Summary
Shōgunwas one of the biggest breakout hits of 2024 thanks to a gripping and compelling narrative with authentic casting and storytelling. While originally intended to be a limited series, the second season ofShōgunwas greenlit in 2024 and it appears to be moving forward quickly.
The initial season ofShōguncovered the entirety of the book on which it was based (James Clavell’s novel of the same name which was released in 1975). The FX andHuluseries was marketed as something akin to aGame of Thrones-esquehigh-stakes political thrillerset in feudal Japan. The series delivered on that promise and then some, earning FX multiple major wins at the Emmy Awards and Golden Globes. Given the success ofShōgunit was no surprise that the network was keen on making more, but with no more of the book to cover it remains uncertain what directionShogunwill go in another season.
Producers Provide Update on Shōgun Season 2
FX announced that the second and third season ofShōgunwere greenlit in May 2024, shortly after the series released its final episode on April 23. Producers Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks provided an update on the development ofShōgunSeason 2 toVarietyat the Golden Globe Awards, revealing the writer’s room is close to finishing up its work on the next batch of episodes. “We’re about six weeks from the end of the writers room,” Marks said. The duo declined to provide any further plot details.
We’re about six weeks from the end of the writers room.
All that’s confirmed about the next seasons ofShōgunis that Marks and Kondo are returning as executive producers and thatstar Hiroyuki Sanadaclosed a deal to return as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in future episodes. The first season follows Toranaga as he fights to stay alive when his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. At his side are two allies: his translator, Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), and anEnglish pilot, John Blackthorne(Cosmo Jarvis).
Could Shogun Season 2 and 3 Adapt James Clavell’s Other Novels?
It’s also believed that the new seasons ofShōgunare being worked on in collaboration with Clavell’s estate. Clavell wrote several othernovels in hisAsian Sagawhich could be drawn upon for future seasons of the show.Shōgunwas Clavell’s third novel, but chronologically it takes place earliest in the timeline. This means the next seasons ofShōguncould adaptKing Rat, Tai-Pan,orGai-Jinfor the screen. However, Sanada’s return as Lord Toranaga may suggest Season 2 will be a continuation of the story set out inShōgun’sfirst season.
With the writers’ room close to completion andShōgun’srecent awards success, there’s no doubt that FX will want to move quickly into production on the new season. Hopefully, that also means that further plot and casting details will become available soon.
