After an unforgettable first season, Shōgun is gearing up for a highly anticipated return on Disney+ with season 2. While details about the upcoming season remain scarce, early clues suggest that the samurai saga will only grow more complex and thrilling.
Adapting Shōgun, a novel by James Clavell, following the legendary 1980 miniseries featuring Toshirō Mifune and Richard Chamberlain, was always going to be a tall order. It presented a unique challenge: the chance to modernize the story and address past biases, while also carrying the weight of following a beloved classic. But creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have exceeded expectations, delivering a medieval epic brimming with cultural clashes, stunning visuals, and a standout cast led by Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai.
The series has already made its mark, winning 18 Emmy Awards (out of 25 nominations) and 4 Golden Globes. It quickly became clear that even though it was originally planned as a mini-series, the demand for more was too great for FX to ignore. In May 2024, a season 2 was confirmed, along with a season 3, leaving fans eager for what’s next. However, as is often the case with high-quality productions, patience is key, as we won’t be seeing the next chapter until 2027 at the earliest.
The war isn’t over: What’s next?
FX has confirmed that filming for Shōgun season 2 will not begin until January 2026, taking place in Canada. Considering that season 1 took nearly 10 months to complete, the show likely won’t return until the beginning of 2027—more than three years after the premiere of the first season in February 2024. While the long wait is sure to test the patience of fans, the good news is that the new season will explore uncharted territory, picking up nearly 10 years after the events of season 1.
Hiroyuki Sanada will reprise his iconic role as the charismatic yet complex Daimyo Yoshii Toranaga, while Cosmo Jarvis returns as English captain John Blackthorne. The bond between these two characters remains unbreakable, and their intertwined fates will continue to be at the heart of the story.
Beyond the familiar faces, FX has been tight-lipped about the rest of the casting and the new plot details, although it has been revealed that the show’s creators have already finalized the direction of the story. As a bonus, both Sanada and Jarvis will take on executive producer roles for this season. Sanada, in particular, has a busy year ahead, with roles in Mortal Kombat 2 and The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan. Jarvis, meanwhile, is slated to appear in Wife and Dog, a film directed by Guy Ritchie, alongside Anthony Hopkins and Rosamund Pike.
With the stage set for new conflicts and deeper personal stakes, Shōgun season 2 promises to be an unforgettable continuation of this epic tale.
