In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor Hiroyuki Sanada revealed some exciting news about the hit series “Shōgun.” Sanada, known for his roles in films such as “The Last Samurai” and “John Wick Chapter 4,” now stars as Lord Toranaga in the popular show. Host Stephen Colbert welcomed Sanada to the show, expressing his admiration for both the actor and the series.
Shōgun has garnered significant attention and acclaim, receiving an impressive 25 Emmy nominations. Sanada himself has been nominated for lead actor in the drama category. When asked about his reaction to the nomination, Sanada revealed that he found out through a video stream and was initially surprised. However, once friends, colleagues, and producers reached out to congratulate him, he realized it was indeed true. To celebrate the nomination, Sanada opened a small bottle of champagne.
The success of the show is evident in its viewership numbers. The premiere episode alone garnered a staggering 9 million views. Given that 70% of the dialogue in the show is in Japanese, with English subtitles, it was unsure how audiences would respond. However, the bilingual aspect of the show seemed to be a positive element, with viewers embracing it wholeheartedly.
Sanada’s character, Lord Toranaga, is based on a real historical figure, Tokugawa Yasu. Tokugawa Yasu was the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, a pivotal period in Japanese history. Growing up in Japan, Sanada was fascinated by Tokugawa Yasu and considered him his hero. The actor believes that Tokugawa Yasu’s role in establishing a peaceful era in Japan, along with his strategic abilities, make him a character worth playing.
In addition to the human cast, Shōgun also features a co-star of the avian variety. Named Shogun, a falcon with impressive claws plays a crucial role in the show. Sanada expressed his amazement at seeing Shogun during training, noting that the bird was born specifically for the show.
This is not Sanada’s first encounter with a bird on set. He recalled an incident from a previous role as a samurai, where a falcon tried to attack his head during a torture scene. Luckily, Sanada was wearing a wig with a metal structure that protected him from harm, and he had to act as if everything was normal, despite the unexpected turn of events.
Shōgun’s popularity has led many fans to hope for more seasons. The series is based on James Clavell’s book, and although the first season covers the entirety of the novel, audiences are eager for more. Sanada confirmed that discussions regarding a second season are underway. Since the novel’s content has been exhausted, the writers will now use real historical events as inspiration for future episodes. Sanada expressed excitement at the prospect of exploring more of Japanese history and potentially continuing the story beyond the establishment of the Shogunate.
As the interview concluded, Colbert invited Sanada to return to The Late Show if a second season is confirmed. Sanada graciously thanked him and shared that preparations for the new season, such as writing rooms and location scouting, have already begun.
Fans can currently enjoy the first season of Shōgun streaming on Hulu. With the show’s success and the intriguing possibilities for future seasons, it’s undoubtedly an exciting time for both the cast and the audience.
[Content Source: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]
