Will Anna Sawai Return for ‘Shōgun’ Season 2 Following Her Golden Globe Win?

FX’s grand historical drama, Shōgun, captured significant attention at the Golden Globe Awards, earning nominations in four categories and achieving a remarkable sweep. Among the standout performances, first-time awardee Anna Sawai notably impressed viewers with her portrayal of Lady Mariko, leading many fans to ponder whether she might reprise her role in a potential second season.

Disclaimer: Spoilers for all episodes of Shōgun Season 1 follow.

Debuting on Disney+ and Hulu in February, Shōgun quickly garnered accolades for its cinematic qualities reminiscent of acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa while also evoking vibes akin to Game of Thrones. This large-scale, expensive production (FX’s most costly to date) represented a fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling, bringing notable Japanese talent to the forefront.

Veteran actors Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano have long been mainstays in Japan’s entertainment scene, and their achievements were celebrated at the Golden Globes, each winning for their performances in Shōgun. Sanada, recognized for his role as the astute Lord Toranaga, earned Best Actor in a Television Series Drama, which was a well-deserved accolade following a nearly 60-year acting career. However, it was Sawai’s compelling embodiment of Lady Mariko that truly captured audience hearts, prompting a standing ovation at home as she accepted her award.

Lady Mariko serves as the interpreter for Lord Toranaga and carries a tumultuous past, marked by her marriage to Toda Hirokatsu, her father’s tragic death, and her conversion to Christianity. The series showcases her complex romantic involvement with John “Anjin”Blackthorne, yet their love faces turmoil, culminating in Mariko’s heartbreaking self-sacrifice to restore her family’s honor. This raises the question: could she feasibly return for Season 2 of Shōgun?

Anna Sawai’s optimistic outlook for a possible return in Season 2: “There’s no way I’m gonna say no”

Mariko’s poignant demise was not only a pivotal moment in Shōgun but also earned Sawai the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Given her standout performance, it was only natural that she would be questioned about a return for the greenlit second season, announced by Disney/Hulu/FX in May. Addressing these inquiries, Sawai responded to Screen Rant:

“If they asked me, I would absolutely do it. There’s no way I’m gonna say no. But, I don’t know if it serves the story, and I want it to be really good and not to bring the character back just to have [her] back.”

Sawai’s thoughtful response emphasizes her commitment to the integrity of the narrative. While the prospect of redefining Shōgun with not one, but two more seasons presents its challenges, part of the concern regarding a potential return of Mariko lies in the risk of diminishing the weight of her sacrifice. This common trope in franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe could lead to a sense of cheapening her character’s journey.

Nevertheless, an artfully crafted flashback could enhance the emotional depth of Season 2, perhaps exploring the nuances of Mariko and John’s relationship, which would add context to the ongoing actions of both John and Lord Toranaga.

Ultimately, Mariko significantly influenced Clan Toranaga, halting conflicts with her actions. While doubts linger regarding a surprise revival in the forthcoming season, there remains the potential for Sawai to feature in a manner that reflects her character’s lasting impact. Given the emotional gravity of her storyline, her death will likely resonate throughout, opening possibilities for future appearances. For now, fans can only hope that Shōgun continues to captivate and deliver exceptional storytelling beyond its first season.

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