The Emmy-winning historical drama “Shogun“ is officially returning for a second season, and production is set to begin in January 2025 in Vancouver. The new season will continue the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga and the English sailor John Blackthorne, picking up ten years after the events of the first season’s climactic ending. Alongside the return of key cast members, several new actors are joining the ensemble to expand the world of feudal Japan.
Returning Cast Members
Fans of the first season will be pleased to know that the central figures leading the story are coming back. Hiroyuki Sanada will reprise his Emmy-winning role as the shrewd Lord Yoshii Toranaga. His performance, which made him the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, will continue to anchor the series.
Alongside him, Cosmo Jarvis returns as the English pilot John Blackthorne, whose fate remains intertwined with Toranaga’s. Several other crucial characters from the first season are also confirmed to return. This includes Fumi Nikaidô as Ochiba no Kata, the mother of the heir, and Shinnosuke Abe as the samurai Buntaro. Other returning faces are Hiroto Kanai as Omi, Yoriko Dôguchi as Kiri, Tommy Bastow as Father Alvito, Yuko Miyamoto as Gin, Eita Okuno as Saeki, and Yuka Kouri as Kiku.
New Cast Additions
The second season will introduce new characters, bringing fresh dynamics to the political landscape. The production has announced five new cast members who will play significant roles.
Asami Mizukawa joins the cast as a character named Aya. Masataka Kubota will play Hyūga, a role that is expected to show changing political and warrior dynamics. Actor Sho Kaneta is set to portray Hidenobu, a character who may challenge the post-war status quo. Takaaki Enoki takes on the role of Lord Ito, a high-ranking samurai or feudal lord. Finally, veteran actor Jun Kunimura will play Gōda, a character described as having complex and unpredictable motivations.
A Newcomer’s Excitement
In a recent announcement, Japanese pop star and actor Ren Meguro was also confirmed to join the season two cast in the role of Kazutada. Meguro is a member of the popular idol group Snow Man and has a growing acting career. He shared his enthusiasm about becoming part of the production.
“I am incredibly honored to join the cast of ‘Shogun’ season two,” Meguro said in a statement. “When I streamed ‘Shogun’ on Disney+ last year, I was profoundly moved by the series’ unique and grand portrayal of Japan, which felt different from past portrayals. As a Japanese person, I felt a compelling urge to be part of this groundbreaking production.”
He added his commitment to “honoring the legacy that so many have built before me and to carefully shaping the role entrusted to me in this remarkable series.”
Story and Production Details
The first season of “Shogun” was an adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, following Lord Toranaga’s fight for survival against a united Council of Regents. The discovery of John Blackthorne and his European ship provided Toranaga with strategic secrets that helped tip the scales of power.
The second season will continue this historically-inspired saga, exploring the lives of these two men from different worlds a decade later. The creative team behind the acclaimed first season is also returning. Directors Hiromi Kamata and Takeshi Fukunaga, who helmed episodes in the first season, are back to direct for the second season. They will be joined by new directors Anthony Byrne and Kate Herron. Series co-creator Justin Marks will also direct some episodes.
The writing team includes co-creator Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, and writers Shannon Goss, Matt Lambert, Maegan Houang, Emily Yoshida, Caillin Puente, and Sofie Somoroff.
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How to Watch the New Season
When the new season is ready, viewers in the United States can watch new episodes on the FX network or stream them on Hulu. International audiences will be able to stream the series on Disney+. The first season is currently available to stream on Hulu for those who need to catch up.
The first season of “Shogun” was a massive critical success, breaking records at the 2024 Emmy Awards by winning 18 statuettes, the most ever won by a single season of television. It also won four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Television Series – Drama.
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