Shogun is about to return to FX and Hulu for its second and third seasons. Season one of the historical drama series received the most Emmy nominations for a TV drama this year. The lead of the show, Hiroyuki Sanada who portrays Lord Toranaga, is also confirmed to return for season 2 and has reportedly shared some intriguing updates about the show’s future. In a recent interview, Sanada discussed the prospects for Shogun season 2. The first season adapted James Clavell’s 1973 novel of the name, which included a conclusive end to the story and its characters’ arcs.
This raises the question of how will the series continue with the same depth and authenticity as Clavell’s novel. “We don’t have the novel,” Sanada acknowledged. However, he views this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. “Freedom is there…I hope our writers will enjoy the freedom and respect the novel, of course,” Sanada said in an interview on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast.
The climax of the book and season 1 of the show revealed character Toranaga’s true nature as he gained a victory over his rival lords and claimed the title of Shogun, a position held by his ancestors. The character of Toranaga, along with others, is based on real Japanese historical figures, with Toranaga being a fictionalised version of Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa, who founded Japan’s Tokugawa shogunate and brought in a period of unification that lasted over two centuries, reports Comicbook.
“He became my hero because he stopped the war period and created a peaceful era for about 260 years,” Sanada added, referring to Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Sanada further hinted that Shogun season 2 might introduce a mix of returning characters and new faces, saying, “The other half will be new characters coming in.”
Comicbook adds that even though the source material from the Shogun novel has been exhausted, history offers plenty more for the show to explore. Tokugawa’s journey to becoming Japan’s first Shogun was just the beginning. He still needed to unify the country, facing internal treachery from family, allies and conspiring lords, as well as external threats from nations like England and Spain attempting to influence Japan’s future. The story of Toranaga and John Blackthorne (based on the historical figure William Adams) continues to be central, intertwining with the reshaping of Japan under the Shogunate.
Comments
0 comment