A Yakuza TV series titled Like a Dragon, filmed in live-action, has been announced for Amazon Prime Video. Surprisingly, its release date is closer than anticipated.
The upcoming Prime series, “Like a Dragon,”will consist of six episodes and will be directed by Take Masaharu and Takimoto Kengo. Additionally, the role of protagonist Kiryu Kazuma will be played by Ryoma Takeuchi.
The six-part series will be released in two batches of three episodes each. The first three episodes will premiere on October 25, 2024, followed by the second batch on November 1, 2024. Both batches will include both subtitled and dubbed versions.
Make the choice to take the next step. Like a Dragon: Yakuza comes to Prime Video October 24. pic.twitter.com/Pn2gKQzqlK
— RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) June 4, 2024
According to a press release, Yokoyama Masayoshi, the head of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio creators of Like a Dragon, stated that while the games provide a subjective experience of their world, this adaptation will offer the ultimate objective way to enjoy the show.
“It is certain that supporters of the franchise will be captivated by its ability to bring the games to reality while also incorporating unexpected elements.”
“According to Takeuchi, the audience will be captivated by the human drama and conflict centered around Kazuma Kiryu in the show. Additionally, he encourages viewers to pay special attention to Kiryu’s intense fighting scenes, complete with the iconic Dragon tattoo on his back.”
It is not the first instance of Like a Dragon being adapted into a live-action format. In 2007, Like a Dragon: The Movie was shown in Japanese cinemas, bringing the story of the first game to life on the big screen.
It is currently unclear whether the Prime series will follow an established story from the games or if it will feature a unique, original plot, as no further information about the series’ storyline has been disclosed at this time.
Nevertheless, according to director Take’s overview of the series for IGN, which includes Kiryu’s imprisonment and his numerous mistakes in 1995, it is highly likely that the series is adapted from the original game, Like a Dragon: Yakuza.
The Yakuza franchise remains a prominent fixture in Sega’s catalog, as evidenced by the release of the latest installment in the series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, in 2024. The game has received widespread acclaim from critics.
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