“Shogun” Season 2: Not a miniseries? Season 2 on Disney+ is no longer out of the question

• “Shogun” is a direct adaptation of James Clavell’s novel of the same name.
• The first season, which should actually remain the only season, is currently running on Disney+.
• But a sequel that breaks away from the original is certainly possible.

“Shogun” on Disney+ is receiving high praise from all sides. The historical epic is based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell and was filmed as a four-part television series in 1980.

The new adaptation even includes 10 episodes and tells the complete story of the novel in one season. At first glance, a sequel seems unlikely; after all, “Shogun” is considered a miniseries. But couldn’t the plot continue?

Too successful for one season

“Shogun” has been compared to “Game of Thrones” in numerous reviews. Even though both series have little to do with each other apart from intrigue, violence and a little nudity, US broadcaster FX, which produced “Shogun”, would certainly be very interested in a success on the scale of “Game of Thrones”.

If that happens and “Shogun” really becomes a hit within these 10 episodes, it’s hard to imagine that the story won’t be continued somehow. The show’s producers have already been approached by The Direct about a possible second season. Although they emphasize that “Shogun” as a miniseries already offers a well-rounded ending, a clear no is never given.

I think we’re telling the complete story of the book. And we come to the end. I hope that those who have read the book will see that it ends exactly how the book ends. And we’re really looking forward to that because it’s a very surprising ending, that [James] Clavell created for the book. And it’s beautifully ambiguous in some ways.

Series creator Justin Marks

Marks also hopes that “Shogun” will spark audience interest in other, similar stories from or about Japan. Michaela Clavell, the daughter of novelist James Clavell, who was also an executive producer on “Shogun,” sounds a bit more positive when it comes to a possible second season.

The audience will let us know if they have an appetite [auf eine zweite Staffel] has. We will see. That’s a good question. I wish I knew the full answer, but I don’t.

Michaela Clavell

Since “Shogun” is streaming on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ in Germany, it is not clear how successful the series is. But if we’re dealing with a hit here, we’ll certainly find out quickly and then a sequel, or at least an anthology approach like “The Terror”, is definitely possible.