Hit Or Miss: 'Shogun' Struggles With Shoddy Scenery

In August of 2018, FX announced it would be adapting James Clavell’s 1975 novel Shogun, giving it a straight-to-series order. Filming was set to commence soon after, but FX opted to delay the production until the executives felt they were properly prepared, using the extra time to develop the scripts and work out logistics. Principle photography would not begin until September of 2021, over two years later than what the network originally planned. In this time the series lost its original writers and producers, prompting production to essentially start from scratch as key crew members were replaced. Once filming began, it did not conclude until June of 2022, two months after initially scheduled. It is not uncommon for productions to face unforeseen issues and adapt accordingly, but given the scope of FX’s new period piece, a disjointed production could end up being the downfall of this acclaimed novel’s latest adaptation.

Shogun was adapted once before in 1980 into a limited series; however, the story was primarily told through a Western perspective. This time around, FX CEO John Landgraf assured audiences that this latest adaptation will be told from multiple points of views, many of which will be Japanese. Set in Feudal Japan, this new series will tell the story of John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English sailor, as he navigates a foreign land engulfed in war and conflict. Blackthorne is initially taken as prisoner, but this marks only the beginning of an epic journey in which the culture and customs of Japan reshape his identity and perspective. Additionally Shogun will follow the militaristic exploits of Lord Toranaga, a powerful daimyo who hungers for the shogunate, and Lady Mariko, a mysterious and skillful samurai on a mission to reclaim her honor.

Now that a trailer is available, audiences can finally get a sense of FX’s vision for one of their most ambitious series yet. Fans of period pieces expect authenticity in the depiction of historical locations and events. The production design, props, and costumes prominently displayed throughout this trailer make it clear FX wants audiences to know it’s done its research. Weaponry, armor, clothing, and architecture appear carefully designed and implemented so as to transport viewers to medieval Japan. Ensuring details are period accurate is essential if a series wishes to be considered credible. Unfortunately, Shogun struggles in its presentation of Japan's landscape.

Before Shogun underwent its delays, production planned to film in Japan for the highest level of authenticity possible. However, the decision changed once production was revitalized, filming the series in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Japan is a nation known for its beautiful vistas and lush vegetation, yet the trailer for Shogun does little to evoke that natural beauty of the land. Horizons appear computer generated, lacking detail and distinction. Additionally, nearly every shot is shrouded in a gray mist or rain, making the setting feel more like ancient Seattle than Feudal Japan. One could argue that the bleak locale is meant to mirror the bleak reality of that war torn land, but more likely than not it is used to mask the inauthentic filming locations.

Throughout the trailer are glimpses of the violence viewers can expect from the series. Shots of marching armies and key dialogue make it clear that warfare will be integral to Shogun. Depicting the era’s violence is important to maintain accuracy, but it is also important to not overindulge or glorify these moments to avoid detracting from the story. For the most part, the action feels grounded and sleek. This is especially evident in the shots with Lady Mariko, whose impressive skill set is displayed with devastating efficiency.

With just the trailer, it is difficult to ascertain the strength of the performances, but certain casting choices are enough to get some viewers excited. Hiroyuki Sanada (The Twilight Samurai, The Wolverine, John Wick: Chapter 4) is an excellent choice to play Lord Toranaga. Since the age of five, Sanada had delivered countless iconic, more than proving he is the right man for the job. Anna Sawai (Ninja Assassin, F9: The Fast Saga, Pachinko) seems up for the challenge as well, with Lady Mariko coming off as a strong and nuanced warrior.

Shogun is set to release in February of 2024 on FX and Hulu. Other series set to release that month differ from Shogun in both tone and genre. The lack of competition as well as its accessibility on two platforms could prove beneficial for this new series, but if its quality doesn’t reach certain heights any success could be short-lived. This trailer has not proved the potential of this show. Many of the ideas feel generic and the drab locations suggest that Shogun bit off more than it can chew. Unless the writing proves to be exceptional, Shogun could end up as a very expensive miss for FX.