Shogunseason 2 gets a new update, revealing the filming start window and confirming the return of a season 1 character. Based on the James Clavell novel of the same name, the hit FX show premiered last February, chronicling the arrival of Cosmo Jarvis' John Blackthorne, an English pilot, to Japan and his subsequent involvement in a struggle for power involving the mysterious Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). Though originally envisioned as a limited series, the success of season 1 led to confirmation thatShōgunseason 2from original creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo is on the way.
Deadlinenow reveals thatJarvis has now closed a deal to return as Blackthorne, aka Anjin, inShōgunseason 2. Jarvis will also serve as co-executive producer this time around. In addition, it has now been confirmed that the season 2 story will pick up 10 years after the events of season 1, with FX calling it “a wholly original new chapter to the first season.”
Though the network doesn’t share too many story specifics, they said the dynamic between Blackthorne and Lord Toranaga will once again be a focus, with season 2 said to “[continue] the historically-inspired saga of these two men from different worlds whose fates are inextricably entwined.“TheDeadlinereport also reveals that the writers' room for season 2 recently wrapped, and thatfilming onShōgun’s sophomore outing is set to get underway in Vancouver in January2026.
What This Means For Shōgun Season 2
When The New Episodes Could Release
So far, Jarvis and Sanada are the only two members of theShōgunseason 1 castwho are confirmed to return for season 2. Sanada, after serving as a producer on season 1, has also been upped to executive producer on season 2. As for the story of Blackthorne and Toranaga moving forward, there remain a number of questions sinceseason 1 adapts essentially the entirety of Clavell’s novel. Season 2, then, will be more of an original creation from Kondo and Marks.
Shōgunseason 1 endswith Toranaga emerging victorious over his enemies, and he is seemingly poised to take the throne, though this isn’t actually shown. With a 10-year time jump, season 2 will have the opportunity to potentially explore Toranaga’s rule and any new threats to his power that may emerge. With filming getting underway early next year, however, it could be a while before the continuing adventures of Toranaga and Blackthorne make their way to TV screens, withaShōgunseason 2 release at some point in 2027 now looking likely.
There’s no word yet onShōgunseason 3, which was previously also confirmed to be in development after season 1 became the most-viewed program in FX history.
Our Take On The New Shōgun Season 2 Information
Blackthorne’s Return Is A Promising Development
The evolving dynamic between Toranaga and Blackthorne was a major highlightofShōgunseason 1, and undoubtedly a major reason why the show fared so well with audiences and critics. It’s reassuring, then, that Jarvis will be returning in season 2. It’s too bad, however, that he won’t also be joined by Anna Sawai’s Mariko, who died in season 1, but the impact of her death on Blackthorne could certainly still be felt in the upcoming episodes.
A 10-year time jump will allow Kondo and Marks to reset the chess board to a certain degree, withShōgunseason 2 potentially now more seamlessly able to introduce powerful new figures and conflicts into the story. This could be an exciting way to revisit the show, and it could further add to the series' epic scope and scale. Many questions still remain aboutShōgunseason 2, but the show is evidently now one step closer to returning.
