FX Announces ‘Shogun’ Adaptation, Orders Alex Garland’s ‘Devs,’ And Reveals Details On ‘Y’ And ‘What We Do In The Shadows’ [TCA 2018]
FX’s new series announcements for the Television Critics Association included a new show fromEx MachinaandAnnihilationwriter/directorAlex Garlandand a new miniseries based on the classic novelShogun. Read FX CEOJohn Landraf’s comments, including new details on the network’sY: The Last ManandWhat We in the Shadowsseries, below.
Alex Garland Comes to TV With Devs
Garland wrote and will direct all eight episodes ofDevs, a thriller set in the San Francisco tech world. Andrew Macdonald, Allon REcih, Eli Bush and Scott Rudin will executive produce. Here’s the official synopsis:
Sonoya Mizunowill play Lily andNick Offermanwill play Forest, the CEO of the company called Amaya.Jin Haplays Lily’s ex-boyfriend, a cyber-security specialist named Jamie, whileZach Grenierplays Amaya security head, Kenton.Stephen McKinley Hendersonplays a member of Amaya’s secret development division.Cailee Spaenyplays an Amaya employee described as “young, brilliant and stubborn.“Alison Pillplays a quantum physicist named Katie, the second-in-command to Forest.“After reading all eight scripts and hearing Alex’s brilliant vision and commitment to direct all of the episodes, it was an easy decision to orderDevsto series.” Landgraf said. “Alex is a visionary artist who, with his partners, has put together a stellar cast. We are grateful to Alex, Andrew, Allon, Scott, Eli and the brilliant casting team led by Carmen Cuba.“Devsbegins production this month and will air on FX next year.
Shogun Heads to FX
James Clavell’s epic tale of Japanese feudal samurais and the British sailor who washes ashore on Japan was first published in 1975. A 1980 miniseries starred Richard Chamberlain, Toshiro Mifune, and Yoko Shimada. If you don’t have time to read the book, FX’s official synopsis sums up this new take:
Despite the presence of Japanese movie star Mifune, the ’80s adaptation was really a Richard Chamberlain vehicle. In 2018, FX has a chance to giveShoguna more balanced point of view.“It’s really told from multiple points of view, not just the singularly western white male point of view,” Landgraf said. “It’s told through many Japanese points of view. There’s a lot of really fun and fascinating work going on to try to balance the story out and tell it from both points of view. I’m leaning things about feudal Japanese culture and religion that I never knew before. We’re casting really wonderful Japanese actors. I agree if you exoticize or fetishize Japanese culture from the western and male gaze it would not fly. I think there’s an exciting opportunity to tell the collision of cultures from both point of views that wasn’t done before.“Tim Van Pattenwill direct and executive produce FX’sShogun.“The story ofShogunhas captivated audiences since James Clavell first released his epic novel more than 40 years ago,” Landgraf said. “The themes of an outsider encountering a new culture are as relevant today as then. We are honored to bring the series to today’s viewers through our partnership with executive producers Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, Michael De Luca, Clavell’s daughter Michaela, and Eugene Kelly. We are equally thrilled that Ronan Bennett and Rachel Bennette are writing the new adaption, and that Tim Van Patten will bring his vision and expertise to directing this saga of adventure, power and loyalty that the world has come to know asShogun.”
Y Will Have a Monkey, but Not “The Last Man”
During his Q&A, Landgraf confirmed that FX’sY: The Last Manadaptation would include the monkey Ampersand, a key figure in the comics, as a character. But the show itself will shorten its title and be known as justY. As for why he dropped “The Last Man” from the title, Landgraf explained.“I guess you tend to see one word, two word titles for television shows,” Landgraf said. “Not always,Orange is the New Black. Y seems like a provocative shape. We can do a lot with it graphically.”
What We Do in the Shadows Won’t Repeat the Movie
Jemaine ClementandTaika Waititiare producing FX’sWhat We Do in the Shadowsseries. However, they will not reprise their roles from the movie andPaul Simmswill be showrunner.The series will not reboot the movie. The original film exists as its own tale of New Zealand vampires, while the series expands the world ofShadowsinternationally.“The movie takes place in New Zealand,” Landgraf said. “The series takes place in New York. Staten Island and other boroughs.The three lead characters, more than three over time, none of them are in the movie. It will be similar in tone.”
