Italian
Can Yaman brings historical hero to life in ‘El Turco’
Excitement at Mipcom
Industry insiders and dedicated fans alike couldn’t conceal their enthusiasm for the upcoming English-language series, “El Turco”, which debuted its first-look trailer at Mipcom. Leading the charge is Turkish superstar Can Yaman, who shared his excitement publicly.
“I can’t wait for people to meet him,” the Turkish actor stated, referring to his character in the series.
A historical journey across cultures
Based on a true story, “El Turco” narrates the gripping tale of an Ottoman Janissary who seeks refuge in the Italian village of Moena following the 1683 Battle of Vienna. Nursed back to health by a local witch, he inspires the villagers to rise and fight for their rights, creating a compelling narrative interwoven with rich historical context.
“I first went to Italy to do ‘Sandokan,’ but it had to be postponed due to the pandemic,” Yaman shared. Alongside Ed Westwick and John Hannah, Yaman’s international career trajectory only solidified with his subsequent work in “Viola Come il Mare.”
A personal connection to Italy
Reflecting on his past, Yaman opened up about his childhood, “It was a great chance for me, as I had studied Italian as a child. My mother wanted me to learn both English and Italian, aiming for me to become an international lawyer. Her aspirations for me translated into this opportunity, which made her incredibly happy.”
Offered “El Turco” shortly afterward, Yaman embraced his first English-language lead role with enthusiasm.
“Moena, now a ski resort, still holds onto Turkish traditions, celebrating a Turkish week and honoring a local hero with a statue,” he revealed. “Reading the script, I was deeply moved by this historical connection.”
Crafting the series ‘El Turco’
The six-episode drama, crafted by writers Kerem Deren and Çişil Hazal Tenim, and directed by Uluç Bayraktar, features an ensemble cast including Will Kemp, Kieran O’Reilly, Veronica Ferres, and Greta Ferro, and is produced by Kerem Çatay for Ay Yapım.
“The project perfectly matched my goals because it is entirely international,” Yaman said, discussing the rigorous shoot in Hungary.
He elaborated on the physical demands, akin to an athlete’s routine:
“Training for hours, followed by personal gym sessions. It required ultimate discipline, forsaking small pleasures like whiskey or cigars for almost a year.”
Mastering new skills and overcoming challenges
The challenges extended beyond physical endurance. Yaman elaborated, “Hungarian film crews are highly disciplined compared to the laid-back attitude in Turkey. Nevertheless, I felt immense pride upon wrapping up the shoot in Hungary, especially after learning about horse psychology from a phenomenal stunt director.”
Kerem Çatay added, “Hungarian crews have gained extensive experience from numerous US productions. However, shooting in the cold was particularly tough for Can.”
A global story with a passionate cast
Ateş İnce, managing director of Madd, acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of “El Turco,” which aims to alter preconceived notions about Turkish shows often associated with lower budgets. The series is slated for a worldwide release in early 2025.
“El Turco will captivate global audiences, but it’s crucial to find the right broadcaster for each territory,” emphasized İnce. “From the trailer itself, it’s clear that this is a unique project, reflecting Kerem’s passion.”
Yaman echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unity and dedication felt on set despite numerous setbacks, asserting it was the best job many crew members had experienced.
“Without our collective passion, this series would never have come to life.”
Closing thoughts
“El Turco” not only promises a rich, historical narrative but stands as a testament to the dedication and international collaboration of its cast and crew. With its compelling plot and authentic storytelling, fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting its release.
Stay connected with us for more updates and immerse yourself in this extraordinary journey by sharing our content on social media. Let’s keep the excitement alive!
