Shōgun co-creator Justin Marks reveals that the scripts for season 2 are finished. Based on James Clavell’s novel, the series follows John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), an English sailor who shipwrecks in Japan, and Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a powerful daimyo who’s at odds with his political rivals. While originally billed as a limited series, Shōgun’s success led to the announcement of two further seasons, while also leading to four Golden Globe wins for Best Television Series — Drama, Best Actor for Hiroyuki Sanada and Best Actress for Anna Sawai in the Drama category, alongside Best Supporting Actor for Tadanobu Asano.
While speaking to Deadline at the Critics Choice Awards, Marks confirmed that the writers’ room for Shōgun season 2 has wrapped, and production planning is underway. He also teased that audiences can expect major surprises starting with the first episode of season 2, and that they look forward to hopefully setting up “future stories“. Check out Marks’ comments below:
We’re coming out of the writers room now. We’re also done with the 10 episodes, and we have our finale now. That’s allowing us to start figuring out how we’re going to shoot this. But we’re very excited about the plan. I think the thing to take away, more than anything, is how, I hope people are going to be surprised with some of the big ideas as soon as the first episode of part two. So, we’ll start there and see where it takes us for future stories. But we’re really excited about it, especially for [Hiroyuki Sanada].
What This Means For Shōgun Season 2
The Next Season Is Poised to Take A More Creative Route
Marks’ comments indicate that Shōgun season 2 will introduce unexpected developments early on. Since season 1 closely followed Clavell’s novel, it remains to be seen how new episodes will expand the narrative. Without a second book as direct source material, the writers have likely taken creative liberties for season 2. However, it has been confirmed that they are working with Sanada, who also serves as a producer, to ensure the series maintains historical and cultural accuracy. FX has not yet confirmed returning Shōgun’s cast members beyond Sanada, though additional announcements are expected as production progresses.
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With scripts completed, Shōgun’s production can now move forward, though a filming schedule has not been announced yet. Given season 1’s extensive historical detail and practical effects, season 2 is expected to require a similar level of effort. Season 1 was filmed over a year-long period, suggesting a lengthy production timeline for the next installment. Moreover, while the second season’s content is locked in, Marks’ statement about “future stories” not only points to the already confirmed season 3, but may hint at future seasons. Season 2’s success will likely determine how FX approaches the continuation of the series.
Our Take On Shōgun’s Season 2 Progress
The Show’s Second Season Is Already Sounding Exciting
Completing the scripts marks a major step forward for Shōgun. Season 1 set a high bar for the series, and with Sanada reprising his role as Lord Toranaga, season 2 is positioned to deliver another compelling narrative. Marks’ promise of early surprises raises excitement, but execution will ultimately determine how well season 2 builds on the first. Now expanding beyond its original source material, the writers must balance creative freedom with maintaining the historical authenticity that made Shōgun season 1 a success.
Source: Deadline
Shogun
8/10
- Release Date
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2024 – 2025
- Directors
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Fred Toye, Jonathan van Tulleken, Charlotte Brändström, Takeshi Fukunaga, Hiromi Kamata
- Writers
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Rachel Kondo
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Hiroyuki Sanada
Yoshii Toranaga
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Cosmo Jarvis
John Blackthorne
