A prospective second season of FX’s hit seriesShōgunappears to be moving forward steadily, according to the show’s star and producer,Hiroyuki Sanada. Based on the novel by James Clavell,Shōgunhas dominated this year’s Emmy nominees list, earning 26 nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actor for Sanada. Fans were surprised to hear thattwo more seasons were in developmentearlier this year, as the show was originally ordered as a limited series which adapted the entirety of Clavell’s mammoth, 1300-page novel. The official greenlighting of the new seasons depended on the success of the early development stage, and Sanada has given fans reason to believe thatFX will likely move forward in expandingShōgun’s world.
Speaking toVariety, Hiroyuki Sanada discussed the process of developing further seasons ofShōgun. While showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo had previously said they were skeptical about continuing the show without James Clavell’s blueprint (the author only wrote oneShōgunbook before his passing in 1994), Sanada saysthe writing staff are reveling in the freedom of creating an original story in Clavell’s world.Sanada assured fans that Clavell’s original work would be honored in future seasons:
“We don’t have the novel. Freedom is there… I hope our writers will enjoy the freedom and respect the novel of course.”
Shogun (2024)
Shōgun Season 2 Will Be a Direct Continuation
Set in 1600 Japan,Shōguntells the semi-fictitious story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Sanada), whose reign as Shōgun brought about 300 years of peace in Japan. The 10-episode series explores the malicious in-fighting among the powerful lords who unanimously ruled the country following the death of the previous ruler, and the rebellion led by Toranaga to seize power with the aid of the shipwrecked English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis).
WhileClavell only wrote oneShōgunnovel, the book is part of a much larger series known as the Asian saga. When Seasons 2 and 3 were announced to be in development, some fans thought FX might adapt the other books from the saga. However, Sanada has confirmed thatShōgun’s second season will follow on from Season 1’s story. TheShōgunstar was asked if any of his co-stars would be reappearing in future seasons. Sanada said thathalf of the existing cast would return for Season 2, while “the other half will be new characters coming in.”
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During the conversation, Sanada also reflected on his time as one of the show’s producers. For Sanada,historical authenticity was incredibly important.Shōgun’s phenomenal attention to detailregarding its costumes, architecture, weaponry, and depiction of traditions is a true highlight of the show. Sanada said:
“This story is fictional entertainment, based on a true story and inspired by history. To make the story and character believable, we needed to make authentic details. I hired Japanese authentic samurai drama specialists for each department, and that was nice.”
