Prime Video’s Like a Dragon: Yakuza: What To Know About The Live-Action Crime Drama Series

Gamers might skip trick-or-treating this year when Amazon MGM's live-action crime drama series adapted from a popular SEGA franchise debuts this Halloween.

Prime Video's highly anticipated series Like a Dragon: Yakuza, an Amazon Original based on the widely popular game franchise, Yakuza, will premiere exclusively on October 24 worldwide, with Japan streaming starting on October 25. This live-action drama will bring to life the intense world of Kazuma Kiryu, one of the main protagonists of the Yakuza games.

The series stars Ryoma Takeuchi (Love You as the World Ends) as Kazuma Kiryu and is directed by the acclaimed Masaharu Take. Consisting of six-episode the showrunners plan to take viewers deeper into the story of Kazuma Kiryu, exploring his life, friendships, and the consequences of his actions across two time periods, 1995 and 2005.

(Cast & Crew)

In a statement, Ryoma Takeuchi expressed his excitement about portraying Kiryu, saying, "I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a beloved character in 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 at Kiryu's intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back.”

Released by SEGA in 2005, the Yakuza game series quickly became a favorite among fans for its gripping portrayal of gangster life and the dramatic tales of its characters.

The games are set in Kamurocho, a vibrant yet dangerous district inspired by the real entertainment district of Kabukicho. Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kabukicho is known for its neon lights, host and hostess clubs, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. It is often referred to as the "Sleepless Town."

Like a Dragon: Yakuza is the eighth title out of nine in the Yakuza series, released in 2020. It marked a shift from the action-adventure format to a turn-based RPG, making it an accessible entry point for new players. The franchise, known for blending action-adventure, beat 'em up, and role-playing elements, has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Sean Crouch and Yugo Nakamura have developed the screenplay and storyline, while Yasuhiro Yoshida and Kana Yamada have made contributions to the Japanese screenplay. The production is managed by 'The Fool' for Amazon MGM Studios.

The move to adapt video games into live-action series continues to be a growing trend in the entertainment industry, reflecting the increasing recognition of video games as a rich source of storytelling. If successful, Like a Dragon: Yakuza could pave the way for more SEGA game-to-series adaptations.

What are your thoughts on this upcoming series? Are you excited to see Kazuma Kiryu in live-action? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

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