One thing that is clear is that you can never trust a limited series to remain a limited series. Shogun is the latest limited series that may end up getting a second season.
Shogun is a successful series, both critically and commercially. It’s one of those book adaptations that connected with both sets of fans—book and show fans—and the changes to the book storyline were understandable and reasonable.
With so many people calling for a second season, it’s not all that surprising that FX is mulling over the idea. That’s despite there being no source material for a continuation of the story. James Clavell’s book is a standalone as part of a saga that covers different Asian countries and different time periods.
Hiroyuki Sanada has closed a deal to make Shogun Season 2 possible
There are a few factors involved in getting a second season. The biggest one was Hiroyuki Sanada closing a deal with FX. That’s happened, according to Deadline.
Sanada plays Lord Yoshii Toranaga in the FX series. He is also a producer of the series. The story wouldn’t work without Toranaga’s return, so Sanada needed to be willing to continue his involvement.
There are other factors, though. Other stars of the series will need to be willing to come back to it. Some actors may have been willing to join the series when they knew it was a limited series. Not everyone wants to be connected to one show for a long period of time. One of the benefits of streaming originals that are short is that big-name actors aren’t following the gruelling primetime filming schedule. They have time for other projects.
Another factor will be a story. Clavell doesn’t have a sequel to Shogun. This would mean coming up with an important story to tell to keep this series going.
There could be a long wait for Shogun Season 2
Now comes some bad news, which could lead to FX deciding not to renew the show. The first season took six years to develop and air. The idea of having to wait another six years for more of the story seems a little crazy. Are the stars really going to be willing to come back and have to wait that long? Will they even still be available to work on the new season?
It is possible that the show won’t take the full six years. After all, Shogun was hit with the pandemic and the strike action of last year. Part of the delay was also due to set building, and those sets will still be around.
Nothing is set in stone just yet, but the initial steps have been taken to renew Shogun.