Following the massive success ofFallouton Prime Video, Amazon is heading back into the world of video games for another blockbuster series, withLike a Dragon: Yakuzaset to release later this year.
Made up of six episodes, the Amazon original series is directed by Masaharu Take and stars Ryoma Takeuchi, known for his role as Shinnosuke Tomari inKamen Rider Drive. The series will feature six episodes, split into two parts, with the first released on October 25 and the second on May 31, 2025.
The big announcement took place in Tokyo, Japan on June 4, with both Take and Takeuchi in attendance. Amazon stated thatLike a Dragon: Yakuzawill be “a live-action adaptation with an original story based on SEGA’s global hit game franchise.”
In a press release, lead Ryoma Takeuchi said he was “truly honored to be given the opportunity to play the role of Kazuma Kiryu,” and told fans to look forward to “intense fighting scenes with the Dragon tattoo on his back.” Director Masaharu Take echoed these thoughts, explaining that he has “poured [his] heart, soul, and the experience that [he] has garnered over 35 years intoLike a Dragon: Yakuza.
Masayoshi Yokoyama, who wrote the script for the firstYakuzagame is also onboard, serving as an executive producer on the series. “Since the day I first put pen to paper on the originalYakuza‘s script, I’ve never once thought about revisiting any of my work on the series,” he stated. “It’s because I understand all too well the challenges and hardships that come with remaking a finished title. However, if I were ever sent to the past through some kind of cosmic joke, this is the experience I’d want to create.”
The release ofLike a Dragon: Yakuzawill see Amazon dip back into the world of gaming following the monumental success ofFallout. The series based on Bethesda’s iconic franchise was a massive success, setting a new record for the most watched title ever among adults 18-34 in the first 16 days of release, and sits just behindThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powerfor the company’s most successful launch ever.
While we don’t know too much about the story ofLike a Dragon: Yakuzajust yet, we expect to hear more and see our first glimpses of the show throughout the summer.
