It’s only been over a week since the premier of Shōgun and the series is already well on its way to attaining cult status. This sweeping samurai tale which is set in 1600s Japan, is based on a novel of the same name by James Clavell and stars veteran Japanese actor and producer Hiroyuki Sanada in the central role.
While Shōgun is already being referred to as a Japanese ‘Game Of Thrones’ and is receiving high praise from fans and critics alike, the series has also created a record for FX by being the most watched premier, beating out The Bear season 2. Fans who have been floored by the show believe that this is a well-deserved recognition.
Shōgun Achieves A New Feat On FX
Shōgun starring veteran Japanese star Hiroyuki Sanada in the lead role, is currently the most talked-about series around the world. The historical samurai epic which Sanada has also produced, is being praised by audiences and critics for its brilliant screenplay, magnificent visuals, and impressive performances.
Touted to be one of the biggest releases on FX, the Japanese series has expectedly lived up to its hype judging by the superlative reactions all around. The impact and influence of the show is even more tangible through its record-breaking opening viewership.
With a staggering 9 million viewers tuning in for the premier, Shōgun has created a new record on FX by surpassing Jeremy Allen White’s The Bear season 2 which has had a cult fan following since its first season. But fans couldn’t be happier to see that it is getting the recognition it deserves.
Can't doubt that observation, 2 episodes in🔥
— Slim😏 (@Kipsat23) March 7, 2024
It's at the top of my 'Watch List' hoping to binge through it on the weekend, looks amazing and the reviews are up there too.
— 8BitMo (@8BitMoX) March 7, 2024
SHOGUN WAS TOP TIER TV SHOW 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Hasan P. Shelby (@KangAnfield8) March 7, 2024
It’s phenomenal
— rich af (@gonzonarwhal) March 7, 2024
FX been on a heater recently 🔥
— Thomas 🩻 (@ThommyTerrific) March 7, 2024
Shows crazy good and you have to read most of it . How is that possible? lol
— FLOWERS🌺 (@Flo_Hauz) March 7, 2024
Showrunners Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo revealed that their main intent behind the show was to present Asian culture and characters without the burden being stereotyped by the west. Shōgun seems to be the fitting answer to their vision.
Hiroyuki Sanada On Shōgun’s Journey From Script To Screen
Hiroyuki Sanada has been doing the Hollywood circuit for a while now and has started in high profile projects like The Last Samurai, Lost, John Wick: Chapter 4, and Avengers: Endgame. Yet in all these projects, his character has rarely been fleshed out beyond the obvious Asian generic markers that defined the roles.
When FX approached Sanada with the script and asked him to be play the central lead, the Japanese veteran was initially sceptical. Looking at the stereotypical representations of Asian actors in Hollywood blockbusters, the John Wick star had certain key conditions for the series to work.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sanada recalled his initial conversations with the producers and their golden words that led to him finally accepting the offer and hop on board.
“How can you guys create this show in Hollywood? Can you guys hire Japanese actors for Japanese roles? Can we hire Japanese crew, and specialists for each department?” Something like that. They responded in a very positive way. So I said, “Yes, I’ll take this role.”
The series and Sanada had to surmount a few more challenges before Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo stepped in as showrunners and brought him on as a producer on the show. With the series finally getting the green signal, The Last Samurai star was confident that this would be a special project.
Shōgun is currently streaming on FX.
