It was recently announced that A24 is developing a samurai movie entitledBushido,which is already exciting on its own, but will be even better because it is the ideal follow-up to FX’s breakout hit,Shogun.The samurai genre is one that is as well-established as Westernsor sword-and-sandal movies. Since the dawn of film, audiences have enjoyed delving into Japanese history and learning more about the country’s disciplined warriors. Though samurai films arguably saw a lull in recent years, the genre recently got a boost withShogun,which broke records at the 2024 Emmys.
Set in feudal Japan,Shogunfollows three characters from vastly different backgrounds who are forced together by fate. There is the feudal lord, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, who is fighting for control of his land. There is also Lady Mariko, a woman with a dishonorable past who must use her talents to regain her reputation. Then, there isJohn Blackthorne, an English sailorwho becomes shipwrecked in Japan and is irrevocably changed by the land and its people. All in all,Shogunimpressed audiences with its history, its political intrigue, and its gorgeous visuals, renewing interest in samurai stories.
Bushido Will Tell A High-Stakes Action Story Set In Feudal Japan
How Bushido Will Be Similar To Shogun
After the success ofShogun,it is exciting to know that A24’s new samurai movie will have many of the same concepts. First and foremost,Bushidois another story set in feudal Japanwhich, in and of itself, will feel similar toShogun.Furthermore,Bushidois confirmed to be a samurai story, which is another element that often appears inShogun,asShogun’scastincludes various skilled samurai. On top of that,Bushidois being described as a “high stakes action film,"(Deadline.) ThoughShoguntends more towards the political than the action-packed, the stakes are still just as high.
10 Best Shows Like Shogun
FX’s Shogun has been one of the best original series of 2024 so far. Now that it’s all over, there are plenty of follow-up series to try next.
At this point, that is really all that has been revealed aboutBushido.In some ways, these details makeBushidoseem incredibly similar toShogun.However, the information that has yet to be revealed about the movie may tell a completely different story. Even so,Bushidowill certainly feel reminiscent ofShogunbased on the nature of its setting and story. If anything, this only makesBushidomore exciting becauseShogunenjoyed such overwhelming success. If audiences and critics can fall in love withShogun,thenBushidohas the chance to be another roaring success.
Bushido May Be The Action-Packed Samurai Story Shogun Wasn’t
How Bushido May Differ From Shogun
One key difference betweenBushidoandShogunthat is just as thrilling as their similarities is the fact thatBushidois an action film. As previously mentioned,Shogunincludes some action elements, but in general, is more concerned with political intrigue and complicated relationships. In this way,Bushidocan set itself apart fromShogunby having a much more action-packed storythat will offer a different perspective on samurai characters. Audiences will be able to see these warriors carrying out the violence they were trained to do. Thus,Bushidomay get viewers' hearts racing in a wayShogundoesn’t.
26
1
4
2
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
There are other aspects ofBushidothat also separate it fromShogun.For one,Bushidois being directed by Hiro Murai, a highly sought-after director who has earned praise for his work onAtlanta, Barry, Station Eleven,and Childish Gambino’s music videos. While a director may seem like a somewhat arbitrary thing,Murai’s work onBushidowill probably be a huge draw for audiences.Additionally, the fact thatBushidois being produced by the beloved production company, A24, will also give it a style and reputation that is notably different fromShogun.
There Are A Lot Of Reasons To Be Excited About A24’s Samurai Movie
Will Bushido Create Another Boost For The Samuarai Genre?
Shogunaside,Bushidolooks to be an incredibly fascinating project. It will be awesome to see how Murai’s directing skills lend themselves to a feature film, and because of his sterling reputation, the movie could attract some other big names as well. Furthermore,Bushidobenefits from being an original story.In a media landscape saturated with remakes and sequels, some audiences are craving fresh stories, andBushidowill be able to provide. It also helps thatBushido’sbudget looks like it will be particularly big, expanding the potential of the project.
Overall,Bushidonot only has the opportunity to enjoy some ofShogun’ssuccess, but it can create another boost for the samurai genre.
Overall,Bushidonot only has the opportunity to enjoy some ofShogun’ssuccess, but it can create another boost for the samurai genre.After the success ofShogun,viewers may be eager for more Japanese stories, andBushidosatisfies that craving. More than that, ifBushidoitself is good, then even more samurai stories could come to the forefront. All in all, this could lead to an exciting new frontier in Hollywood, all of which was started byShogun.
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.
