In a significant update for fans of the epic historical drama, actor Takehiro Hira has dropped a major hint about the destiny of his character, Ishido Kazunari, in the highly anticipated second season of the hit series Shogun. The revelation came during the premiere of his new film, Rental Family, in Los Angeles.
Ishido Kazunari's Fate Revealed?
While speaking to media at the sidelines of the Rental Family premiere at the Directors Guild of America, Hira, who received an Emmy nomination last year for his performance, suggested that his character's days are numbered. Although he has seen only one script for the new season, he based his prediction on historical records.
"I can't really talk about that, but you know, the older characters in 'Shogun' loosely follow the actual historical figures. So my guy doesn't really survive much after the big war, the battle. So my days are numbered," Hira stated. He further added, "I will probably have an honourable death." This insight gives viewers a poignant preview of the dramatic arcs awaiting them in the new season.
Production and Cast Details for Shogun Season 2
In a perfectly timed announcement, FX confirmed that Shogun Season 2 will begin production in January. The new season is set to premiere a decade after the events of the first instalment, expanding the rich tapestry of its feudal Japan setting.
The cast is seeing significant additions, welcoming new faces like Asami Mizukawa as Aya, Masataka Kubota as Hyuga, Sho Kaneta as Hidenobu, Takaaki Enoki as Lord Ito, and Jun Kunimura as Goda. They will join a powerhouse roster of returning stars, including Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Fumi Nikaido, Shinnosuke Abe, Hiroto Kanai, Yoriko Doguchi, Tommy Bastow, Yuka Kouri, Yuko Miyamoto, and Eita Okuno.
Behind the camera, Season 1 directors Hiromi Kamata and Takeshi Fukunaga are returning to direct the second season. They will be joined by directors Anthony Byrne, Kate Herron, and series co-creator Justin Marks, who will also helm episodes, promising the same cinematic quality that made the first season a global phenomenon.
Hira's New Venture: 'Rental Family'
Amidst the Shogun excitement, Takehiro Hira is also promoting his new film, Rental Family. The movie, directed by Hikari from a script she co-wrote with Stephen Blahut, features Brendan Fraser as an actor in Japan who takes a job at a rental family agency. Hira plays the head of this unique agency, where Fraser's character is assigned to be a stand-in for various clients.
The film's ensemble cast also includes Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto. Mark your calendars, as Rental Family is set to hit theatres on November 21.
With production on the new Shogun season imminent and a compelling new film on the way, Takehiro Hira continues to be a significant figure in bringing compelling stories to a global audience.
