FX has announced the premiere date for the highly-anticipated series adaptation of "Shogun," based on James Clavell's iconic 1975 novel. The limited series is set to debut its first two episodes on February 27, 2024, on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly on these streaming platforms, with FX also airing new episodes weekly on its linear channel.
The Story of 'Shogun':
"Shogun" unfolds in Japan in the year 1600, immersing viewers in the tumultuous period just before the country embraced its isolationist policy. The narrative centers around Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by famous Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada, who finds himself fighting for survival as enemies on the Council of Regents join forces against him.
The official logline teases a gripping tale: "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 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."
The Cast
The 10-episode limited series boasts a stellar cast, featuring Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura, Fumi Nikaido, and more.
Visuals and Trailer
Showrunner and executive producer Justin Marks, along with creators Rachel Kondo, Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, and Michael De Luca, promises a visually stunning and emotionally charged exploration of feudal Japan's complex dynamics.
Hiroyuki Sanada also serves as a producer on the series, which is produced by FX Productions.
The first trailer for "Shogun" teases a visually stunning and culturally rich narrative, promising a captivating blend of history, politics, and human drama. As the premiere date approaches, fans of historical dramas and epic storytelling eagerly await the unveiling of this ambitious adaptation.
"Shogun" is set to make its mark as a cultural spectacle, exploring the collision of worlds and the intricate dynamics that defined a pivotal period in Japanese history. Get ready to embark on an immersive journey when "Shogun" premieres in February 2024, offering a captivating exploration of power, politics, and the indomitable human spirit.