Shōgun Season 2: Filming Begins in 2026, Time Jump Confirmed, and Blackthorne’s Return

FX and Hulu’s Shōgun was one of the most talked-about series of early 2024. Now, fans are looking ahead to Season 2, which has officially been confirmed. New details reveal that filming is scheduled to begin in January 2026, and the story will feature a short time jump, continuing the epic saga of John Blackthorne and Lord Toranaga.

Let’s break down what’s coming in Shōgun Season 2, who’s returning, and what to expect from the storyline.

Filming Timeline: Shōgun Season 2 Starts Shooting in 2026

According to TheWrap, FX has announced that filming for Shōgun Season 2 will begin in January 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. This aligns with their production strategy to maintain the same cinematic quality seen in Season 1.

The delay between the season renewal and filming start is intentional. The showrunners are moving beyond the original James Clavell novel and developing a fully original storyline for the second season. This creative shift requires more time for writing, casting, and world-building.

“Shōgun Season 2 needs time to develop the story beyond the book. We want to honor the spirit of Clavell’s work while expanding it meaningfully.” — FX insider via Collider

A Small Time Jump Between Seasons

While some rumors mentioned a longer time jump, the confirmed update is that Season 2 will include a short time jump, possibly several months to a year.

This small gap allows the series to show:

• The aftermath of Toranaga’s political moves
• Blackthorne’s adjustment to life in Japan after the events of Season 1
• The growing tensions between rival clans and foreign influences

According to GamesRadar, this shift gives writers room to explore new storylines while staying grounded in historical context.

Returning Cast Members

Based on current confirmations from FX, several major characters will return in Season 2.

Cosmo Jarvis returns as John Blackthorne, the English sailor-turned-samurai. His journey continues as he adapts to life in Japan and deals with the aftermath of Season 1.

Hiroyuki Sanada returns as Lord Toranaga, whose political maneuvers remain central to the story.

Tadanobu Asano (Yabushige) is also expected to return, though not officially confirmed yet.

Tokuma Nishioka (Father Dell’Aqua) is likely to return as well.

Anna Sawai (Lady Mariko) is unconfirmed. Since her character’s arc ended dramatically, she might only appear in flashbacks.

What Season 2 Might Explore

Since the first season closely followed James Clavell’s novel, Season 2 will feature original content created by the FX writing team.

Here are some themes we may see:

• Political turmoil: Toranaga faces growing opposition from rival lords
• Blackthorne’s inner struggle: loyalty to Toranaga versus longing for his homeland
• Foreign threats: introduction of new Portuguese and Dutch characters
• Cultural conflict: Blackthorne caught between two civilizations

These developments will continue to build the complex cultural and political landscape that made Season 1 so compelling.

Why FX Took Their Time

After the widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations for Season 1, FX made a deliberate choice to not rush into Season 2. According to ScreenRant, new writers, historical consultants, and cultural advisors have been brought on to help shape the new season with accuracy and care.

This attention to detail mirrors what made the first season a success—deep characters, authentic visuals, and high-stakes drama rooted in history.

Global Reach and Nigerian Audience Response

Shōgun wasn’t just a hit in the U.S. It trended worldwide, including in Nigeria, where local bloggers, film enthusiasts, and history buffs praised the show’s quality, cinematography, and deep cultural themes.

Several Nigerian content creators on YouTube and Twitter discussed how Shōgun raised the bar for period dramas and even inspired comparisons with African historical narratives that could be told through the same lens.

Streaming Details

• Season 1: Available on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (international).
• Season 2: Expected to stream on the same platforms.
• Nigeria: Disney+ Star or Showmax may carry it, depending on licensing.

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