Shogun Season 2 Gets New Updates

What’s Next for the Historical Drama?

The Emmy-sweeping epic show is coming back to our screens. Shogun, which was expected to be a limited series, is now being renewed.

With a more gripping tale of politics and revenge, Shogun season 2 has already caused a stir. For more updates and a trip down memory lane keep reading.

Season 1 Overview

Season 1 of Shogun exceeded expectations with its gripping portrayal of feudal Japan. The storyline is driven by political intrigue and personal ambition.

The series follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a person of influence and authority who’s tasked with the job of navigating the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles. The narrative is portrayed through the eyes of John Blackthorne, an English sailor who was shipwrecked in Japan.

Season 1’s Critical Acclaim Success

Season 1 of Shogun garnered praise from around the globe, partly because of its spot-on portrayal of Japanese culture, history, and politics. Everything from the costumes to the depiction of Japanese customs and traditions impressed fans and critics alike.

The gripping and complex dynamics between Lord Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada, and the English sailor, Blackthorne, played by Cosmo Jarvis, captivated viewers. The series ended up garnering 9 million views globally.

Emmy Awards Success

Shogun made television history as it won 18 awards at the 2024 Emmy Awards. This win surpassed the previous record of 16 wins by HBO’s John Adams in 2009.

This success, besides showcasing how well-received the show became, also hinted at the immense talent behind the production. The win spanned various categories, including the Oustanding Drama Series and other awards.

Renewal for Seasons 2 and 3

The overwhelming success of the first season, of course, had to lead to a renewal of the series. And good news for the viewers, as the series is getting not only a second but also a third season.

This decision came after a major vote of confidence in the show’s ability to continue delivering high-quality drama. The creators of the show shared that they were already in the process of developing and expanding the next two seasons.

Production Progress

The production for Shogun season 2 is going at a steady pace, with the writer’s room expected to get done with their work within six weeks or less. This hints at the fact that the script development for the upcoming season is almost complete.

Besides script development, the production team is said to be exploring the possibility of filming most of the series in Japan. This decision might be finalized to maintain the series’ authenticity.

Filming Schedule

Even though not much information has been released about the filming schedule and when it will begin, a comment was made by FX chairman John Landgraf.

Following the Emmy nominations in July 2024, the chairman, when asked about the follow-up season, commented that they’ll be starting “early next year.” He further added, “But it’s a long production period. I think between principal and second unit days of photography, that show shot between 180 and 190 days or more, could have been close to 200.”

Potential Release Date

The production timeline is going to be lengthy for sure. Even if the filming schedule begins in the starting months of the year, it won’t end till the end of 2025.

Hence, viewers can anticipate the premiere of season 2 in late 2025. Or it can be prolonged, taking the premier into the next year, with a possible release during early 2026.

Returning Cast Members

Hiroyuki Sanada is going to reprise his role as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in Shogun season 2. Sandada is also an executive producer for the series and has expressed enthusiasm about appearing on screen once again.

Confirmations regarding other cast members are still pending. However, given the fact that these characters didn’t die in the first one, we’ll be seeing Cosmo Jarvis, Fumi Nikaido, and Tommy Bastow in the second season, too.

Is Lord Mariko Returning?

Even though Anna Sawai’s character, Lord Mariko, died in the 9th episode of season 1, she could possibly return as a flashback. During a press conference, the actress, who won a Golden Globe for her performance, commented on the return of Lord Mariko, showing her willingness to come back.

She said, “I would absolutely do it. There’s no way I’m gonna say no.” However, Anna also noted that she wasn’t sure a return would serve the story.

New Cast Members

No official statement has been made regarding the inclusion of new cast members.During a press event for Shogun Season 1, Sanada commented, “Half the existing cast will be back, and the other half will be new characters coming in.”

The new characters will be in line with the updates in the storyline. This means characters that will further strengthen the already gripping plot.

What is the New Season About?

Season 1 ended with the 10th episode, A Dream of a Dream , which showcased Blackthorne rebuilding his ship. Season 2 can follow up with this scene, showing the viewers whether he was successful in building it or not.

The Shogun team is likely to continue to explore the Tokugawa shogunate. There’s plenty of Japanese history after 1600 which the creatives team can adapt.

Rachel Kondo’s Comments

Co-writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are working hard to bring a gripping tale to our screens. Kondo, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, commented, “There’s a lot of chaos, but creative chaos.”

She added, “We’re throwing everything that we have at the wall, seeing what sticks. It’s been exciting and nerve-racking because, obviously, this is uncharted territory—we don’t have a road map, we just have history.”

The Creative Force Behind Shogun

Justin shared in an interview that, “The third season is really an ending. We know where it starts, and we know where it ends, and we know who is there on that journey.”

He added, “We’re just focusing on part two right now to really make sure we can get to that point. But part two is, as second chapters go, kind of a darker chapter.”

Filming Locations

Season 1 was primarily filmed in Canada due to pandemic restrictions. However, for season 2, filming might be taken to Japan for a few scenes.

Sanada, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, commented, “We are finding the possibilities, of course. Not everything but maybe part of [the show].”

Read more about the success of the first season in Shōgun Leads the Way at the 2025 Golden Globes .

Audience Reception

Shogun is now being labeled as a “stunning, lethal reinvention” of James Clavell’s epic novel. Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian described the first season as “mesmerizing.”

Fans are over the moon for the second season and can’t wait for 2026 to arrive. Talking about upcoming seasons, Black Doves has also been renewed for a sequel.

Check out Netflix Announces a Second Season of Black Doves and get insight into the fan-favorite series.

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