Yes, it is known that Shogun will return with another season according to the series makers.
The Shogun series is an adaptation of James Clavell's 1975 novel of the same name. It is loosely inspired by real-life characters in early Japan, where the land was ruled by Lords or Shoguns who were well respected and worshipped by the people.
The story of Shogun introduces John Blackthorne, an English pilot who is set on a mission to land in the country of Japan to establish a trade business in the country. As the series continues with its 10 episodes of season one, we know that John is a prisoner of Lord Toranaga, who is the ruler of Kanto in Japan. The series shows how John and Toranaga unite to strengthen the latter’s army to fight the other regents, with the Englishman figuring out a way to get back home.
Related: What is Shogun about
Will there be a second season of Shogun?
While the series is known to have exhausted the material provided in the novel “Shogun”, it is known by the new outlet Elle, that FX, Hulu, and the Estate of James Clavell are working together to make 2 more seasons for the series. While the production dates for the same are still to be revealed by the series makers, it is known that the team is currently working on the story for the upcoming sequel.
According to the news article Deadline, it was revealed that “Other elements are still being worked out and deals are being finalized as part of an effort by FX to take Shogun to a second season in light of the big commercial and critical success of the limited series.” This states that the main character Hiroyuki Sanada along with other members like EPs Justin Marks, Rachel Kondo, and Michaela Clavell will be returning for the show's future work.
Among other speculations, it is believed that the upcoming seasons of Shogun will display the entire battle between Lord Toranaga and Lord Ishido, and how Toranaga got close to taking over the lands as the Ultimate Lord Shogun. Apart from this, there is also the storyline of John Blackthorne, who after the death of Lady Mariko is trying to find a purpose in training Toranaga’s crew hoping to find his way back home, unaware of the plans his Lord has in store for him.
Does Shogun’s novel have more parts?
James Clavell’s Shogun was not the only book that the writer had worked on. While these are not considered to be parts or sequels to the story portrayed in Shogun, James had written other novels that depicted the era and stories from the same time in other books. These books were namely King Rat (1962), Tai-Pan (1966), Noble House (1981), Whirlwind (1986), and Gai-Jin (1993). While these stories have been written as a set with Shogun, they are not sequels or prequels to the story. Still considering the success of the series, the material from these series can be used to create spin-offs of the series.
FAQ about Shogun
A. The novel Shogun was written by James Clavell in 1975.
A. Yes, according to the makers on the show, Shogun will have a sequel.
A. In Shogun, the protagonist is known to be John Blackthorne played by Cosmo Jarvis.
A. Yes, James Clavell is still alive and is 72 years old as of 2025.
