Hulu’s Shogun Season 2 Gets First Look At Returning Character As Filming Officially Begins

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A new chapter for Shōgun begins.

Hulu’s historical drama is the second television adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 novel. Set in Japan during the time of the Shoguns, the story follows a power struggle among five leaders after the death of their ruler, all while facing increasing influence from Europeans. Though originally planned as a single season, Hulu has extended the series for two more.

After a successful first season, Shōgun is officially filming its second installment. FX Networks, Hulu, and Disney+ shared a first look, featuring Hiroyaki Sanada confirming production is underway. The video showcases the team building sets, costuming the actors, and rehearsing action sequences. Sanada returns as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, sporting a striking gold kimono and black headpiece. You can watch the video here (via Rotten Tomatoes):

Development on Shōgun season 2 is taking time, and there’s a good reason for that. While season 1 closely followed the original novel, seasons 2 and 3 will tell completely new stories. Although there are six books in James Clavell’s Asian Saga, each one features a separate, independent storyline.

The first season of Shōgun in 2024 was widely praised, with many calling it one of the best TV shows in years, comparing it favorably to Game of Thrones. Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai received particular acclaim for their performances, leading to Emmy Awards wins. The series currently boasts a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and an 85% audience score.

Originally planned as a limited series, Shōgun proved so popular with both critics and viewers that Hulu decided to extend it beyond the source novel. The show achieved remarkable success at the Emmy Awards, winning 18 awards – including the first-ever Outstanding Drama Series win for a Japanese-language production – and setting a new record for the most awards received in a single television season.

Season two brings back a lot of familiar faces I was thrilled to see, like Sanada, along with Cosmo Jarvis, Tommy Bastow, Fumi Nikaidô, and several others. But the show isn’t just relying on what worked before – they’ve added some exciting new talent this time around, including Asami Mizukawa, Masataka Kubota, and a few other fresh stars that I think will really elevate the story.

Sawai won’t be returning as Mariko because her character died at the end of the first season of Shōgun. This death was crucial for Toranaga gaining power, and the second season will explore the fallout from that. Meanwhile, Blackthorne, played by Jarvis, decides to stay in Japan and start a new life instead of going back to England. The new season will be set ten years later.

Filming for season 2 is currently underway, and it’s anticipated to premiere around 2027. Though the specific storyline is being kept secret, co-creator Justin Marks has revealed that the new season will focus on “a story of war and the cost of war,” featuring significant battle sequences. The season will consist of ten episodes.

A second season of Shōgun hasn’t been officially scheduled yet, but all episodes from the first season are available to stream on Hulu and Hulu with Disney+.

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2026-04-18 23:38