'Shogun' Season 2: What to expect from Emmy-winning series
What's the story
The critically acclaimed series Shogun, starring Hiroyuki Sanada, will return for a second season on FX and Hulu.
The show's creators, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are actively working on an original follow-up to the story.
This comes after the successful first season which adapted James Clavell's 1975 novel.
Plot progression
'Shogun' Season 2 to explore new historical events
The first season of Shogun traced the tale of Lord Yoshi Toranaga (Sanada), a character based on Tokugawa Ieyasu, and his relationship with stranded Englishman John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and his interpreter, Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai).
With Clavell's book completely adapted in Season 1, the next season will be inspired by actual historical events.
It will center on Toranaga's rise to power and his shogunate.
Casting news
'Shogun' Season 2: Cast updates and darker themes
Sanada is confirmed to return for the second season, Deadline reported. However, it remains unclear if Jarvis will be back after Sawai's Mariko's character meets her fate in the first season.
Speaking to Variety, Sanada had revealed that half of the original cast would be returning along with new ones. He said he was excited to find the best crew for the upcoming season.
Series evolution
'Shogun' Season 2: A shift in tone and narrative
Marks has teased a darker tone for the second season, exploring political maneuvering and power conflicts.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Kondo called the process "exciting and nerve-wracking" because it was uncharted territory.
Marks agreed, adding that "Part two is, as second chapters go, kind of a darker chapter."
SerInitially conceived as a standalone limited series, its expansion
'Shogun' series: From limited series to 3-season arc
Initially conceived as a standalone limited series, Shogun's critical and financial success has prompted its expansion into a three-season arc.
Marks has confirmed the third season will give a conclusive wrap to the series.
While a premiere date for Season 2 is yet to be announced, fans can currently stream Season 1 on Hulu and Disney+.