Shōgun season 2 already faces major challenges without its most significant character. The critically acclaimed Hulu/FX series recently announced that despite the lack of source material, Shōgun seasons 2 and 3 are currently in development. This announcement, while exciting, raises all sorts of questions about what direction the story will head in after it was previously thought to have concluded with its exceptional final episode. Prior to Shōgun’s season 1 finale on April 23, 2024, there was a general assumption that the series would end since it was based on a novel of the same name by James Clavell.

Shōgun’s first season earned a near-perfect 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, which likely played a major role in the decision to extend the series further. Shōgun season 2 will not be without its faults, however, and will have the notable disadvantage of being unable to feature some of its best characters, such as Anna Sawai’s Mariko, Tadanobu Asano’s Yabushige, and Tokuma Nishioka’s Hiromatsu. Since it is a historical fiction series, it does have the added benefit of pulling from real-life events and the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s shogunate, which is the basis of Hiroyuki Sanada’s Lord Toranaga’s story and character.

Anna Sawai’s Lady Mariko Was A Highlight Of Shogun

She was a fan-favorite character

Anna Sawai’s incredible performance as Lady Mariko in Shōgun is a highlight of her impressive acting career. Sawai, 31, made her film debut in a small role in 2009’s Ninja Assassin before starring in the 2019 miniseries Giri/Haji. Before taking on a major role in Shōgun’s cast, which is already being called one of the greatest limited series of 2024, Sawai rose to prominence from her role as Elle in F9: The Fast Saga (2021). Since then, Sawai has solidified herself as a remarkably skilled and talented actor in both film and television.

Sawai’s Lady Mariko is one of the most beloved characters in Shōgun who rises to the occasion in an explosive Shōgun episode 9. Now that Shōgun season 1 has ended, fans of Sawai will be able to watch her in several other projects that she has appeared in over the last few years, including a critically acclaimed Apple TV original drama series called Pachinko. Sawai currently does not have any upcoming projects that are officially announced, and she will not be a part of Shōgun season 2 because her character died in Shōgun episode 9.

Shogun Season 2 Is Already At A Disadvantage Without Lady Mariko

Mariko was the best character in the series

The best character in Shõgun was arguably Lady Mariko. Now that she is guaranteed to not be a part of it, the series may suffer as a result. In order for future installments of Shōgun to be a success, they will have to live up to the high standards of season 1. The tight development and production timeline will be the biggest challenge that the creators behind seasons 2 and eventually 3 must face since they certainly will not have five years or even two to perfect their product. Mariko was by far the vest character of the series, which will present a major challenge for future seasons.

Shōgun season 2, however, could be better than season 1 because the history itself is compelling. Many fans were discouraged that the Shōgun finale did not actually show the Battle of Sekigahara and the downfall of Lord Ishido, which would arguably be the best possible way to begin season 2. Another notable event that is likely to be covered in Shōgun season 3 is the Siege of Osaka, which was the final military effort to thwart Tokugawa’s reign by the Taikō’s son, who was depicted as a child in season 1. While Mariko will be missed, there is still an opportunity to expand the series.

How Shogun Season 2 Could Still Include Lady Mariko (Without Ruining Her Ending)

Mariko likely will not return in the series

Image via Hulu/FX

Mariko could reappear in future episodes of Shōgun in the form of flashbacks that reveal more of her past with Ochiba no kata. She could also potentially emerge in sequences that feature her ghost through the eyes of Blackthorne. Regardless, Mariko will not play a large role in future episodes of Shōgun and the series will continue without her immediate presence. Including Mariko as a spiritual guide to Blackthorne would be the most feasible way to see her potential return to the series, but considering her fate in Shōgun season 1, it’s very unlikely she will return.