Shogun has claimed the status of one of the best shows produced in 2024 with astonishing narrative adaptation and stunning visuals to complement the historical feudal Japan. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, the show has been hailed as the acute representation of 17th-century Japan. Although Shogun was intended to be a miniseries, the popularity of the series propelled the producers to expand the narrative, even beyond the source material. Now, on a positive note, Hiroyuki Sanada who led the series has given a positive update on the second season of the FX series ahead of winning a record 18 Emmys.
Hiroyuki Sanada Has A Positive Update On Shogun Season 2
Hiroyuki Sanada. Image Credit: FX
Hiroyuki Sanada who played Lord Yoshii Toranaga in the acclaimed FX series Shogun has recently provided an update on the second season of the series. Shogun has dominated the 76th Emmys this year with a record 18 wins. Sanada recently spoke with Deadline sharing that Shogun season 2 is in development.
“We are hoping sometime next year,” Sanada told the outlet. “Aiming for next summer, hopefully,” he continued adding that the writers have been working on the second season of the show already.
“The writers’ room is already running, and they’re creating all day, every day. So, I’m curious about their vision for Japanese history and culture. Of course, we are creating together. So, when I read the first draft, I check our cultural things, and cut misunderstandings, or stereotypical things. I put Japanese eyes on the script. So much fun. It’s another long journey started.”
The actor also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter revealing the possibilities of filming the second season of the show in Japan. “We are finding the possibilities, of course,” he told THR. “Not everything but maybe part of [the show].”
The first season of Shogun ended on a tragic note as the series killed off the fan-favorite character and female lead, Lady Mariko played by Anna Sawai. It would be interesting to see where the second season will lead the narrative.
Hiroyuki Sanada On Doing The Second Season Of Shogun Despite Source Material Ended
Hiroyuki Sanada. Image Credit: FX
The first season of Shogun has pretty much covered James Clavell’s novel without leaving much room for another season and originally, the show was intended to be limited to one season. However, the producers have decided to expand the narrative beyond the source material. “I never thought about Season 2, because we used the novel in Season 1 already. So, I accepted it as a miniseries, of course,” Sanada told Deadline. “And also, as an actor, I thought, ‘I’ve done my best. Done.’ But, as a producer, keeping this platform for the Japanese crew and cast for the next generation, it’s a very important thing,” the actor added.
The 63-year-old Hollywood star added that he has been living in Los Angeles for over 20 years and felt a huge wall “between East and West at that time” and it has been his mission to break this wall, “and then create the bridge for the next generation.”
And now, the actor added saying, “we’ve got this big success, and a great opportunity to create more seasons. Why would I stop? Only in my opinion as an actor? No, no, no, no. ‘Producer me’ taught ‘actor me’, ‘You should continue do it for the next generation, of course.’ And then that’s why I decided to keep this opportunity for Season 2 and 3. And it’s a great opportunity for the young actors and crew.”
Still, the source material has been exhausted already and it seemingly left the show directionless but Sanada feels that it is the ultimate freedom for the writers. “We have history. We have real models, and we know what happened. So many episodes are there in the history,” he said. “So, I hope the writers will enjoy that freedom.”
He added that the cultural aspects of the show and the very essence of it have already been rooted in them, “These kind of things are already in our DNA, I believe,” the Emmy Winner said. “So, with respect for [Clavell], his style, they create original stories freely. I’m so curious, and I cannot wait to read the first draft from them.”
So far, release info or other details of the second season of Shogun are under wraps.
