EXCLUSIVE:Hiroyuki Sanada, star and producer ofFXs limited seriesShogun, has closed a deal to return as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, sources tell Deadline.
Securing Sanada, whose characters journey to become shogun and lead Japan to an era of peace was chronicled in the 10-episode adaptation of James Clavells novel, has been considered crucial to any plan to extendShogunbeyond its original installment.
Other elements are still being worked out and deals are being finalized as part of an effort by FX to takeShogunto a second season in light of the big commercial and critical success of the limited series.
Hiroyuki Sanada in ‘Shōgun’FX
The outcome of the effort would determine whetherShogunwould be considered a limited or drama series going forward, which could have major ramifications on the 2024 Emmy race, with the timing of the decision tied to the deadline for Emmy submissions.
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In part because of the strikes, which delayed new seasons of ongoing series and drove networks and platforms to lean heavily on limited series, the drama series field is lighter than usual this year while the limited/anthology race, in whichShogunis a lead contender, is one of the most competitive ever assembled in any Emmy genre.
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While there are precedents, includingTrue Detectives first season competing as a drama series instead of limited/anthology something that was rectified for its subsequent installments the vast majority of limited series are submitted as such.
If they subsequently get additional seasons, the shows move to drama series starting in Season 2, which was the case withDownton Abbey, Big Little LiesandThe White Lotus.
Shogunis looking to move into the drama series category from the start if a determination about a potential second installment is made in time to adjust Emmy submissions.
Not all the pieces are in place for that, sources said, but the significant deal with Sanada is a great start.
As the titular character, Sanada was at the heart of the story in the original installment, which Toranaga, a brilliant strategist and a master of the long game, spent largely in opposition, plotting how to overthrow the oppressive fellow Regents in feudal Japan and unite the country.
Six years in the making across multiple continents,Shogun, written by Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, is FXs most expensive series to date.
Ahead of the series premiere, FX Chairman John Landgraf said that he was hoping it would do well so he and his team could take more shots with big-scope, big-budget series like that.
Veteran actor-producer Sanada, whose prolific career spans decades, was recently seen inJohn Wick: Chapter 4, Bullet Trainand Zack SnydersArmy of the Deadand next reprises hisMortal Kombatrole in the upcoming sequel.
He is repped by Gersh, Axon Entertainment, Lighthouse Entertainment, MPR and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton.
