‘Shogun’ Star Hiroyuki Sanada Teases Season 2 Drama and the ‘Mortal Kombat’ Sequel

Hiroyuki Sanada, a celebrated actor and producer, has captivated global audiences with his commanding presence in historical dramas and action franchises. As anticipation builds for the second season of FX’s critically acclaimed series ‘Shogun’ and the upcoming ‘Mortal Kombat 2’, Sanada offers intriguing insights into both projects. He hints at a deeper exploration of “family drama” in the return of ‘Shogun’ and speaks of the ‘Mortal Kombat’ sequel as “another appeal to the world from Asia,” underscoring his commitment to authentic Asian storytelling on a global stage.

‘Shogun’ Season 2: Unveiling a Decade of ‘Family Drama’

Fans eagerly awaiting the return of Lord Yoshii Toranaga will find themselves immersed in a narrative that jumps forward a decade from the conclusion of the first season. Hiroyuki Sanada, who not only stars as Toranaga but also serves as a producer on ‘Shogun’, revealed that while his character may be “getting older,” the pursuit of peace in Japan remains an ongoing struggle. He teases that Season 2 will feature “a lot of action and strategy,” but crucially, promises “more family drama coming in than Season 1.”

The first season meticulously depicted the intricate power struggles among feudal lords in early 17th-century Japan, with Toranaga at the center of political maneuvering and warfare, alongside the entangled English sailor. Sanada’s portrayal and the show’s overall commitment to historical and cultural authenticity were key factors in its widespread success, including an impressive 18 Emmy wins for its debut season.

Authenticity as a Pillar of Success and Global Bridge-Building

Sanada attributes the show’s remarkable reception to its dedication to authenticity. He explains, “We try to make [it] authentic because the story itself is fictional entertainment, because we have a model from the history, but [it’s] very original entertainment. That’s why we have to make a show authentic about our culture and history. And I believe it worked.” This commitment resonated deeply with both audiences and critics, affirming the production team’s approach for the upcoming season.

Beyond its immediate success, Hiroyuki Sanada views ‘Shogun’ as a significant cultural bridge. He believes the series has “opened the door between East and West much wider” and has “created the bridge between East and West.” This outcome fulfills his hope that the show would make it easier for future generations of creators and actors to collaborate across continents, fostering a greater exchange of talent and storytelling.

The series’ global appeal is particularly noteworthy, given that approximately 70% of its dialogue is in Japanese and relies on subtitles. Sanada points to several factors, including the enduring multigenerational fanbase of James Clavell’s original novel and a shift in audience viewing habits accelerated by the pandemic. He suggests that increased exposure to diverse cultures and subtitled content during lockdowns prepared viewers for shows like ‘Shogun’, indicating that “the time has changed. Audiences changed a lot these [past] few years. So all the timing matched.”

For modern audiences, authenticity remains paramount. Sanada observes that in an era where information is readily accessible, any perceived inaccuracies or “cheating” quickly deter viewers. He states, “We tried to make this show authentic, so maybe they felt, ‘Oh, this is one to watch.’ They felt even from the trailer. They felt authenticity. So that was the biggest weapon for us.”

Filming Logistics and Production Advantages

Despite Japan now offering generous filming incentives, ‘Shogun’ Season 2 will continue production in Vancouver, where the first season was also shot. Sanada highlights the practical advantages Vancouver offers: “Vancouver has a nice location, and without any modern buildings or wires, no need to put CGI.” He notes that finding wide, unspoiled locations free of modern infrastructure is challenging in Japan. While specific authentic Japanese castles, temples, or buildings might be utilized for certain shots, the bulk of the filming can be efficiently managed in Vancouver.

‘Mortal Kombat 2’: “Another Appeal to the World From Asia”

Looking beyond ‘Shogun’, Hiroyuki Sanada also expressed his enthusiasm for ‘Mortal Kombat 2’, where he reprises his role as Scorpion/Hanzo Hasashi. He praised the sequel’s diverse cast, which features numerous Asian actors, including his ‘Shogun’ co-star Tadanobu Asano, who played Yabushige. Sanada remarked, “I really enjoyed the shooting. And then the whole cast is like APAC casting, so a lot of Asian actors in it. I’m happy for all the Asian actors doing well in the movie. So another appeal to the world from Asia.” This reinforces his broader vision of elevating Asian talent and stories on the international entertainment landscape.

Conclusion

Hiroyuki Sanada’s insights into ‘Shogun’ Season 2 and ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ paint a picture of an artist deeply invested in the quality and cultural impact of his work. His emphasis on “family drama” in ‘Shogun’ promises a richer, more emotionally complex narrative, while his view of ‘Mortal Kombat 2’ as “another appeal to the world from Asia” highlights a significant movement toward global representation. Sanada’s ongoing commitment to authenticity and his role in fostering a bridge between Eastern and Western entertainment underscore his influential position in the industry, continuing to bring compelling narratives and diverse talent to a worldwide audience.