Renowned actor Hiroyuki Sanada, known for his roles in blockbuster films like “The Last Samurai” and “Avengers: Endgame,” is set to make his debut as both producer and lead actor in the upcoming FX series “Shōgun.” Based on a book, the show follows the journey of John Blackthorne, an English sailor who ventures to Japan in the 1600s and discovers the ways of the samurai.

Sanada’s involvement in “Shōgun” marks a significant milestone in his career, spanning over two decades in the movie industry. However, before accepting the role, Sanada laid out conditions to ensure that the series would accurately portray Japanese history and culture. With his extensive experience in Hollywood, Sanada has often served as a cultural consultant on movie sets, ensuring authenticity in Japanese representation.

In “Shōgun,” Sanada’s role extends beyond acting, allowing him to delve deeper into production aspects and showcase Japanese stories to a global audience. He sees this opportunity as a chance to educate young actors and promote cultural understanding on an international scale.

For Sanada, “Shōgun” serves as a platform to bridge cultural gaps and foster greater appreciation for Japanese heritage. Despite his seasoned career, Sanada remains open to learning and embracing new challenges, believing that his role as a producer will facilitate personal and professional growth. Ultimately, he envisions “Shōgun” as a conduit for uniting diverse cultures and strengthening global connections.

Hiroyuki Sanada had certain conditions before signing on to ‘SHOGUN’ to ensure Japanese culture was accurately depicted.

“I needed things — including, if you don’t hire Japanese actors for a Japanese role, I cannot be involved in this project.”

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— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 29, 2024