Original Shogun Director Critiques Award-Winning Adaptation

Jerry London, the director of the 1980 Shogun miniseries, has criticized FX's 2024 adaptation of James Clavell's novel, stating it doesn't cater well to American audiences. London argues that the new series, which won a record 18 Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes, focuses heavily on Japanese history and political themes, making it difficult for American viewers to engage. Despite the critical acclaim and numerous accolades of the 2024 version, London feels the content is too technical and not as accessible as his original adaptation, which centered on a romantic storyline. He expressed relief that the new series did not attempt to copy his approach, which was praised for its accessibility and storytelling. The 2024 series, however, has been recognized as a groundbreaking Japanese-language production, with significant awards success. London's comments reflect a broader debate on cultural accessibility and storytelling in adaptations of historical narratives.