After winning big at the 2025Golden Globes, Anna Sawai gives a thoughtful response to reprising the role of Mariko inShōgunseason 2. Sawai came away with a victory in the TV Drama category for her leading performance in FX’s historical epic, having also won an Emmy for her portrayal of Toranaga’s loyal translator. “Crimson Sky”, the penultimate episode of season 1, is a showcase for Sawai that puts the focus squarely on Mariko. It’s widely considered to be the finest hour for the James Clavell adaption, serving as the farewell for the breakout character.
At the Golden Globes press conference, whereScreen Rantwas in attendance,Sawai addresses the possibility of returning for the already-confirmedShōgunseason 2. Sawai made clear she would love to be back as Mariko. But because of the character’s death, the actor notes thatshe wants to be sure Mariko’s return is done in a thoughtful way. Read the quote below:
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.
What Sawai’s Comments Could Mean For Shōgun Season 2
A Flashback Or A Dream Sequence Could Happen
Sawai’s comments aboutShōgunseason 2arean echo of what has been said about the series as a wholeand how it is only worth bringing back if it would be possible to maintain the quality of the first installment. That’s particularly true of Mariko, who might have initially seemed like a supporting character but gradually emerged as the heart of the series and had a standout send-off.
Shōgunhad a big showing at the Golden Globes, winning Best Actor, in addition to Hiroyuki Sanada winning for his performance as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, and Tadanobu Asano winning for his supporting turn as Lord Kashigi Yabushige.
The most obvious way to keep Sawai in theShōguncastwould be througha flashback or a dream sequence. But the question of making it count and making it meaningful is another. Series creators Rachel Marks and Justin Kondo, along with the show’s team of writers and crew, delivered a perfect miniseries. The second installment will go beyond the Clavell novel, albeit it’snot clear that there will be much more to say.
Our Take On Shōgun Season 2
It’s A Risk
There’s a common saying in the music industry that you have most of your life to work on a deeply personal, careful first album. But if that album is a hit, then you’re expected to rush out a second album while maintaining roughly the same level of quality and insight. That conundrum applies toShōgun, which is returning after its massive success. Along withThe Bear, it helped to put FX on the map and allowed the Disney-owned cable channel to compete with HBO at major awards and with critics. But it remains to be seen if it can have a second act that is as strong as the first.
Shogun
Cast
Shōgun, released in 2024, is set in Japan during 1600 at the onset of a significant civil war. It follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he battles political adversaries on the Council of Regents, while a European ship mysteriously appears in a nearby fishing village, complicating the tides of power.
