As a dedicated gamer with years of experience under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into the rich and captivating world of Yakuza: Like a Dragon numerous times. The game series, developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA, has been a staple in my gaming library since its first release back in 2005. So when I heard that Amazon Prime Video was adapting this beloved franchise into a live-action series, my excitement knew no bounds!
Prime Video is gearing up for the debut of their new adaptation of the popular video game, “Yakuza: Like a Dragon.” however, the series’ lead actor, Ryoma Takeuchi, shares that this live-action version will offer a unique perspective on the cherished gaming series. “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” is an enduring video game franchise launched in 2005 by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and SEGA. The esteemed franchise, which has received numerous accolades, revolves around the Tojo Clan Yakuza family and Kazuma Kiryu, a member seeking to depart from his criminal history.
I recently had a chat with IGN Japan about the upcoming live-action adaptation of my favorite video game on Amazon Prime. When they approached me about playing a role in it, I must admit that I was hesitant at first. You see, I had already experienced the game myself before getting this offer, and the thought of bringing such an iconic character to life on screen made me feel quite uneasy. But as we delved deeper into the discussion, I began to feel more confident about taking up the challenge.
As a passionate gamer, I wasn’t expecting to receive an invitation to join this project. I’ve been familiar with the acclaimed game series and even played the initial installment at my uncle’s place. The prospect of embodying a character from an established universe was both thrilling and intimidating for me. I weighed the responsibility carefully, pondering if I could truly capture Kiryu’s essence and whether it was the right fit for me. From the get-go, I knew that portraying this iconic figure would demand my full commitment and dedication, or I wouldn’t do it justice. Essentially, I set out to create an authentic representation of Kiryu, starting from scratch.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s Kiryu Will Be Different From the Video Game
Despite being an avid gamer and appreciating the vast fanbase for the franchise, Takeuchi acknowledged the need to add something fresh to Kazuma Kiryu’s portrayal in the series. The on-screen Kazuma Kiryu shares similarities with his video game counterpart, but Takeuchi aimed to express the character’s characteristics through his unique interpretation.
In depicting a character like Kiryu, I value the emotions of fans deeply. However, when bringing that character to life, I must remain true to my artistic interpretation. I’ve conducted thorough research on the source material to capture Kiryu’s essence, but ultimately, my portrayal will reflect my unique perspective. I sincerely hope fans appreciate my take on the character, and I’ve put great effort into ensuring a faithful adaptation while introducing new elements as an artist. It is not my intention to replicate the original game; instead, my goal is to honor its legacy by creating something fresh and authentic.
The foundations for impressive video game adaptations have been laid by Prime Video with their successful “Fallout” series this year. The announcement of a live-action “Yakuza” series is thrilling, but director Masaharu Take faces a significant challenge in adapting the show’s contrasting tone. The “Yakuza” games aren’t just about crime and violence; they also include amusing mini-games and side-quests featuring activities like disco dancing, spearfishing, pocket car racing, managing a ramen stand, and babysitting. Although these seemingly out-of-place activities may not initially fit in a series named “Yakuza,” they are integral parts of the games’ identity. Fans could be disappointed if these quirky elements are omitted entirely.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
streams on Prime Video on October 25, 2024.
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2024-07-17 14:31