Amidst the chaos of a fire alarm going off and security ordering (and later calling off) evacuations on the red carpet of the “Shōgun” premiere in Los Angeles, the stars of the new FX series shared their experiences working on the latest adaptation of James Clavell’s masterpiece.
Acting in Layers of Clothing
Acting in historical dramas often comes with its own unique challenges, and “Shōgun” is no exception. The cast had to navigate the intricacies of portraying characters in seven layers of clothing. The layers not only visually transport viewers to feudal Japan but also dictate the way the actors move and interact with their surroundings. Despite the added complexity, the stars understand the importance of attention to detail, acknowledging that “all the detail is so important.”
Mastering Sailor Accents
Another hurdle the actors faced was perfecting sailor accents. The story revolves around an English sailor thrust into a foreign land, making the accent a crucial element of the narrative. To bring authenticity to their performances, the cast underwent extensive vocal training and immersed themselves in the distinct intonations and speech patterns of sailors from that era. The result is a seamless portrayal that transports audiences to the high seas of yore.
Although the premiere had its fair share of unexpected interruptions, the talented cast remained poised and professional. The buzz surrounding “Shōgun” continues to grow, and fans eagerly await the series’ debut.