In a surprising turn of events, Hiroyuki Sanada, the star and producer of FX's critically acclaimed limited series Shogun, has reportedly signed a deal to return for a potential second season. The news comes as FX is considering moving the show from the limited series to the drama categories for Emmy submissions due to its overwhelming success.
Shogun, which follows a shipwrecked English sailor in feudal Japan, has been hailed as FX's most expensive series to date. It amassed an impressive 9 million views across Hulu, Disney+ and Star within its first six days of availability, making it the network's No. 1 general entertainment series internationally and the No. 1 FX premiere on the Disney streaming platforms.
Sanada's character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, was at the heart of the story in Shogun's original installment. His return is considered crucial for any plan to extend the series beyond its initial run.
The outcome of FX's decision to move Shogun into the drama categories will have significant implications for this year's Emmy race, as it would pit the show against heavyweights like The Crown, The Morning Show and Fallout in the drama category instead of competing in the limited/anthology race.
Sanada has had a prolific career spanning decades. He was recently seen in John Wick: Chapter 4, Bullet Train and Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead. He is repped by Gersh, Axon Entertainment, Lighthouse Entertainment, MPR and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.
