Shogun star Anna Sawai does not expect to return for further seasons of the hit FX series, citing the definitive end to her character’s story in the inaugural season. The actor portrayed Toda Mariko in the show, for which development on two more seasons has begun.

Sawai addressed the possibility of returning to Shogun‘s Seasons 2 and 3 in some capacity while speaking with The Direct. “I don’t know. I mean, I love the show. I love the creators. So it would be a dream if they ever called me back. But you know, like her story does end. I think it’s perfect the way it is. So, I’m not expecting anything,” she said. In Shogun‘s penultimate episode, Sawai’s character Mariko defiantly dies in an explosion, reducing the chances of her potential involvement in future installments. Sawai’s performance in the show met with critical acclaim, leading some to suggest that Shogun‘s creators may be motivated to find a reasonable way to include Mariko, perhaps in dream sequences and flashbacks.

FX is collaborating closely with the estate of original Shogun author James Clavell on Seasons 2 and 3’s development and is reportedly assembling a writers’ room. The first season covered Clavell’s source material, meaning that upcoming seasons will need new storylines. Shogun star Hiroyuki Sanada, who also serves as a producer, has reportedly signed on to reprise the role of Lord Yoshii Toranaga. The show’s co-creators and writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo are back on board with fellow executive producer Michaela Clavell.

Shogun Creators Know How the Series Will End

Shogun‘s showrunners Marks and Kondo recently discussed many aspects of the show’s success and their plan for the upcoming seasons. The co-creators are confident there is still a lot Shogun could explore, “There were a lot of questions that we felt were still unanswered in the story,” Marks said. “Not the least of which is that the title character doesn’t become the title character. And yeah, that’s really when you have history on your side, what you don’t have on your side is this wonderful book moving forward. There are no roads where we’re going.”

The showrunners leaned heavily on historical accuracy, utilizing advisors on history in making the show. Consultations with the advisors helped the creators formulate a befitting conclusion for Shogun. “We know how it gets to that place, and that place historically is based on a story that Frederik Cryns told us that came from history, that was like, “Oh, wow. Yeah, no, this is the natural end of this.”

Shogun Season 1 is available to stream on Hulu.