Jerry London, the director of the original “Shōgun,” recently criticized FX’s highly acclaimed remake series. London, known for his work on classic TV shows like “The Brady Bunch” and “The Bob Newhart Show,” expressed his disappointment with the new version, stating that it was not made for an American audience. Despite the remake’s success in winning multiple awards, London felt that it lacked the appeal and connection that his 1980 adaptation had.
The original “Shōgun” miniseries, which aired on NBC, received numerous Emmy nominations and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Drama. Based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel, the series focused on the love story between the characters Blackthorne and Mariko. In contrast, London found the 2024 version to be more centered on Japanese history, particularly around the character of Toranaga, the Shōgun.
London criticized the new series for being too technical and challenging for American viewers to understand. He believed that the filmmakers prioritized catering to a Japanese audience rather than creating a show that resonated with a broader international audience. Despite the remake’s success during awards season, London felt that it only triumphed because of the lack of strong competition.
London also expressed disappointment that the new “Shōgun” did not acknowledge or reference his original adaptation. He felt proud of the accolades his version received and believed that the remake did not do justice to the story he had told. Additionally, London was critical of the casting choices in the new series, noting that the British actor in the remake lacked the charisma of the lead actor in his adaptation, Richard Chamberlain.
In summary, Jerry London’s comments shed light on the differences between the original “Shōgun” series and its remake, highlighting his concerns about the new version’s appeal to American audiences and its approach to storytelling.
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