‘Shogun’: FX Developing Two New Seasons With Estate of Original Author James Clavell
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More seasons of “Shōgun” are (maybe) on the way.
Variety has learned that FX, Hulu and the estate of James Clavell — who authored the novel on which “Shōgun” is based — are working to develop more seasons of the critically acclaimed series. A writers’ room will begin this summer to develop two more seasons of the show.
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It must be noted that this is not a formal renewal, and no production has been scheduled for more episodes. Series co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo remain onboard the series, as does executive producer Michaela Clavell of the James Clavell estate, as well as series star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada.
It was previously reported that a second season of the historical drama was being eyed by FX following the success of Season 1. Sources said that FX was mulling entering the show into the drama series category for the Emmys rather than limited series, which would only be the case if another season was coming.
Not long after, it was confirmed that series star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada had signed a deal to return for a second season. The deal meant that Sanada would return if FX was able to work out the rights to more of the show, given that the first season of the series covered the entirety of the “Shōgun” novel. Clavell himself had based the novel on real Japanese historical events, meaning the creative team could base future seasons on such events as well.
“Shōgun” follows a shipwrecked English sailor (Cosmo Jarvis) in the 17th century who becomes involved in a bloody power struggle at the highest levels of Japanese government. Sanada stars as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a member of the ruling Council of Regents who must fight for his survival when the political tides turn against him.
The first season also starred Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura, Yuka Kouri, and Fumi Nikaido.
Kondo and Marks developed the series for television and served as executive producers, with Marks also serving as showrunner on Season 1. Michaela Clavell executive produced along with Edward L. McDonnell and Michael De Luca. FX Productions is the studio.
“Shōgun” has been in the works at FX since 2018 and is the most expensive series the network has produced to date. The premiere episodes of the 10-episode series pulled in 9 million views globally across Hulu, Disney+ and Star+ in its first six days of availability, with a view defined as total stream time divided by runtime.
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