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Entertainment

Disney+: 5 reasons why Shōgun is a must-watch

Plot, costumes, production design, more

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Shōgun, an FX mini drama series based on the James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, is now streaming on Disney+.

It stars Anna Sawai as Lady Toda Mariko, Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, and Cosmo Jarvis as Pilot Major John Blackthorne.

The historical drama series is set from the 1500s to 1600s. In the story’s main premise, Blackthorne crosses paths with Toranaga after getting shipwrecked in Japan. Sawai’s character, Lady Mariko, is a mysterious female samurai.

The first two episodes of the show is already on Disney+, with a new episode dropping every week. If you’re looking for something new to watch, Shōgun should definitely be in your list. Here are five reasons why:

Plot and plot twists

Firstly, Shōgun is rooted in the real history of the period. The show follows fictional feudal lords working their way to acquire more power and control. There are characters who are cunning, with twisted views and shady backgrounds.

The three main characters all have their personal agendas, which sets the tone for the series’ story.

Source material

Shōgun is based on James Clavell’s renowned book which has sold more than 15 million copies. It brings viewers back to 1600s Japan, during the country’s civil war.

If you can recall, the show has previously graced TV in the 1980s. This recreation features Clavell’s daughter Michaela, who approved of the 2024 version’s portrayal.

Real-life martial artist Hiroyuki Sanada

Real-life martial artist Hiroyuki Sanada leads Shōgun’s cast. The Japanese actor has wielded the katana many times in the past. You’ve probably seen him in Hollywood films along side Keanu Reeves in John Wick and Brad Pitt in Bullet Train.

The stellar cast also includes Anna Sawai, who appeared in Emmy-nominated series Pachinko. Meanwhile, Jarvis also starred as Captain Frederick Wentworth in 2022 historical romantic film Persuasion.

Completing the list of acclaimed Japanese cast members are Tadanobu Asano (Welcome Home, Monet), Hiroto Kanai (Tuna Girl), Takehiro Hira (The Swarm), and Moeka Hoshi (Dependence).

Costumes, production design

No Japanese historical drama is complete without the iconic samurai armor, kimono, and katana. Therefore, Shōgun made sure to portray these elements to reflect 1600s Japan accurately.

Additionally, even the centuries-old castles, fishing villages, and traditional home interiors will certainly send viewers back to this era.

Big-gun directors

Lastly, Shōgun employed topnotch directors to make the show a reality. Frederick E.O. Toye directed four episodes while Jonathan van Tulleken helmed two.

Japanese director Takeshi Fukunaga (Ainu Mosir) and Hiromi Kamata (Selena: The Series) complete the list of top-gun directors.

Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters 2 is reportedly scheduled for 2029 premiere

That’s a pretty long wait.

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“Golden” must be the most popular song this year. Months after the launch of KPop Demon Hunters, the catchy song is still an earworm. Capitalizing on the hit’s success, Netflix is already considering a sequel. Now, KPop Demon Hunters 2 has reportedly been confirmed with a distant release window.

After less than a year, KPop Demon Hunters is already Netflix’s most-watched title ever. The platform was even confident enough to release the film (and a special singalong version) in select theaters. Soon after the success, Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix kept a potential sequel in mind.

Now, according to Deadline, Netflix has greenlit the sequel for production. KPop Demon Hunters 2, or whatever it might be called, will reportedly premiere sometime in 2029.

No, it’s not just you. Four years is a lengthy wait for a sequel. Then again, animated films take much longer to make. For example, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, coincidentally also coming from Sony Pictures Animation, will premiere in 2027, which is also four years after the previous film.

However, if the Spider-Verse trilogy is any indication, the longer production time can easily churn out a film that tops charts. Both Across the Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters are easily the top animated contenders of its respective years.

