The path to Shōgun season 2 is clearer, as Hiroyuki Sanada reportedly signs a deal to reprise the role of Lord Toranaga. The historical epic, based on the 1975 novel by James Clavell, hails from creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo. The story is set in Japan in the 1600s and follows Sanada’s Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he fights for his life after enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. The cast of Shōgun also includes Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira, Tommy Bastow, and Fumi Nikaido, becoming one of FX’s biggest streaming hits and sparking quick renewal talks.

Deadline reports that Sanada has closed a deal to return as Lord Toranaga in Shōgun season 2. Though details are still being finalized, the deal is said to be a key part of ensuring that a second installment of the acclaimed drama moves forward. Sanada’s return would also have an immediate impact on whether Shōgun competes as an ongoing drama or a limited series at the next Emmys, which adds an element of urgency to Sanada’s return.

There Are Clear Stories For Shōgun Season 2

Toranaga & Blackthorne Could Be The Leads Following Season 1’s Ending.

The latest reporting around Sanada signing a deal tracks back to earlier in Shōgun‘s run, as there were reports that FX was considering whether to submit the historical epic as an ongoing drama or a limited series. That push-and-pull could perhaps be seen throughout the ending of Shōgun episode 10. The finale, written by Maegan Houang and Emily Yoshida and directed by Frederick E.O. Toye, offers closure but also raises questions about a possible season 2 even beyond whether Toranga achieves his goal of becoming shogun.

The biggest road to a continuation is arguably related to Blackthorne himself. In an apparent dream sequence that opens the episode and repeats occasionally after, the much older and delirious Blackthorne character still holds on to the memory of Mariko. It’s suggested that he remains in Japan, as he pulled his destroyed ship from the sea with the help of the villagers.

The finale shifts its focus to the complex relationship between Toranaga and Blackthorne, which could prove to be a fruitful focal point for season 2. This is especially evident in a scene in which Toranaga keeps Blackthorne from performing seppuku in protest, with Toranga confessing to Yabushige that he likes having Blackthorne around as an amusement and as a diversion to his enemies. There is also the option of focusing more on the show’s ensemble and zeroing in on their characters.

Shōgun Season 2 Is Open-Ended

Is That Enough To Justify Season 2?

But the report makes clear that Sanada’s deal is at least, in part, about which Emmy category the FX epic could compete in as either drama or limited series.

The FX series crucially does not show the final battle between Toranaga and his rival Regents, instead implying that Lady Ochiba pulled her crucial support from Ishido. It also does not spell out whether Toranga is ultimately successful in his lofty goals for Japan. This all suggests that Shōgun could easily return, at least from a narrative standpoint. But the report makes clear that Sanada’s deal is at least, in part, about which Emmy category the FX epic could compete in as either drama or limited series.

Whether the series should return is a different question. One of the show’s strengths is that it’s an adaptation of a single Clavell novel, though there are several books in the overall Shōgun universe. Furthermore, it accomplished the adaptation in just ten episodes. Series creators Kondo and Marks, along with the writing team, the direction, cast, and crew, have delivered what may be the best show of the year, so time will tell if the second try, should it come together, can be equally resonant.