Hiroyuki Sanada Reveals His Grand Plans for Shōgun Season 2 But That Already Looks Like a Red Flag 

In a world of samurai and honor, the show Shōgun has truly captivated us. This FX/Hulu series, inspired by James Clavell’s grand novel, has taken the spotlight at the 2024 Primetime Emmys, earning 25 nods and snagging 14 Creative Arts Emmys. 

It’s a big deal—think of it as the Oscars but for TV. Hiroyuki Sanada, the show’s leading man and producer, is basking in the glow of its success. And there is good news, too. The show, initially meant to be a limited series, is returning for not one, but two more seasons. That’s right—Shōgun is extending its stay, and this is where things get a bit dicey.

You see, the novel that inspired the series has already wrapped up its tale. So, what’s next for the samurai saga? Sanada and his team are set to create fresh storylines. Excited? Maybe. Concerned? Possibly. Let’s dive into what this means for the show and whether it’s a grand plan or a red flag.

Hiroyuki Sanada’s Plans for Shōgun Season 2 Raise Concerns

The plot thickens as Shōgun preps for its next season! The series started by sticking closely to James Clavell’s epic novel, but now that the book’s ended, they’re in a bit of a pickle—how to extend the story without drifting too far from the original material.

Hiroyuki Sanada is on a quest to blend fresh ideas with the novel’s original spirit. He’s keen on paying homage to Clavell’s work while introducing new elements that keep things exciting. Sanada believes that integrating Western perspectives could give the series a fresh burst of energy. As he said in a recent interview with Forbes: 

I want to keep the taste of the novel—James Clavell’s novel—and respect the novel. But also, we want to create an original script freely. We need fresh ideas as Japanese people, including me, who watch period movies and TV so much [because those images of Japanese culture] are more fixed and narrower, I believe. So, I need fresh ideas from Western eyes for the script.

This approach might be just what the show needs to stay engaging and innovative. However, this shift from the book to new scripts raises questions. Will the new storylines respect the original narrative, or will they veer off course?

Shōgun Season 2 will Stay Authentic with 70% Japanese Dialogue

Hiroyuki Sanada is making sure that Shōgun Season 2 will stay on point by having Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo work closely with James Clavell’s estate.

Fans can breathe easy because Season 2 promises to stick with the same level of authenticity that made Season 1 a hit. Sanada stressed that every detail—from costumes to sets—needed to be spot-on. He said: 

We needed to make everything authentic, visually. Movement, props, wig, costume, set design—everything had to be correct. That’s why authenticity was important.

And yes, the show will keep its bold choice of 70% Japanese dialogue with subtitles. The Japanese star also noted that they trusted the audience to be intelligent, imaginative, and curious about different cultures. Clearly, the risk paid off with the first season! The Shōgun team is likely hoping for the same positive reception for Season 2 as well.

Shōgun is available to watch on Disney+.