‘Shogun’ season 2 confirms cast lineup with returning favorites and exciting new faces as production start date is revealed

The smash-hit series Shogun is officially gearing up for its highly anticipated second season, with cameras set to roll in Vancouver this January. The new chapter will see the return of lead stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis, alongside an impressive lineup of new cast members who will shape the story’s next phase.

Fresh talent joins the world of Shōgun

Season 2 welcomes several acclaimed actors to the ensemble. Asami Mizukawa joins as Aya, Masataka Kubota as Hyuga, Sho Kaneta as Hidenobu, Takaaki Enoki as Lord Ito, and Jun Kunimura as Goda. These additions hint at richer storylines and a deeper exploration of the political intrigue that defines the series.

Fan-favorite actors return for the new season

Key cast members from Season 1 will reprise their roles, ensuring continuity as the series advances a full decade.

Returning stars include Fumi Nikaido (Ochiba), Shinnosuke Abe (Buntaro), Hiroto Kanai (Omi), Yoriko Doguchi (Kiri), Tommy Bastow (Alvito), Yuko Miyamoto (Gin), Eita Okuno (Saeki), and Yuka Kouri (Kiku). With so many familiar faces returning, the emotional threads from Season 1 will continue to resonate in the new season.

New writing and directing teams announced

As revealed during the Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific Disney+ Originals Preview in Hong Kong, the studio confirmed the creative lineup for Season 2.

The writers’ room includes Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks, Shannon Goss, Matt Lambert, Maegan Houang, Emily Yoshida, Caillin Puente, and Sofie Somoroff.Returning directors Hiromi Kamata and Takeshi Fukunaga will be joined by Anthony Byrne (Say Nothing), Kate Herron (Loki), and writer-producer Justin Marks, who will also direct select episodes.

A quick recap of the first season

Season 1—adapted from James Clavell’s landmark novel—followed Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Sanada) as he navigated dangerous political rivalries within the Council of Regents.

His fate shifted when an English vessel ran aground near a small village, bringing pilot John Blackthorne (Jarvis) into his world. The knowledge Blackthorne shared helped Toranaga gain the upper hand in a civil war that reshaped Japan’s political landscape.The upcoming season leaps ten years into the future, continuing the intertwined journeys of Toranaga and Blackthorne. This time jump promises new conflicts, evolved relationships, and a refreshed political atmosphere inspired by real historical events.