Led by Richard Chamberlain and Toshirô Mifune, a first adaptation of the novel “Shogûn” by James Clavell was produced in 1980. A look back at this landmark series on the small screen.
Since February 27, Disney+ has offered its subscribers a dive into 17th century Japan with Shôgun, its brand new original series. This ambitious historical production sees a British ship commander washed up on Japanese beaches. Held prisoner, the latter will attract the interest of lord Yoshii Toranaga, then in conflict with other clan leaders for control of the local shogunate.
Adapted from a best-selling literary cycle
Shôgun is the adaptation of a best-selling novel by British writer James Clavell. Known for his work as a screenwriter (he notably co-wrote the script for the film The Great Escape), the latter has also published around ten novels, including six books which constituted his Asian Saga. The fourth part of the cycle to have seen the light of day, Shôgun is also the most famous among these six works.
Successful, the rights to the novel were purchased by the NBC channel with a view to a television adaptation in 1980. For the role of John Blackthorne, the production tried to convince Sean Connery, but the latter refused on the pretext that he did not want to work for television. Other actors were considered, before the role was ultimately given to Richard Chamberlain.
For the role of Lord Toranaga, the series cast a true cinema legend: Toshirô Mifune. Akira Kurosawa’s favorite actor, his fame extended beyond the borders of his native country and opened the doors to a successful Hollywood career. Shôgun’s vision, considered caricatured and sometimes anachronistic, nevertheless caused him to suffer the wrath of the Japanese public.
The trailer for the first Shôgun series:
A new, even more realistic version!
Despite everything, the mini-series was a huge success. Offering Richard Chamberlain a new status as a star actor (as well as a Golden Globe for Best Actor), Shôgun was also awarded the Emmy Award for Best Mini-Series in 1981. Over the years, the program was the subject of multiple rebroadcasts, notably on French television.
In the new adaptation of Shôgun, Cosmo Jarvis (Peaky Blinders) lends his features to John Blackthorne, while Yoshii Toranaga is played by Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick 4). Closer to the novel than the original series, this version also benefits from a much larger budget allowing it to offer its viewers a show that is strikingly realistic and visually breathtaking.
The new Shôgun series can be watched every Tuesday exclusively in France on Disney+.
Discover the list of series currently available on the platform!