Great news for fans of Shōgun! Season 2 is officially moving forward, and exciting updates have been revealed. Not only is filming set to begin soon, but a major character from season 1 is also confirmed to return. Let’s break down everything we know so far about Shōgun season 2.
Cosmo Jarvis Is Back as Anjin (John Blackthorne)
Cosmo Jarvis, who plays the English sailor John Blackthorne—also known as Anjin—is officially returning for Shōgun season 2. This time, he’s not just acting. Jarvis will also serve as a co-executive producer, showing how deeply involved he is in the show’s future.
Blackthorne’s return is a big deal. His journey from outsider to warrior was the heart of season 1. Seeing how his character evolves after a 10-year time jump adds a new layer of mystery and excitement.
Season 2 Takes Place 10 Years Later
FX has confirmed that Shōgun season 2 will jump 10 years ahead in the timeline. The story picks up a decade after the dramatic events of season 1, with Blackthorne and Lord Toranaga’s fates still deeply connected.
This means we’ll likely see an older, more seasoned Anjin—and possibly a more powerful Toranaga. The network says the new season is a “wholly original chapter,” so the writers are moving beyond James Clavell’s book to tell a fresh story.
Filming Begins in January 2026
The cameras will start rolling in January 2026. The new season will be filmed in Vancouver, Canada. The writers’ room has already finished planning the script, so everything is set for production to begin.
If everything stays on schedule, fans can expect season 2 to hit screens sometime in 2027. While the wait is long, it’s clear the creators are taking time to craft something special.
Who’s Returning for Shōgun Season 2?
So far, only two actors from season 1 are confirmed to return:
- Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne (Anjin)
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga
Sanada will also step into a bigger role behind the scenes as an executive producer, after also producing season 1.
It’s unclear if any other familiar faces will come back. Many fan-favorite characters, like Mariko (played by Anna Sawai), likely won’t return due to their fate in the first season. However, the emotional impact of those characters may still shape the new story.
What Will Season 2 Be About?
Season 1 followed Clavell’s original novel closely. But season 2 will break new ground with a completely original story. With the 10-year jump, the writers have room to introduce:
- New political enemies
- Fresh cultural challenges
- New personal struggles for Anjin and Toranaga
The power struggle that shaped season 1 isn’t over. Now that Toranaga is set to rise as Shōgun, season 2 may explore what happens when he rules—or when new threats try to take that power away.
Could There Be a Season 3?
Season 2 isn’t the end. FX has already confirmed that season 3 is in early development, thanks to the huge success of the show. Shōgun became the most-watched series in FX history, which means more stories are likely on the way if the quality stays high.
Why Blackthorne’s Return Matters
Anjin and Toranaga’s friendship and conflict were the soul of season 1. Blackthorne’s outsider perspective, combined with his growing respect for Japanese culture, created many powerful moments. His return suggests that the emotional heart of the show is intact.
Even without Mariko, her influence on Anjin could still shape his choices. The pain, the growth, and the lessons he learned—those don’t go away, even after 10 years.
Final Thoughts
Shōgun season 2 is shaping up to be bold, emotional, and full of surprises. With a confirmed 10-year time jump, new conflicts, and returning heroes, fans have plenty to look forward to.
Stay tuned as filming begins in 2026 and more cast members and story details are revealed. Until then, we can only imagine what’s next for Anjin, Toranaga, and the legacy of Shōgun.
