This is the first time in 20 years that the John Wick star Hiroyuki Sanada is going to be a lead in Hollywood, and that too in a project he calls his dream. The actor is also a producer on the show. The show, called Shogun, which will soon be streaming on Hulu, might just be the best thing to debut this season. Based on a novel set in the 1600s, this Game of Thrones-esque, Western take on the Japanese tale packs a powerful punch for sure.
What Can Fans Expect From Hiroyuki Sanada’s Shōgun?
Announced in 2018, the current Shōgun underwent five years of preparation to captivate a new fan base. Many moons ago, on NBC in 1980, the five-night epic miniseries tackled this same James Clavell’s Shōgun, earning acclaim as one of the greatest TV miniseries ever made.
The recent reimagination of the tale, featuring Hiroyuki Sanada as the leading man, is set to debut on the 27th of February 2024, leaving fans eagerly anticipating this new experience and on the edge of their seats to find out what it will bring.
One review on X that revealed what fans could expect from the series was,
The only adequate way to describe #Shogun is a complete, enthralling masterpiece. It’s samurai-coded Game of Thrones; there’s palace intrigue, consequential violence, unbelievable performances, and a story that demands your attention and rewards you with pure astonishment. 10/10. pic.twitter.com/Hwrafj9nP7
— Adam (@adamblevins_) January 17, 2024
The collaboration between the Japanese film industry and the USA is one of the most interesting aspects of this series. Regarding the production of the show, Sanada revealed to Variety,
“It went well. It was so dramatic and meaningful. Everyone understood that we were taking on a big, big challenge. But it was worth working hard to create the future. It was a great feeling: East meets West without any walls between us.”
The primary hurdle lay in striking a delicate but much-needed balance that pays homage to its Japanese heritage while also catering to a global audience, particularly the discerning eyes of Western media.
How Shōgun Changed Things for Hiroyuki Sanada in the Industry?
Hiroyuki Sanada, talking about his first experience with a huge production and being a crucial part of something significant, explained how being in this series brought about notable changes in his journey. He revealed in the Variety interview,
“On “Shogun,” I had a team. Before that, I was always just one person struggling with this responsibility on my shoulders. That said, I really enjoyed it. Making better movies is my dream. Now finally, after 20 years [in the U.S.], I’ve got the title and the team. It is a big step for me. First time as a producer, first time as a leading man in a Hollywood show. I feel reborn. And I hope that there will be more occasions when I can be actor or producer, or both.”
These experiences have truly opened many doors for him to explore in the future, leaving him excited to take on new challenges. Fans on social media platforms are also hyped to witness the project.
“Shōgun” had me at Hiroyuki Sanada. I see him and I already know I’m gonna dig it.
— The Gabaghoul 🧃🎩🧛♂️ (@Black_Beard) January 16, 2024
Fargo season 5
The Curse
The Bear
And now we got a Shogun with Hiroyuki Sanada???We are in the prime of golden era serious drama and art with television. https://t.co/9VOCto4haw
— black metal buc-ee (@wcarterlewis) January 16, 2024
Love Hiroyuki Sanada and will watch anything he shows up in. Excited for Shōgun.
— Gav (@GavinUK86) January 7, 2024
New series on FX/HULU
I literally watch ANYTHING with Hiroyuki Sanada in it! pic.twitter.com/zx4HLCVeVA
— SyL ☕#IYKYK (@sylabdul) December 25, 2023
I remember the TV miniseries vaguely. I am looking forward to this. Hiroyuki Sanada never disappoints. #shogun #fx #Hulu pic.twitter.com/dc0bXUuPNw
— Spice melange is ketamine (@PETEandrepete_) December 31, 2023
The show consists of all the elements that make for a perfect, action-packed drama, and judging by the looks of it, the excitement level of the John Wick star matches that of the fans. The anticipation is seemingly palpable as both the actor and the audience eagerly await the moment when the project becomes a part of the universe, ready to captivate hearts far and wide.
Shōgun is set to release on the 27th of February on Hulu.
