Hey Shōgun fans! We’ve got some thrilling news that’s sure to set your samurai swords buzzing. Following the monumental success of its first season, the critically acclaimed FX and Disney+ global hit drama series Shōgun is officially gearing up for its second chapter!
Mark your calendars, because production is slated to begin in January in Vancouver. Yes, you read that right! We’re heading back to feudal Japan for more of the epic saga that captivated audiences worldwide.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the return of the phenomenal Hiroyuki Sanada as the formidable Lord Yoshii Toranaga. But that’s not all – Sanada’s commitment to the series has deepened, as he has also been elevated to Executive Producer for Season 2! We can’t wait to see his continued vision shape this incredible story.
Joining him once again is the compelling Cosmo Jarvis, reprising his role as the intrepid John Blackthorne. Jarvis will also be taking on a new role behind the scenes, serving as a Co-Executive Producer. The dynamic between Toranaga and Blackthorne was a cornerstone of the first season, and we’re eager to see how their intertwined destinies unfold in this new chapter.
For those who may have missed the initial phenomenon, Shōgun, created for television by the brilliant duo Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks, swept the globe, becoming the most-viewed program in FX history. The first season masterfully adapted James Clavell’s bestselling novel, immersing us in a world of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and breathtaking landscapes.
Speaking of the creative minds behind the magic, Kondo and Marks, who also serve as Executive Producers alongside Michaela Clavell and Edward L. McDonnell, recently concluded a writers’ room dedicated to crafting a wholly original new chapter that will build upon the foundation laid by the first season. This means we’re in for a story that will surprise and enthrall us in entirely new ways!
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. In Season 1, we witnessed Lord Toranaga’s fierce battle for survival against his adversaries within the Council of Regents. The arrival of John Blackthorne, a mysterious English pilot, and the crucial strategic insights he shared, proved to be a pivotal turning point, ultimately influencing the outcome of a century-defining civil war.
Now, get ready for a time jump! Part two of Shōgun is set ten years after the dramatic events of the first season. This new installment will continue the historically inspired saga of these two compelling men from vastly different worlds, their fates forever bound together. What challenges will they face? What new alliances will be forged? We’re on the edge of our seats just thinking about it!
The accolades for the first season speak volumes about its impact. Shōgun garnered an astounding 18 Emmy® Awards, setting a new record for the most wins by a series in a single season. It also marked a historic moment for FX as their first series to win Outstanding Drama Series. Adding to the groundbreaking achievements, Hiroyuki Sanada made history as the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and Anna Sawai broke barriers as the first actress of Asian descent to win Lead Actress in the same category.
Beyond the Emmys, Shōgun was a global phenomenon, earning prestigious awards such as the Golden Globe® Award for Best Television Series – Drama, AFI TV Program of the Year, and top honors from SAG, WGA, DGA, PGA, TCA, and the Independent Spirit Awards, among many others.
The anticipation for Season 2 is already building, and we can’t wait to delve back into this rich and complex world. Stay tuned for more updates as production progresses! In the meantime, you can revisit the award-winning first season on Disney+ to refresh your memory and prepare for the next chapter.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.