Video Game Adaptions are Catching On In Popularity
After the success of its Fallout series adaptation, Amazon is launching another video game adaptation with “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.” This live-action Japanese production, based on Sega’s popular Yakuza game series, is set to premiere on Prime Video globally on October 25, 2024. The six-episode series will be released in two parts, with the first three episodes available on the premiere date and the remaining episodes following on November 1.
Make the choice to take the next step. Like a Dragon: Yakuza comes to Prime Video October 24. pic.twitter.com/FasWRDpBez
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) June 4, 2024
The series centers on Kazuma Kiryu, the main character from the Yakuza games, spanning two significant periods of his life—1995 and 2005. This timeline mirrors the storyline of the first Yakuza game released in 2005, which explores Kazuma’s life after a decade-long prison stint. Ryoma Takeuchi, known for his role in “Kamen Rider Drive,” stars as Kazuma. The series boasts direction by Masaharu Take, a story by Sean Crouch and Nakamura Yugo, and a Japanese screenplay by Yoshida Yasuhiro and Yamada Kana.
Amazon describes the series as an “original crime-suspense-action series” that delves into the life and decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a formidable Yakuza figure noted for his justice, duty, and humanity. The narrative promises to unfold a gripping human drama and conflict centered around Kazuma, highlighted by intense fight scenes that showcase his iconic Dragon tattoo.
Prime Video reveals the poster for Like A Dragon: Yakuza
The 6-part series stars Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu pic.twitter.com/wLXHVZHXo9
— GameSpot (@GameSpot) June 4, 2024
The series seems to be an acquisition of an independently filmed Japanese production, given its rapid approach to release. Leveraging Amazon’s global reach, the series will be available worldwide, complete with subtitling and dubbing in 30 languages, ensuring broad accessibility.
This strategic move by Amazon taps into the growing global demand for Japanese content, as noted by James Farrell, head of international originals at Amazon MGM studios. He points out the “exponential” increase in popularity for Japanese media both within Japan and internationally. The global success of series like HBO’s “The Last of Us” and FX’s “Shōgun” likely influenced Amazon’s decision to expand its portfolio with “Like a Dragon: Yakuza.”
This isn’t the first time the Yakuza series has been adapted; it was previously made into a film by Takashi Miike in 2007, known for its unique, anarchic style. However, Amazon’s new series promises to bring a fresh, action-packed interpretation to the beloved game narrative, aiming to captivate a global audience with its intricate storytelling and dynamic action sequences.
Major Points
- Amazon announces the global premiere of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” a live-action series based on Sega’s Yakuza game series, set for release on Prime Video on October 25, 2024.
- The series will debut in two parts, with the first three episodes releasing on October 25 and the remaining three on November 1.
- “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” stars Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma Kiryu and spans two key periods in Kazuma’s life, 1995 and 2005, reflecting the timeline of the first Yakuza game.
- The series, described as a crime-suspense-action drama, focuses on the life and moral challenges of Kazuma Kiryu, featuring intense fighting scenes and his iconic Dragon tattoo.
- This release aligns with Amazon’s strategy to capitalize on the growing global demand for Japanese content, following the success of other game adaptations like Fallout and HBO’s The Last of Us.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
