‘Shōgun’s Anna Sawai Comments on Her Potential Season 2 Return

Following my triumphant win at the 2025 Golden Globes, I, Anna Sawai, couldn’t help but ponder the prospect of reprising my role as Mariko in the upcoming season 2 of the highly anticipated Shōgun series. The honor bestowed upon me – Best Actress in a TV Drama for my portrayal in FX’s historical series – has only fueled my excitement for what lies ahead.

In the “Crimson Sky” episode near the end of the series, her performance as Mariko was generally acclaimed, often being hailed as the standout moment of the entire season. This installment served as a poignant farewell for her character, who had evolved into a pivotal figure in the show.

During a press conference at the Golden Globes, Sawai was inquired about potentially returning for the upcoming season. She indicated her readiness to reprise her character, according to ScreenRant, but also emphasized that she would only do so if it aligned with the plot’s development.

According to Sawa, he desires that any possible return for Mariko’s character should hold significance rather than merely serving as a means to reintroduce her.

If someone were to ask me, I’d wholeheartedly agree. I can’t imagine refusing. However, I’m unsure if it fits well with the narrative, and I want it to be both impactful and meaningful, not merely bringing the character back for the sake of her presence.

Source: ScreenRant

It seems like her remarks imply that incorporating a flashback or dream scene might help sustain Mariko’s presence within the storyline. Yet, it’s uncertain if such an approach would feel genuine and contribute positively to the plot, considering the skillful way her character was concluded.

The Shogun series had an impressive showing during award season, and Hiroyuki Sanada’s victory for his role as Lord Toranaga contributed significantly to its triumph. However, the upcoming second season is tasked with the challenge of matching the success of its predecessor.

Although there’s room for additional plots beyond James Clavell’s original novel, it’s unclear if they will surpass the greatness of the first season. Given the show’s massive popularity, there’s a significant expectation for the upcoming season to be equally captivating.

This predicament is quite challenging, and there’s a significant chance that Shōgun season 2 might struggle to meet expectations. We’ll simply have to be patient and observe how it performs.

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2025-01-06 17:14