Shogun premiere date, cast, trailer, and everything we know so far. There really is more than just one blockbuster TV series battles and warring dynasties. And just before House of the Dragon comes back to our screens this very summer, FX is all set to transport audiences to 17th-century Japan for Shogun.
Shogun is a 10-episode limited series that is all set to make its premiere on Hulu this February. That said, let’s delve into everything we know so far about Shogun.
Shogun Premiere Date, Cast, Trailer
“Shōgun” is a TV series based on James Clavell’s famous historical novel from 1975. Both the book and the series narrate the story of an English sailor who reaches Japan in 1600, right at the start of a fierce civil war. This is also the time when a Japanese feudal lord, known as a daimyō, rises to become the shogun, a highly influential position.
The Official Synopsis of the Shogun Series
Now that you know what the Shogun series is all about, here is the official synopsis of the series according to FX:
“When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her, and her duty to her late father.”
Is Shogun Based On a True Story
“Shōgun,” though largely a work of fiction, is rooted in actual historical events and characters. The main character, John Blackthorne, is fictional but is based on William Adams, the first Englishman to arrive in Japan. Adams became a samurai and an advisor to the shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu.
In the book and series, this historical figure is represented by Lord Yoshii Toranaga. The story is set at the end of Japan’s feudal era and the beginning of the Edo period, a time marked by significant changes in Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate’s rule.
The Creators and Stars in Shogun
The TV adaptation of “Shōgun” has been in development since its announcement in 2018. The series was created by Justin Marks, known for his work on the Starz series “Counterpart,” the live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book,” and as a co-writer for “Top Gun: Maverick.” Marks developed the series alongside his wife, writer Rachel Kondo.
The show features a notable cast, with celebrated Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada taking on the role of Yoshii Toranaga. Sanada has a distinguished career in both Western and Japanese cinema, with roles in films like “Ringu,” “The Last Samurai,” the 2021 “Mortal Kombat,” “Bullet Train,” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” as well as the HBO series “Westworld.”
Anna Sawai, a New Zealand actress of Japanese descent, portrays Toda Mariko. Sawai’s recent projects include a leading role in the Apple TV+ series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” and appearances in “Pachinko” and “F9.”
British actor Cosmo Jarvis plays the lead character, John Blackthorne. Jarvis is known for his performances in “Lady Macbeth,” “Calm With Horses,” and “Persuasion.”
Another key cast member is Tadanobu Asano, a veteran Japanese actor recognized for his portrayal of Hogun in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Thor” movies. Asano plays a daimyō who is an ally of Toranaga in the series.
The rest of the cast primarily consists of Japanese actors who may not be widely known to Western audiences yet, suggesting a diverse and culturally rich ensemble for the adaptation.
Is Shogun in Japanese or English
The series Shogun is primarily in English, although given the setting and subject matter of it, you can most probably expect major parts of it to be subtitled in Japanese.
Shogun Trailers and Teasers
In November, a teaser trailer for the “Shōgun” series was released, focusing mainly on setting the tone and showcasing various action scenes, with minimal dialogue. In the same month, a full trailer followed, offering a bit more dialogue but still keeping plot details under wraps.
Then in January, two additional trailers were released. The first one, another teaser, didn’t reveal much more than the previous trailers from the fall. However, the second trailer, categorized as a red-band trailer, gave a clearer indication of the show’s mature content. This trailer featured more explicit scenes, including a graphic decapitation, intense action with people being hit by cannon fire, and some explicit nudity, signaling that the show will have both violent and sensual elements.
Shogun Premiere Date and Where You Can Watch It
The premiere of “Shōgun” is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, with the first two episodes becoming available on Hulu. Additionally, the series is set to air on cable television via the FX channel, although the specific broadcast time has not yet been announced. Following the premiere, new episodes of the 10-part series will be released on a weekly basis.
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