Summary
One of SEGA’s recent iconic franchises is finally getting its international due on screens with the firstLike a Dragon: Yakuzatrailer. Based on the action series of the same name, the show will revolve aroundKazuma Kiryu, a former member of the titular Japanese mafia in Kamurochō, as he and those around him are put on different paths due to Kiryu’s decisions, with the story beginning in 1995 and going to 2005. Ryoma Takeuchi leads the ensembleLike a Dragon: Yakuzacast as Kiryu, with an October 24 premiere date set for the show.
Now, during the show’s panel at San Diego Comic-Con,Prime Videohas unveiled the firstLike a Dragon: Yakuzatrailer.
The video, as seen above, offers the first proper look at the upcoming adaptation of SEGA’s hit game franchise, particularly its depiction of iconic protagonist Kiryu, and the hard-hitting action sequences to come from the show. The trailer also reveals that Kento Kaku has been cast as Akira Nishikiyama, also known as Nishiki, a major character in Kiryu’s origins and subsequent journey.
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TheYakuzashow adaptation comes in the midst of a renaissance for video game adaptations, particularly on the small screen with the likes ofThe Last of Us,Arcaneandfellow Prime Video titleFallout. While the trailer may not show much of what’s to come fromLike a Dragon, it does offer some promising insight for how it will translate the SEGA games to live-action, particularly having a Japanese cast and some brutal fight sequences involving Kiryu.
With that said, fans of the franchise are sure to notice there are a few things missing fromLike a Dragon: Yakuzato make for a more direct adaptation of the source material. One of the biggest is there are a few major character absences thus far, including Goro Majima, both an ally and rival to Kiryu, as well as Haruka Sawamura, a young girl in the original game who is being hunted by various yakuza clans, from which Kiryu protects her. Other major recurringYakuzacharactersnot yet confirmed for the show are Makoto Date and Kage the Florist, major allies for Kiryu in Kamurochō.
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Though some of these characters are more important than others, they are all important for Kiryu’s character development, as well as the games' unique mix of drama and offbeat comedy. Based on theLike a Dragon: Yakuzatrailer, it’s clear that the show’s creative team are looking to accurately depict Kiryu’s origin story, making it likely Haruka, at the very least, will appear in the show to tap into this serious side. With much of the cast list currently unknown beyond Takeuchi and Kaku, it remains unclear who else may appear, and how the games' tone will translate to the show.
Like a Dragon: Yakuzabegins streaming on Prime Video on October 24.
Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Cast
Former Yakuza member Kazuma Kiryu, fresh out of prison, returns to Tokyo’s underworld to find his kidnapped surrogate daughter. Navigating the treacherous streets of Kamurochō, he faces old enemies and new alliances, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire city.
