Writers’ Room Developing Shogun Seasons 2 and 3
Virginia Kublawi | May 16, 2024 |
Variety reports that FX has a team of writers working on a potential second and third season of Shogun. This comes after news that FX was considering moving the series from limited to drama at the Emmys and producer-star Hiroyuki Sanada signing an ongoing contract. The show’s creators, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are still attached, as well as Michaela Clavell, a producer and representative of James Clavell’s estate. James Clavell wrote the 1976 novel upon which Shogun is based. It also inspired another miniseries in 1980. This is not an official renewal; the show’s return isn’t guaranteed. However, it is notable for the creators to consider continuing when the story from the book and the first show is over. However, Clavell’s novel is based on true historical events, so future seasons could cover further exploits.
I just don’t think this is necessary. Will potential follow-up seasons be any good, let alone as good as the first season? I like the 1980 version better for its balanced tone and Richard Chamberlain’s portrayal of Blackthorne. But 2024’s Shogun is very good, and I don’t see how expanding it will bring anything but harm. It’s good that Clavell’s estate and the creators and producers support the show going forward. But I can’t help questioning the purpose (besides money) and how they plan to continue with the characters in a meaningful, entertaining way.
But what do you think? Do you want more Shogun? Let us know in the comments!
Comments (1)
Good point. Once source material is depleted, where do you go from there? I know one guy said that there is always more story though, at least, for a good writing team, so it’s a challenge for the writers. Clavell wrote another one called Gai-Jin, so the filler story would need to be the space between those novels, that I think are generations apart.
Money is always a good reason, but if the ratings are still there, that would be another reason. Yet a final reason would be the careers of the cast members. Some of them got to be stars and not supporting characters, so this would be something one would think that they would want as well? Although you never know when actors want to move on. When something works, and if it’s still a success, it is foolish not to tap the well until dry.
I used to watch a Korean drama about their Civil war in the 1300s called My Country: a New Age, and it was really good, but I don’t think I ever finished it. Very long episodes and such good writing and it had all the swords and what struck me about it, was that how can some old Samurai show be more compelling than Jedi and light sabers? But they managed to do it with that one.
Also, you see how Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is feeding off the Samurai subject, so Samurai and Ninjas seem to be hot now and really, they kind of always should be, but writing is very much key. I do like the writing in Blue Eye Samurai as well, so far. Vikings and HOTD and GOT seemed to do it well also. Again, if a writing team and show get in the zone and get in the pocket, the point is to make as much of a career out of it as possible. The fans will let it be known when it’s over, instead of the creators, writers and talent.