 2024. More episodes will release on November 1, 2024. The series will be six episodes long.