The world of historical dramas is about to get even more thrilling with the return of Shogun for its highly anticipated second season. Originally envisioned as a limited series, the show has grown into a global sensation, with its gripping tale of power, politics, and betrayal set in feudal Japan. As the buzz continues to build, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Here’s everything we know so far about Shogun season 2.
The Wait for Season 2: What We Know So Far
When Will Season 2 Be Released on Disney+?
While fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment of Shogun, a specific release date for season 2 has yet to be confirmed. The first season, which was released in February 2024, had a long production timeline, with filming taking place between September 2021 and July 2022. Given the scale of the series, it’s likely we’ll need to be patient for the next season. Filming for season 2 is set to begin in June 2026 in Vancouver, which means the earliest we can expect to see new episodes would be at the end of 2027.
How Many Episodes Will Season 2 Have ?
Although Disney+ hasn’t revealed the exact number of episodes for the second season, the first season consisted of 10 episodes. Based on this, it’s safe to assume that season 2 will feature a similar number of episodes to continue the epic story at the same pace.
Returning Cast Members and New Faces
Who’s Returning to the Cast?
Good news for fans of the first season: Shogun’s star cast will be back for the second season. Hiroyuki Sanada, known for his role in Westworld, will reprise his role as Yoshi Toranaga. Cosmo Jarvis, who portrayed John Blackthorne, will also return. However, Anna Sawai, who played Lady Mariko, will not be back due to her character’s tragic fate at the end of season 1. Fans might still see flashbacks of her character, but for now, it looks like her storyline has concluded.
The show’s creators, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, will also be back as showrunners, ensuring continuity in the series’ tone and direction.
A New Story Beyond the Book
What Can We Expect From the Plot?
Season 2 will not follow the original Shogun novel by James Clavell, as the first season did. The new episodes, which are set to take place 10 years after the events of the first season, will see Yoshi Toranaga still vying for the title of Shōgun. As always, his path intersects with John Blackthorne, the European shipwrecked on Japanese shores, who will continue to serve as his ally.
What’s particularly exciting about this new season is that the showrunners are working with the heirs of James Clavell to develop an original story. The challenge for the writers will be to create a fresh and compelling narrative while respecting the essence of the historical context. In fact, the new direction promises to be “darker” than the first season, according to Marks and Kondo. These two have traveled extensively in Japan, studying historical sites and consulting resources to ensure the authenticity of the story. As Kondo puts it, “We don’t have a map, just history.”
Will Season 2 Be the Final Season?
No, Shogun is expected to continue with a third season, which will likely be the series’ final chapter. After the massive success of the first season—Shogun became the most-watched fictional series in the world, amassing 9 million views in just six days—it’s clear that fans want more. According to the showrunners, they already know exactly how the story will end, and the third season will wrap up the saga.
But for now, the focus remains on making season 2 the best it can be. As Justin Marks explains, “We know where it starts and where it ends, but we’re concentrating on season 2 to make sure we get to that conclusion.”
What’s Next for Shogun?
With the second season of Shogun promising to expand on the rich historical backdrop of 1600s Japan, it’s clear that the show will continue to explore complex characters, power struggles, and breathtaking landscapes. While fans will have to wait a while for the next installment, the anticipation is already building for what promises to be another compelling chapter in this epic saga.
