The recently concluded limited series ‘Shogun’ has garnered widespread critical acclaim, leaving viewers yearning for more. However, the showrunner, Justin Marks, has expressed uncertainty about the prospects of a second season. In a recent interview, Marks acknowledged the exceptional quality of the original novel by James Clavell, which the series is based on, and the challenge of surpassing or even matching its definitive ending.
Marks emphasized the importance of presenting a cohesive narrative that respects the source material and the expectations of both the book and TV audiences. He stated, ‘I don’t know if it’s possible to continue past what Clavell wrote. It’s about not even topping the book, but how do you even equal the roadmap that Clavell laid out? I don’t know if it’s possible.’
Despite these reservations, Marks did express interest in exploring other novels by Clavell, particularly ‘Tai-Pan.’ However, he recognized the logistical difficulties of adapting Clavell’s expansive ‘Asian Saga’ into an anthology series, given its diverse settings and historical timeframes.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to produce a second season of ‘Shogun’ rests on finding a compelling story that can both honor the original work and stand on its own merits. Marks and his team remain open to the possibility, but they are determined to avoid creating unnecessary content without a clear vision.
