Will there be a 'Shogun' season 2? Here's what we know
The TV show "Shōgun" on FX is a drama that takes place in Japan during the Edo period. It follows a battle for power that becomes even more complicated when a foreigner arrives, as they may have a lot of influence.
Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks created a TV show that is inspired by a book by James Clavell from 1975. The lead character, Lord Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, reminds us of the historical military leader, Tokugawa Ieyasu. When John Blackthorne, a foreign pilot played by Cosmo Jarvis, arrives on the shore, Toranaga sees that he could be useful for politics. Mariko, played by Anna Sawai, helps the two communicate as a translator.
If you, similar to numerous reviewers, have been adoring "Shōgun," there is a likelihood that you will feel let down.
Marks informed The Hollywood Reporter that they completed the story until the end of the book and placed a full stop at the conclusion of that sentence. They have expressed their admiration for the manner in which the book concludes. It was one of the factors that motivated them to undertake the project. Ultimately, they managed to bring the story to the same conclusion as the book.
The TV series has been extremely popular on FX, but details about its future status have not been revealed. Nonetheless, we have gathered all the information available on its potential continuation.
Is 'Shōgun' Returning For Season 2?
It's not a done deal, so don't give up completely.
When Mark was asked by THR about whether his comments meant there wouldn't be a second season, he didn't reject the idea right away.
"Ah, it's just our physical reactions. For instance, do you feel like having another child at the moment?" he asked. "Plus, the show was created quite some time ago, and it took a while to complete post-production. It's not like a typical TV show where we would already be on set filming the second season while promoting it in a situation like this. Instead, we would still be in the writing room."
Maria Gonzales, an editor from the show, informed ComicBook TV that the team has not openly deliberated about a follow-up season.
"When we finished editing, there wasn't any talk or detailed plans about a second season," Gonzales stated. "Even now, we remain uncertain about the possibility of another season."
When Will 'Shōgun' Season 2 Air?
It's hard to determine. Even though another season of the show wouldn't need as much researching and planning, according to Marks who mentioned to THR that the show's "production primer on feudal Japan" could cut off nearly a year's time for another production, the initial season of Shōgun took five years to complete as mentioned to Town & Country by Marks.
As per the comments made by Marks, if we continue ahead, we will have to deviate from Clavell's previously established plan because the original material is limited to only one book.
"Possible Sources For Season 2?"
The book "Shōgun" stands alone as a complete story. However, Clavell created a sequence of novels known as the "Asian Saga," which explores the convergence of Eastern and Western traditions.
The series contains five additional books called "King Rat," "Tai-Pan," "Noble House," "Whirlwind," and "Gai-Jin." They were released between 1962 and 1993. These novels are situated in different times and locations, some of which are more recent than others. For instance, "King Rat" is based on Clavell's time as a prisoner of war and is set during WWII. On the other hand, "Tai-Pan," which is the second book in the series, is set in Hong Kong during the 1800s.
Right now, it's difficult to predict the direction of a possible second season. The series could opt for an anthology style if it chooses to stick to Clavell's work. Alternatively, it could explore the future of the characters beyond the events of the "Shōgun" book.
The complete first season of "Shōgun" can now be watched on Hulu.
