Hiroyuki Sanada signs on for "Shogun" season 2

Update: 17 May, 14:00:

In a press release, FX parent company Disney has made it official: "Shōgun" will be continued for not just one, but two seasons. Leading actor and producer Hiroyuki Sanada is returning as Yoshii Toranaga.

Here is the original news from 14 May:

Success makes it possible: the miniseries "Shogun" could be continued, although the story was over after the finale. The main actor and one of the producers of the series, Hiroyuki Sanada, is said to have signed a contract for a second season, reports the online media portal Deadline. This is seen as crucial for a renewal, although it is not yet a done deal. Sanada plays the title character Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a brilliant military strategist. Further details are currently being worked out and contracts finalised,

One problem for a sequel could be the lack of a literary model. "Shogun" is based on the almost 50-year-old novel of the same name by James Clavell, which is more than 1000 pages long. However, the ten-part mini-series has already told the story of the book. There is no second volume. The showrunners would therefore have to come up with their own sequel.

The co-showrunners' stance on a sequel

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Justin Marks, one of the co-showrunners, was cautious about a sequel. "I think if we had a story, if we could find a story, we'd be open to it," said Marks. However, he spoke enthusiastically about the book "Tai-Pan" from Clavell's "The Asian Saga" and a possible adaptation of this template.

In an earlier interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the two showrunners were much more critical of a second season. They cited the intensive production on the one hand and the long period of time since filming on the other as their biggest concerns.

Importance for the Emmy race

A final decision on the renewal of "Shogun" should be made by the end of May at the latest. That is when the submission deadline for this year's Emmy awards ends. If it is renewed, "Shogun" could compete in the supreme discipline of drama series. Otherwise, it would only be in the miniseries or TV film category. A triumph in the supreme discipline means significantly more prestige. The chances for "Shogun" in both categories would be very good.

A review of the series after the first two episodes by my colleague Luca can be found here: