Shōgun FX Series Official Trailer // Reaction & Review 

It’s about damn time Hiroyuki Sanada got a hit tv show of his own in the states! The man is one of my favorite people in the world because not only is a true top tier actor but he’s also one of the best swordsman in the world. It’s like he was born for this.

The original 1980 miniseries is probably one of my favorite things ever on television. A couple of years ago I rewatched the whole series, and then I read the book it was based on, which is probably one of my favorite novels of all time. It's a long book with a lot of detail so I don't remember all of it. I'm assuming that this adaptation is following the book rather than the original adaptation. Anyhow, I'm really excited!

I’ve heard about this series a few years ago. This was under the radar for me. When I saw this trailer, I immediately got hooked. I’m now very excited to watch this especially with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai starring in it. I’m happy for Anna. She now has two big upcoming shows with Shōgun and Monarch.

I have always affectionally called Hiroyuki Sanada the "Next to Last Samurai".

So excited for this, I loved the book when I was in high school, it was my first introduction to Japanese culture. I loved the series but it was really only focused on Blackthorn’s pov, which allowed for a cool storytelling technique where none of the Japanese dialogue was subtitled so the viewer was just as out of the loop as Blackthorn. but apparently they’ll be incorporating Mariko and Toranaga plots that the didn’t do in order to keep the focus on Blackthorn, so we’re getting some subtitles this time around.

I have completely erased the original show from memory as it has been literally decades since I last watched it. It's only when people commenting that this is a remake that I remembered it. If I wasn't mistaken this was shown back to back with Tales of the Gold Monkey by one of our local channels. It's a mini-series but I think it was aired several times for maybe a year to fill that TV time slot lol Other than that, I barely remember the show.

Definitely one the most favourite projects I've ever worked on and very excited to see this epic series come to life!

I’m 45 and I remember the old one from back in the 80s. And that one was sidetracked with the focus on the romance between Blackthorne & Mariko. I hope this one doesn’t do the same and focuses more on the book as pertains to the war and other countries

This seems like a great update to an already well-loved series. Not sure if its book based or if they tried a new direction, but it does seem different plot wise at least from the trailer. Looking forward to watching it!

It looks like it follows the original book (a must read). From the trailer it looks really good

I loved the 80´s James Clavells Shogun back when I was a kid so I'll definitely be watching this.

I watched the 1980 miniseries 'Shogun' at the time. Although 'Shogun' is a work of fiction, it explores the major war that actually took place in Japan in 1600, known as The Battle of Sekigahara. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who emerged victorious in this war (referred to as 'Toranaga' in 'Shogun'), became the shogun (officially known as 'seii-taishogun',or the de facto ruler of Japan), and for almost 270 years thereafter, his descendants became the Shogun. While 'Shogun' is a work of fiction, the main characters are based on real historical figures (though their names have been changed), and their characterizations and roles generally follow historical facts. The protagonist of 'Shogun' is William Adams (refererd to as 'Blackthorne' in 'Shogun'), an Englishman who actually washed ashore in Japan on a Dutch ship in 1600, becoming the first Englishman to set foot in Japan. In reality, he played no role in The Battle of Sekigahara, but later served in diplomatic capacities as an advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who granted him territory (present-day Miura Peninsula), turning him into a samurai. 　 Also, Toda Mariko, one of the key characters in "Shogun," is modeled after Hosokawa Gracia, the wife of Hosokawa Tadaoki (referred to as 'Lord Toda Buntaro'). Her father, Akechi Mitsuhide, was a prominent retainer of Oda Nobunaga, who was the dominant figure in Japan at the time. In 1582, Mitsuhide betrayed Oda Nobunaga and assassinated him in the Honnoji Incident. However, just 13 days later, Mitsuhide himself was defeated and killed at the Battle of Yamazaki by another influential retainer of Oda Nobunaga, Hashiba Hideyoshi (referred to as 'Nakamura' in 'Shogun'), who later unified Japan. Even after the Honnoji Incident, Hosokawa Tadaoki did not divorce Hosokawa Gracia. However, as the daughter of a traitor, she endured a difficult life thereafter. She later converted to Catholicism. "When Hideyoshi died in 1598, Japan split into the Tokugawa camp and the anti-Tokugawa camp, leading to conflict. 'Shogun' is set against this historical backdrop." 　　 In the year 1600, about 2 months before the Battle of Sekigahara, her residence was besieged by forces opposing Tokugawa Ieyasu. Refusing to surrender, she died. In 'Shogun' Toda Mariko is depicted as being killed by the anti-Toranaga forces. While 'Shogun' depicts the cruelty of Japanese samurai, it's worth noting that the author, James Clavell, was a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II, experiencing captivity until the end of the war. I feel that some of his experiences are reflected in 'Shogun.' The trailer gives an impression reminiscent of 'Game of Thrones,' and it seems to be quite different from the previous works of the 1980s. I am looking forward to watching it.

The book is so good. I can't remember much of the series, but I remember enjoying it. This looks fantastic, with a great cast. Hiroyuki Sanada is great in everything I've seen him do.

Wendy, the first way you said Shogun was correct (Show-goon). All of the "vowels" in Japanese always sound the same (no variations like in English), so "U" will always have an "oo" sound. Ru, Gu, Du, Mu, Su, etc. is like Roo, Goo, Doo, Moo, Soo Nice Blackpink shirt btw! And can't wait for this series! I remember the 80's show vividly, but too young to understand what was going on or appreciate it.

Long time, no see! This series may be just as grander in scale as the original miniseries! I really need to read the book!

I still can't get over that line, "My life is mine, and yours is yours." Dude...

The original Series is available still in both Blue Ray and Streaming.... I would think you have your research cut out for you. The original also had a great cast with Richard Chamberlain, John Rhys Daves (Gimili the Dwarf) and the Legendary Toshiro Mifune and Yoko Shimada. That Hiroyuki Sanada is now filling in the shoes of Toshiro Mifune is a testament to his acting abilities which is always AAA+ Love the reaction as always.... PS - I am reading the book now, and will watch the original before this just to get ready.

The Book and TV Show was Game of Thrones before Game of Thrones.

This show looks pretty epic! Wow! Plus love your shirts, it looks like the bear is scared of Darth Vader staring at her! 😅

I loved the original series. Loved the book. Looking forward to this

I don't know if it was the same all over the world, but in my country the old Shogun series was shown without subtitles in all Japanese dialogues. The tv Channel explained it was to "enhance the experience", making us feel like John Blackthorne. The show was a big hit here. But then, at that time, my country had the biggest number of Japanese people outside Japan (dunno if It still has nowadays). The trailer looks amazing. I'm definitely interested in this remake!

During the opening monologue, I was shouting at my tv, “ITS A BOOK!” This made my dog come over to check if I was okay. It’s by James Cromwell (iirc), I didn’t finish it, due personal reasons, but I do remember being engrossed when I did read it. Definitely worth a read! Correction, Clavell not Cromwell. Oops, my bad.

The first 2 episodes DEF lived up to the hype!! I HIGHLY recommend it!!!

As someone who’s read the book(Shōgun), I’m fascinated by your reaction. As a fan of the 80’s mini series, only 10% of the book made it to the screen because there’s lots of exposition in the characters head and not much is spoken out loud. Also, There isn’t much fighting in the book and in the 80’s mini series (as it was pretty faithful and yet glossed over the book) Lots of talking like “Game of Thrones” and the big battle that’s coming (in the book), isn’t actually described in the book. Won’t spoil it but Sanada looks like a good choice for the Toranaga but he’s not the main character and doesn’t actually wield or draw his sword…other people do but not him and those moments are few and far between. I hope the reason they remake this is to go beyond what was done in the past…perhaps it will be a 3-4 yr series. That would do this books justice. Please make a follow up after the new new FX series ends…will be curious what you think

This show is making me play Shogun 2: Total War again!!

I got to play one of the background samurai in this.

Excuse me while I check if I have the FX channel.

the original series had Richard Chamberlain and Jonathan Rhys Davis in it

It looks beautiful but I don't expect it will be a faithful adaptation of the book.

IIRC, the miniseries on ABC, back in the 80s didn't quite follow the book, even though it was a tv sensation (again, back when it was ONLY 4 tv stations). This new show looks to be a little like it'll look more to the source material?

Great Segment. Why not watch the original 6 Part Series of Shogan 1980 depicted from the Novel into your segment, before watching Shogan 2024.

I'm so happy for this, I read the book last year and it is epic. I remember being a kid when the first tv show of it was made, but I was far too young in the 80's. I'm hoping it will be good. The story is amazing. As long as Americans don't try and shove 'modern politics' into it which has ruined every major movie for the past 10 years it should be ok

You guys should watch Blue Eye Samurai! Highly recommend it and would love to see you guys review or react to it!

Looks so beautiful. I wish I could see it in the theater. Lord knows, Hollywood is producing nothing worth seeing, in many years now.

What movie is he talking about cuz I'm only aware of the novel and the 80s tv miniseries. As far as I know any movie called shogun has nothing to do with the novel or miniseries

don't you know? Sengoku era

mmmm... is there anyone reacting to the trailer that have seen the original TV series or read the book?

The novel recasted historical figures with fictional ones. Blackburn was inspired by William Adams, an englishman who became a samurai, Miura Anjin, advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu is replaced by the character Tobunaga. In the trailer, you can see the Tokugawa family crest flying over his army. It is a pivotal moment in Japanese history, 1600, the end of the warring period (Sengoku Jidai) and the beginning of the Edo period (Tokugawa Shogunate, 1603-1868).

I'm surprised that you are not watching "Invinsiible" Or am I missing something?

I've been waiting for this redu of Shogun for almost two years 😮 I thought maybe covid ruined the project. This is a more ethnically correct adaptation of James Clavell's novel 'Shogun' that was done as a miniseries back when I was a kid. It's one of my favorite books next to 'The Stand' by Stephen King (which I wish could have been done better). This show is going to be epic! 😀

I read the book and it's my favourite. Will the series do justice to the book I don't know but i already seen some adjustments they did from the trailer. The visuals are stunning and the characters seem not to be to altered so hopefully it won't disappoint. Blackthorne(the white guy) is an English captain of a Dutch crew and the Japanese will call him Anjin-san(captain,pilot) because they can't pronounce his name. Toranaga played by Hiroyuki Sanada is a good choice! Mariko(the narrator) isn't as much as a warrior as depicted here but more of an advisor/lover for Blackthorne and an ally and loyal servant of Toranaga. They all work in the interests of Yaemon who is a child but also the future ruler of Japan with his deceased father leaving Toranaga and 4 other regional leaders to protect and advise him until he would be old enough to take charge. Toranaga is the only one who wishes to truly serve with the other 4 trying to usurp power and plot to eliminate Toranaga. Blackthorne will be used by Toranaga to help with this struggle as will Mariko. Wow i can't wait!