Turkish Superstar Can Yaman Talks Playing Real-Life Hero in ‘El Turco’ at Mipcom

As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the globe in search of unique and captivating stories, I must say that my anticipation for “El Turco” is palpable. This series, based on a true story, promises an enchanting blend of history, culture, and drama – all elements that have always piqued my interest.


Enthusiasts within the industry, along with eager spectators, were unable to contain their enthusiasm for the English-language show “El Turco,” as it unveiled a sneak peek at Mipcom. Even its leading character, Can Yaman, was not immune to this excitement.

“I can’t wait for people to meet him,” said the Turkish star. 

As a captivated moviegoer, I find myself immersed in a film inspired by real-life events, where I, Yaman, step into the role of an Ottoman Janissary. After the fierce Battle of Vienna in 1683, I seek solace and healing in a picturesque Italian village nestled amidst the mountains of Moena. A local healer takes me under her wing to restore my strength. Over time, I subtly persuade the villagers to unite and stand up for their freedom and rights.

Initially, he intended to start working on ‘Sandokan’ in Italy, but due to a delay and the impact of the pandemic, that plan had to be postponed. He later shared this unusual turn in his acting career. In the upcoming show, he will work alongside Ed Westwick and John Hannah. Prior to this, Yaman also appeared in ‘Viola Come il Mare.’

As a child, I was fortunate enough to have Italian as part of my academic journey, all thanks to my mom’s vision for me. She aspired to see me become an international lawyer, fluent in both English and Italian. When this unexpected opportunity presented itself, leading me to Italy, my mom’s joy knew no bounds, and her laughter echoed with pride. Subsequently, I was offered the lead role in “El Turco,” which marked my debut in the English language cinema.

Currently, Moena is recognized as a ski resort, yet its inhabitants maintain strong Turkish ties. There’s even a Turkish week celebrated, adorned with Turkish flags, and a statue honoring a man revered as a hero. Witnessing such cultural pride can be truly awe-inspiring. The fact that this occurred in Italy, my former home, and the hero hailing from the Ottoman Empire… Upon reading the script, I felt an immediate surge of excitement.

The six-part historical series was penned by Kerem Deren and Çişil Hazal Tenim, with Uluç Bayraktar at the helm as director. In this production, Yaman is supported by Will Kemp, Kieran O’Reilly, Veronica Ferres, and Greta Ferro. Kerem Çatay served as producer for Ay Yapım.

Yaman found the project perfect for his goals since it was entirely global. He was eager to participate in such a venture, and he also mentioned the challenging filming experience in Hungary,” Yaman shared.

You had to maintain a disciplined lifestyle, much like an athlete would. While I enjoy unwinding with a drink or a cigar, that wasn’t an option for you for several months, even a year. The physical demands were tough. He was describing grueling training sessions, which often extended beyond scheduled workouts in the gym.

During filming ‘El Turco’, the Hungarian teams were quite disciplined. However, in Turkey we’re more relaxed. Still, wrapping up production in Hungary made me feel proud. I was fortunate to have an exceptional stunt director who taught me all about horses and understanding their behavior before I got on them. It took three months, but by the end, I knew how to interact with them properly.

Kerem Çatay commented: “Crews in Hungary are so well-versed due to numerous U.S. productions filmed there. However, it was freezing! I was comfortable indoors, but Can was braving the cold. It’s an amazing tale – a real one. I exclaimed: ‘Let’s make this grand!’ Troubles began from that moment, yet we persevered, he quipped.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share an exciting piece of news about “El Turco,” a production by Madd, managed by Ateş İnce. This show is set to defy common perceptions about Turkish shows, often stereotyped as having lower budgets. In fact, it’s being crafted to captivate a wide array of viewers worldwide. The global release is slated for early 2025, an event that will unfold simultaneously across numerous countries, promising a unified, global viewing experience!

We all desire it, yet we need to ensure the appropriate broadcaster is secured in every region, and that’s our current focus. Just from the preview, it’s evident: This isn’t your typical production. Moreover, this venture is a personal endeavor of Kerem.

Despite some challenges and hiccups along the way, there was an overwhelming feeling of triumph as this project was considered a significant milestone by everyone involved. In fact, everyone raved about it being the best job they’ve ever had, expressing their optimism that it would be fantastic no matter the outcome,” affirmed Yaman.

“Without passion, we wouldn’t have done it. Passion was necessary for this story.” 

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2024-10-24 14:47