After a couple of years of anticipation, the wait is finally over as the upcoming 10-episode historical drama, SHŌGUN, is set to be released early next year!
Adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel, SHŌGUN unfolds in 17th-century feudal Japan, tracing the story of John Blackthorne, a British sailor shipwrecked on Japanese shores. As Blackthorne strives to comprehend the intricacies of a culture unknown in the Western world, he becomes caught between the ambitions of a powerful warlord, Lord Toranaga, and the enigmatic Lady Mariko, a beautiful interpreter whose presence pulls him into the crosscurrents of love and loyalty. This epic tale explores the collision of cultures, the pursuit of power, and the transformative journey of a man navigating the complex landscape of Japan in the Edo period.
Originally adapted into a network miniseries by NBC in 1980, SHŌGUN received the green light for a new production by FX in 2018. The show faced challenges early on with delays due to script refinements, logistical challenges in filming internationally, and setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, production resumed and reorganized to film in North America, with principal shooting commencing in B.C. in 2021.
While the narrative is set in Japan, numerous scenes were artfully filmed in Port Moody, where the Flavelle cedar mill was transformed into a 17th-century Japanese fishing village. The meticulous attention to detail extended to importing artifacts and materials from Japan, such as fabrics, swords, and ropes. The commitment to authenticity even included planting a Japanese pine tree on set, later donated to the city and replanted near City Hall. Additional filming locations included Ucluelet, North Vancouver, and Quarry Road in Coquitlam.
The cast features British actor Cosmo Jarvis, known for his role in the Amazon series Peaky Blinders, portraying the character of Blackthorne, while the role of the feudal lord, Toranaga, is brought to life by Hiroyuki Sanada, recognized for his work in Mortal Kombat and the HBO series Westworld. Lady Mariko is played by New Zealand-born actress Anna Sawai, currently leading the Apple+ show Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Adding a local touch, Port Moody actor and playwright Hiro Kanagawa also graces the series with his presence.
This is a miniseries you won’t want to miss out on. Brace for an epic saga of cultural collision, political intrigue, and personal evolution. SHŌGUN begins streaming February 27, 2024 on Disney+ with new episodes dropping weekly!
Header image is from Phil Pacaud, FX’s “SHŌGUN” set in Port Moody.
