FX’s upcoming adaptation of Shogun, the second major TV adaptation of James Clavell’s classic novel, is set to shake things up. Unlike its previous adaptations, which primarily focused on the perspective of white characters in Japan, FX’s version is rooted in the Japanese perspective. In an interview with ComicBook.com, series co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo shared that one of the key improvements in the 2024 adaptation was giving star Hiroyuki Sanada an executive producer credit. Sanada, known for his roles in Western films like The Wolverine and Avengers: Endgame, as well as his extensive work in Japanese cinema, brought invaluable insight into how Japanese culture has been misrepresented in Hollywood.
Marks explained that Sanada’s 25 years of experience in Hollywood allowed him to identify and address common mistakes made by the industry when depicting Japanese culture.
“I have seen every mistake that Hollywood has made in conveying my culture. So now let’s do it and you can just give us the laundry list and we can walk through it and we can try to avoid it every single day as we make this show. I know the person you need to hire. I know this person. I know that person,” he added.
Sanada played a pivotal role in selecting Japanese producer Eriko Miyagawa and other key crew members, including advisors for props, art, language, translation, and history. He also persuaded them to work in Vancouver for nearly a year, talking about the importance of accuracy and authenticity.
Kondo highlighted Sanada’s dedication to the project, noting that he was not motivated by personal gain but rather by a desire to mentor the younger cast members. Sanada wanted to ensure that the next generation of actors would have a more positive experience in the industry, reported the portal.
Shogun, set in Japan in 1600 during a civil war, follows Lord Yoshi Toranaga (played by Sanada) as he navigates political intrigue and clashes with powerful adversaries. The arrival of an English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and a mysterious Christian noblewoman, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), further complicates the story, leading to unexpected alliances and betrayals.
The series boasts a talented cast, including Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura, Yuka Kouri, and Fumi Nikaido. The first two episodes of FX’s Shogun are set to premiere on February 27 on Hulu and FX, promising a fresh take on Clavell’s beloved novel with a focus on authenticity and cultural representation.
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