SEE ALSO: KPop Demon Hunters is now Netflix’s most-watched movie

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Entertainment

Xolo Maridueña cast as Portgas D. Ace in Netflix One Piece Season 3

The Fire Fist joins production later this year

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Xolo Maridueña has been cast to star as Portgas D. Ace in Season 3 of Netflix’s One Piece adaptation.

The 24-year-old actor is known for his roles in Blue Beetle and Cobra Kai. He joins previously announced new cast member Cole Escola, who shall play Bon Clay. Additional cast will be revealed in the future.

Along with this update, Netflix has bared that One Piece will return into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. It wasn’t long ago when Netflix confirmed that the live action adaptation is getting another season.

That was when streaming giant also released the trailer for Season 2. Officially titled One Piece: Into The Grand Line, Season 2 features the Grand Line stretch of the bigger Arabasta Saga.

@onepiecenetflix

Fire Fist has arrived, Nakama!! 🔥👊🔥 We’re thrilled to welcome Xolo Maridueña to the crew as Portgas D. Ace in ONE PIECE: Season 3! 🏴‍☠️🔥

♬ original sound – One Piece Netflix – One Piece Netflix

Portgas D. Ace joining the Netflix’s One Piece sets up the live adaptation’s expansion with the broader Arabasta Saga for Season 3.

Ace, or Fire Fist, is a crucial character, and briefly appeared after the end of the Drum Island arc to meet Luffy and help the latter’s crew in Alabasta.

His introduction is important to set up the events of Season 3, as well as the future conflict with Marshall D. Teach, or Blackbeard.

But of course, as much as fans want to get ahead of themselves, Season 2 will also set up several events and open the live action world to wider horizons for every stop their favorite Straw Hat pirates make. There’s a lot to look forward to.

Season 3’s co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers are Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes.

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Accessories

Samsung Sound Tower, Sound Sessions: When great sound meets great music

OPM takes the spotlight

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Samsung Sound Tower | Sound Sessions

I grew up surrounded by OPM. I spent years dreaming of being in a band and listening to songs I wish I wrote, which is why I appreciate it when brands highlight local talent instead of relying on specs alone. Samsung’s new Sound Towers arrive with that same approach—powerful audio paired with an even stronger push for Filipino music.

Instead of a standard tech launch, Samsung turned the debut of its latest Sound Towers into a celebration of OPM. Guests didn’t just hear product features; they heard live performances from Over October and The Itchyworms. For anyone (like me) who grew up with the latter, hearing their songs carried by deep, room-filling audio felt like the perfect match between familiarity and innovation.

Built for people who live through music

The ST50F and ST40F are made for moments when sound needs to fill a space and set the tone. The ST50F comes with a telescopic handle, built-in wheels, and up to 18 hours of battery life. You can bring it anywhere and still get the same bold, thumping sound. Its custom bass modes and adjustable party lights let you shape the atmosphere until it matches the playlist.

The ST40F leans into creativity. It has built-in DJ sound effects and samplers, plus ports for microphones and guitars for instant jam sessions. And when you want something bigger, Group Play links up to ten Sound Towers into a shared soundstage that feels like a small concert.

Both towers work with the Samsung Sound Tower App, so you can adjust settings, control the lights, or switch into Karaoke Mode straight from your phone.

Where hardware becomes a platform

Samsung followed the launch with Samsung Sound Sessions, an ongoing digital series that highlights top Filipino artists. The pilot features Over October, with more acts—including The Itchyworms—set to take the stage next.

The idea is simple: pair great music with great audio, then let the artists carry the experience. Instead of showing what the Sound Towers can do, Samsung lets you hear it through musicians you already connect with. For OPM fans, it turns the hardware into a platform that amplifies talent rather than eclipsing it.

Sound built to bring people together

Samsung’s new Sound Towers bring back the feeling of sharing music—whether it’s a weekend gathering or a living room turned into a stage. They can be loud and energetic or warm and intimate. They match the many moods and eras of Filipino music.

Price and Availability

Sound Tower MX-ST50F

Sound Tower MX-ST40F

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