Shogun’s Dark Secret

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In 2024, FX’s remake of Shogun, based on James Clavell’s novel, was a resounding success. This series captured the hearts of viewers and critics alike, topping the streaming charts and winning an unprecedented 18 Primetime Emmys last year. However, one individual who didn’t find favor with this contemporary adaptation is Jerry London, who had directed the cherished 1980 Shogun miniseries.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jerry London voiced his criticisms towards the recent remake, particularly noting that a show set in Japan, with Japanese characters portrayed by Japanese actors, was primarily spoken in Japanese. “It’s utterly different from what I worked on,” London stated. The 1980 miniseries, a more relaxed adaptation of Clavell’s epic novel, primarily focused on the romantic relationship between John Blackthorne and Mariko, sometimes to the detriment of the show’s Japanese cast. London clarified:

My previous work was inspired by the love tale between Blackthorne and Mariko in the book “Shogun”, while my current project is centered around Japanese history, focusing on the figure of Toranaga, who served as the Shogun. This new piece is quite technical and may prove challenging for American audiences to fully grasp due to its complexity.

From my perspective as a fan, it seems that some American viewers have found it challenging to connect with the original “Shōgun” due to its deep immersion in Japanese storytelling. As I’ve conversed with various viewers, they’ve expressed this sentiment. In contrast, the creators of the latest adaptation, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, appear to prioritize a Japan-centric approach, according to what I’ve gathered. The FX’s “Shōgun,” produced by these American talents, seems tailored more for Japanese audiences rather than their American counterparts. Yet, I remain proud of the work I’ve contributed to this fascinating narrative.

I took pride in my creation as I feared others might replicate it, given its success and numerous awards. However, while the new one is amusing, many people I’ve spoken to found it confusing – they didn’t quite grasp its premise. Despite watching the entire series, I must admit, it’s challenging to follow.

Jerry London Thinks ‘Shōgun’ Won So Many Emmys Because There Was No Competition

The television series Shōgun had an unparalleled reign during awards season in 2024. In addition to the 18 Emmys it won, it also took home numerous Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Awards, making it one of the most celebrated shows that year. However, Jerry London argues that the series did not deserve its unprecedented accolades due to its quality. Instead, London suggests that Shōgun was so successful because there wasn’t much competition in comparison.

At the Emmy Awards last year, Shōgun encountered a moderate level of competition from other notable shows such as Fallout, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Gilded Age, 3 Body Problem, the final season of The Crown, The Morning Show, and Apple TV+’s acclaimed Slow Horses. To claim that Shōgun faced no competition would be an oversight, disregarding these excellent shows that were both critically acclaimed and popular among viewers. Nevertheless, FX’s Shōgun is poised to maintain its dominance, as the show has been renewed for two more seasons. These upcoming seasons will deviate from Clavell’s novel, with Season 2 currently in development. However, a specific release date for Season 2 has yet to be announced on FX.

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2025-02-19 19:38