‘Human Drama Is Important’: Shogun’s Hiroyuki Sanada Shares Update On The Hulu Show’s Next Two Seasons And Teases What Awaits Toranaga

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‘Human Drama Is Important’: Shogun’s Hiroyuki Sanada Shares Update On The Hulu Show’s Next Two Seasons And Teases What Awaits Toranaga

As a die-hard fan of historical dramas and someone who has spent countless hours delving into the intricate world of Japanese culture, I am beyond thrilled about the upcoming seasons of Shogun. The fact that they are drawing more from real-life events is particularly exciting, as it promises to deliver an even more immersive and authentic experience for viewers like myself.

Initially intended to be a short-lived adaptation like the miniseries of James Clavell’s novel from 1980, the new Shogun series, available on Hulu, faced similar expectations. However, following its success and critical acclaim, as well as receiving 22 nominations for the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards and Creative Arts Ceremony, it was confirmed that two more seasons are in production. Now, Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, has provided updates on the progress of Seasons 2 and 3, while also hinting at what’s to come for his character.

Shogun May Begin Filming In 2025

In May, it was made known that Shogun had updated his status. Three months after this announcement, Sanada, who has been nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, shared with The Hollywood Reporter (THR) about the progress of the upcoming two seasons when asked for an update.

As an enthusiastic supporter, I’m thrilled to share that our creative team is diligently brainstorming and refining ideas in our writers’ den, day after day. Fingers crossed, we anticipate commencing filming some time in the next year!

Hulu promptly initiated the writing process for Shogun without delay, and assuming everything goes smoothly, filming could commence as early as 2025. However, it’s worth noting that Season 1 of Shogun was filmed from September 2021 to June 2022, meaning it took about a year and a half before it was available for public viewing. It remains uncertain whether Seasons 2 and 3 will be shot consecutively or separately. If the latter is the case, assuming that Season 2 takes just as long, if not longer, to film, followed by post-production work, then it’s likely we won’t see these new episodes until at least 2026.

Shogun Will Draw More From Real Life In Seasons 2 And 3

Although James Clavell’s book “Shogun” was part of a series called the Asian Saga, it wasn’t directly connected to any other books in the series. Now, as Hulu adapts “Shogun” into a series, it steps into new ground, since there’s no further literary source material to reference. However, the character Yoshii Toranaga is inspired by the historical figure Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was one of Japan’s three “Great Unifiers” and brought about two centuries of peace in Japan after becoming shogun. Therefore, the question arises: where will the conflicts for seasons 2 and 3 of “Shogun” come from? Actor Hiroyuki Sanada shared his thoughts on this matter.

In Japan, numerous well-known episodes are showcased, with Toranaga’s strategies reminiscent of intricate chess moves. These stories encompass more than just battles; they delve into profound human dramas. As we progress to seasons two and three, new characters will join the narrative, and our tale will closely follow historical events. Prior to the tranquil period, there were many intense, dramatic moments that shaped the course of history.

Just prior to assisting Kashigi Yabushige in seppuku, Toranga confided in his former subordinate during the Season 1 finale of Shogun, revealing that he had taken strategic steps to secure victory in the Battle of Sekigahara and to keep John Blackthorne, or the Anjin, within Japan. Indeed, Sanada’s assessment is accurate; Toranaga’s foresight makes him a formidable chess player when it comes to amassing power. Although this age of Japan may be moving towards peace, there are still hurdles for Toranaga to overcome so that his life remains engaging and dynamic.

As a dedicated gamer, here’s how I might rephrase that: “I’ll keep you updated with all the scoop about the upcoming seasons of ‘Shogun’. In the interim, don’t forget to check out Hulu’s other top shows and peek at their 2024 TV lineup. That way, you won’t miss a beat when new content starts streaming!”

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2024-08-09 06:07