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The name Hiroyuki Sanada hardly needs an introduction. He is a seasoned campaigner after all, having been an acting powerhouse in Japanese cinema. But what takes him a cut above the rest is how he has seamlessly adapted to life in Hollywood.
Sanada has only gone from strength to strength in the industry. That is why the people behind the making ofShōgunwould have thought that it was the right call to bring him back on board for one more season. But fans are totally against the move – though for another reason altogether.
Shōgunsets records ablaze
Hiroyuki Sanada’sShōgunhas set the ball rolling this year. FX’s most successful series to date, the show is based on James Clavell’s book of the same name. Starring Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai in important roles, the show was a phenomenon, grossing more than 9 million views just within the first six days of its release. That is no small feat.
The credit for its success in no small part goes to the scale of the world created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks. The historical accuracy and epic storytelling that characterized the show bewitched fans and critics alike. It is no secret that they have left no stone unturned to do justice to Clavell’s vision.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s return for a second rodeo inShōgunis almost confirmed
The success of the first season ofShōgunprompted its creators to follow in the footsteps of the creators ofWhite Lotus –they took the call to renew a limited series for another season. Many fans thought that they had seen the last of Lord Yoshi Toranaga, as the entire book had been adapted. But little did they know what fate had in store.
The critical (and streaming) success of the show meant that FX would not want to part with its (arguably) magnum opus. Reports reveal that they intend to return once more for a new season to explore the story. And word has it that they have brought in Hiroyuki Sanada for one more season.
FX is looking to make Season 2 of ‘SHOGUN’
Hiroyuki Sanada is closing a deal to return.
(Source: Deadline)pic.twitter.com/f3YI7FyJV5
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm)June 12, 2025
The move will see the show shift from the limited series category to the drama category in the Emmys.
Fans thought that Season 1 was the perfect end toShōgun
Fans ofShōgunwere quick to sound their displeasure at the news that the series was being renewed. They fear that greed might render something they cherished into something that they would want to forget.
Should just leave it as a limited series, continuing will take away the compliment on how good it really was, the first season of every show is always peak, the downfall always begins from the second season
— Vikas (@thunderxstorm07)July 22, 2025
Of course they are, can’t let it just be one and done…
— Chainsaw Reacts (@ChainsawReacts)July 14, 2025
Artistic integrity lasted a few weeks then 😂
— 𝘾𝙃𝙞𝙋𝙁𝘼𝙏 💡 (@CHIPFAT_)July 25, 2025
I thought they said it would be a 1 season show. Leave it alone!
— Sjoef (@Sjoef86)June 11, 2025
As it turns out, even fans who want more for the show fear what will happen. After all, things can go awry if the creative team of a show heads out without a compass and half its characters dead.
I am torn about this. On the one hand, I would love more Shōgun. On ther other, continuing the story past the source material could be a disasterpic.twitter.com/5YM4pX1uwe
— Mike Carolla (@SJTimes13)July 04, 2025
Some believe FX would be wise to just leave the series alone and let it rest in peace. But the opportunity to milk their best show is not one that they seemingly wish to let go of, even at the cost of the series itself. Hiroyuki Sanada and Co. would be wise to understand that.
Smriti Sneh
Articles Published :479
Smriti Sneh is a Content Writer at Fandom Wire specializing in celebrities and everything pop-culture. Being a literature research scholar, she is cashing in on her writing skills by working in the entertainment news sector - studying literary theories by day, and navigating celebrity net worth through the night. Although you can find her writing poems at any and all hours.
