Amazon Prime’s highly anticipated adaptation of Sega’s iconic Yakuza game series. Like a Dragon: Yakuza, is set to premiere on 24 October 2024. Amazon also released a new teaser trailer, giving fans a glimpse of the intense drama and action to come.
The series spans two pivotal time periods — 1995 and 2005 — and follows the life of Kazuma Kiryu. Kazuma is a fierce Yakuza warrior known for his strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity. Set in the fictional entertainment district of Kamurochō, modelled after Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward’s Kabukichō, the show delves into the lives of gangsters and the people who navigate this treacherous world.
Ryoma Takeuchi, known for his role in Detective Pikachu, stars as Kazuma Kiryu, bringing the legendary character to life. The series is directed by Masaharu Take, acclaimed for his work on The Naked Director.
The Yakuza game series, first released in 2005, has garnered a massive following for its gripping storylines and engaging gameplay. With over 21.3 million units sold worldwide, the series has cemented its place in gaming history. The most recent game, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, achieved record-breaking sales and marked the franchise’s biggest Steam launch.
Amazon’s adaptation aims to capture the essence of the games, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. The show promises to showcase modern Japan and the dramatic stories of its intense characters. This is something the games have always excelled at.
Following the success of Amazon’s Fallout series, which attracted 65 million viewers in its first 16 days, Like a Dragon: Yakuza is poised to become another hit. The TV series not only celebrates the beloved game franchise but also offers a new avenue for fans to experience Kazuma Kiryu’s world.
When Marcus is not trying to full combo a song on his favourite rhythm games, he’s either reading or watching some obscure Japanese mystery show/novel. Don’t ask him how much his Arkham Horror collection costs either, it’s his most closely guarded secret.
Kevin Low
Natalie
