FX’s Shogun the historical drama set in Edo-era Japan, revolving around a power struggle complicated by the arrival of a foreigner who may prove to be a valuable asset. Adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel, the series, helmed by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, stars Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga, evoking the likeness of Japan’s historical shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. When a foreign pilot named John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is stranded ashore, Toranaga recognises his potential political significance. Toda Mariko, portrayed by Anna Sawai, acts as a mediator between the two.
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Despite the widespread acclaim for FX’s Shogun starring Hiroyuki Sanada, the question of a potential second season lingers. Creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are not dismissive of the idea, albeit acknowledging the challenges. While the series was initially conceived as a limited run, there’s a hint of possibility for continuation. The creators express a greater inclination towards exploring a second season within FX’s Shogun story line starring Hiroyuki Sanada rather than adapting another Clavell novel like Tai-Pan, citing their extensive research into the era’s authenticity. Although another season might not demand as much research and groundwork, according to Marks who mentioned that the extensive preparation for the show provided a valuable production foundation for any follow-up series, the initial FX season of Shogun starring Hiroyuki Sanada was a lengthy endeavour spanning five years. However, they also recognise the difficulty in surpassing Clavell’s original storyline.
As it stands, FX’s Shogun with Hiroyuki Sanada wraps up its narrative with a satisfying conclusion, aligning with the arc of Clavell’s novel. Mariko’s sacrifice disrupts Lord Ishido’s ambitions, paving the way for Toranaga’s ascendancy to shogun. Actor-producer Sanada acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the series’ future, highlighting the influence of real historical events on shaping the narrative. Ultimately, the fate of FX’s Shogun starring Hiroyuki Sanada may not hinge on audience reception. While the audience’s response has been positive, the decision to proceed lies with Marks and Kondo.
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When asked about the possibility of a second season Justin Marks said “I don’t know. I keep saying it’s like we want to let everyone be on the same page when it comes to the book. And hopefully now the TV audience and the book audience are on the same page with what the story is and where it resolves. I think if we had a story, if we could find a story, we would be open to it.
But I don’t think that anyone ever wants to be out over their skis without a road map and everything. And it’s also just about, do people want more of it?” and added “But it’s also about, not even topping the book, but, how do you even equal the road map that Clavell laid out? And I don’t know if it’s possible. I don’t know if Clavell could have done it either. That’s probably why he moved on to other books too, right? He knew what he had done. Yeah, it’s a tough one.”
While the possibility of a second season remains uncertain, the series leaves ample room for further exploration within its rich historical context.
Would you like to see Hiroyuki Sanada back in a second season of FX’s Shogun? Let us know in the comments.
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