The world of Yakuza is stepping out of video game consoles and onto our screens this October with Like A Dragon: Yakuza, a live-action adaptation of SEGA's iconic video game franchise. Streaming on Prime Video from October 24, 2024, this action-packed series promises an intense dive into the gritty, violent, yet strangely heartfelt world of the yakuza. But does it live up to the hype?
Fans of the original Yakuza games will be thrilled with this adaptation. Directed by Masaharu Take and Kengo Takimoto, and written by Sean Crouch alongside Yugo Nakamura, the show brings the fictional town of Kamurocho—a stand-in for Tokyo's notorious Kabukichō—into vivid, cinematic life. The series also stars Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu, the stoic but honorable yakuza protagonist, alongside Kento Kaku as Akira Nishikiyama, and Munetaka Aoki. The casting feels spot on, with these actors already showing a strong resemblance to their pixelated counterparts.
Like A Dragon: Yakuza Poster
The trailer sets the tone perfectly, blending high-octane fight sequences with the series' emotional core—the complex relationships between yakuza members, mentors, orphans, and caretakers. Set across two timelines (1995 and 2005), it offers a mix of retro nostalgia and modern drama, especially in its visual style that feels like a 90s video game cutscene brought to life.
For those unfamiliar with the Yakuza games, Like A Dragon will still be compelling. The universal theme of family and loyalty provides an emotional weight to the violent world it depicts. Moreover, with SEGA, Amazon MGM Studios, and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio behind the production, it's clear they are committed to delivering a high-quality adaptation that appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers.
With the show's October 24 release date fast approaching, the question remains: Can Like A Dragon: Yakuza successfully capture the magic of the game's intricate world-building and rich character development?
What are you most excited to see in the live-action adaptation?
Like A Dragon: Yakuza Trailer
