Shōgun Season 2 Update Proves the Show Won’t Repeat a Game of Thrones Mistake
Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, Shōgun, is a historical drama series based on a 1975 novel by James Clavell of the same name. The series follows the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds against the backdrop of a country in turmoil—Japan, as it was more than 400 years ago.
The ten-episode miniseries received critical acclaim upon its release. Shōgun was highly lauded for its direction, storytelling, visuals, performances of the actors, and production values. It was previously adapted in 1980 as a mini-series. The creators have now given an update on season two of the series.
Creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo talk about Shōgun being an ultimate fan-favorite
In their interview with THR, Shōgun creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo were asked about their views on the miniseries’ ability to stand out and maintain its space in the list of recently released series. Marks answered that according to him, it’s the book, adding that they talk about great stories being timeless, and Shōgun as a book is a perfect example of that.
He explained that the book bears cultural cobwebs on anything that is 50 years old, with the addition of honest characters, stories, and settings that storytellers forget these days. Marks mentioned that a great story, which takes one away to a place where they can feel the characters and their story, is what stays with the audience, and just like Succession, Shōgun manages to do that.
Rachel Kondo adds to the answer that it took them five years to bring their story from paper to reality and mentions a reason why they were successful in making a space for it. She added,
“It’s as if we took something from each of those years and drew out something from pre-pandemic, pandemic, and whatever the next experience was. Five years is a long time. And it was a privilege to have had that time, and we were able to take our time. I think that every single person who worked on this poured that growth and that experience of time and storytelling into the show.”
One of the reasons why the audience loved Shōgun was also because the series gave a better understanding of Japan and its people in the 1980s. The authenticity of the show starring Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis in the lead attracted the audience apart from brilliant direction and performances.
Shōgun creators reveal if the series is going to return for Season 2
During their conversation with THR, the creators were asked one of the most asked questions: ‘Will Shōgun return for season 2?’ The first season wrapped up on April 23, 2024, covering the novel by James Clavell start till the end. There is no second novel to it. The story of Shōgun has been told in the ten-episode series, especially with a lot of characters not making it to the end. But the creators said,
“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 roadmap and everything. And it’s also just about, Do people want more of it?”
Marks also added, How does one even equal the roadmap that Clavell laid out? He mentioned that he does not know if that is possible or if Clavell could have done that either, as he knew what he had done. Justin Marks’ comments remind the audience about how Game of Thrones’ final two seasons seemed too rushed with the story because the creators wanted to end the story in eight seasons. David Benioff said (via ScreenRant)
“We didn’t want to become a show that outstayed its welcome. Part of what we loved about the books and the show was this sense of momentum and building towards something. If we tried to turn it into a ten-season show, we’d strangle the golden goose.”
It goes on to show how the creators rushed the story, trying to fit in eight seasons and ending up with a disappointing finale for a series that is widely celebrated. Shōgun’s creators are very clear about the fact that they will only move forward with season two if they end up finding a story that is worth telling and justifies their hard work on season one. So it can be said that Marks and Kondo won’t repeat what David Benioff and D.B. Weiss did with GOT?
Shōgun is available to stream on FX on Hulu.
