Turkish Heartthrob Can Yaman Aims for Global Stardom with Pirate Saga ‘Sandokan’

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Today, I discovered that I have fans in Britain too. This was news to me,” says Can Yaman, gazing out over London’s Leicester Square from the Odeon cinema, where he recently showcased a sneak peek of the thrilling pirate series Sandokan. This is a fresh adaptation of Emilio Salgari’s well-loved late 19th century book series by Lux Vide, a company under Fremantle, in partnership with RAI Fiction.

A cluster of enthusiastic moviegoers are seen waving at him from outside the theater, and Yaman reciprocates with a friendly wave, causing the audience to erupt in joy.

As a passionate gamer, I’m thrilled to share that the Sandokan saga is set to be broadcast on RAI 1 in Italy. Fremantle International will be distributing this epic show worldwide, except for Spain where Mediterráneo Mediaset España Group takes charge. The Turkish sensation, Yaman, known as the “Turkish Jason Momoa” and admired like a cult figure in countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, India, the Arabic world, and Latin America, is embarking on an exciting journey to win over an even larger global fan base, playing the legendary pirate.

He’s really loving his stay in the heart of Britain. “London has grown on me,” Yaman shares with THR, speaking quickly and confidently. “Since I hail from Istanbul, I thrive on a touch of turmoil, and London fits the bill perfectly.” So, he believes he’ll be well-received here. “I prefer having my crew nearby – I can’t stand being on my own.

From the vantage point of Leicester Square, it’s evident that there won’t be any issues arising. In truth, the celebrity recognizes at least one woman in the group. “This Spanish lady keeps tabs on me,” he clarifies. “Whenever I travel to Brazil or another destination, she’ll be waiting for me at the airport.

Yaman beams with pride and gratitude as he speaks. “I’m incredibly proud of my dedicated fans who never abandon me, no matter where I go,” he says, before adding a touch of his focus and ambition. “I aspire to achieve even greater levels of fandom with Sandokan, reaching new audiences in places like the United States and Northern countries.

What’s the response of Yaman’s family towards his rapidly expanding fan base? “My mother often cries, filled with pride,” he explains, followed by a chuckle, “and my father remains composed. He says something like, ‘I expected this. I always knew it would happen.’

The 1976 TV series that became popular in over 85 countries and solidified Sandokan’s fame worldwide, while launching Kabir Bedi into Bollywood stardom, is being compared to the new adaptation. This updated version, conceptualized by Lux Vide CEO Luca Bernabei and scripted for television by Alessandro Sermoneta (Devils), Scott Rosenbaum (The Shield), and Davide Lantieri (MonterossiDevils) and Nicola Abbatangelo (Doc) as directors, could potentially elevate Yaman to international superstardom.

Furthermore, Yaman acknowledges and commends the hard work of the creative team and his co-stars. Among them are Alanah Bloor, a newcomer from Britain who plays Lady Marianne, the spirited daughter of the British consul; Ed Westwick as the malevolent Lord James Brooke; Alessandro Preziosi, John Hannah, Madeleine Price, Gilberto Gliozzi, Mark Grosy, and Samuele Segreto.

Bernabei assures us of an extraordinary action-adventure experience, rooted in a captivating pirate storyline. This top-tier series is packed with enjoyment and escape from reality, brilliantly realized by our outstanding group of actors,” says Bernabei.

Jens Richter, CEO of Fremantle‘s commercial and international sectors, stated that “Sandokan” is not merely about pirates, history, or exotic adventures; it encompasses all these elements and much more. It’s a tale of love – one of the earliest multicultural romances in our era, and now, more than ever, a representation of a passionate and peaceful response to hatred and division.

Set in Borneo, a lush tropical haven ruled by the brutal laws of the colonial British yet home to the indigenous Dayak tribes, we encounter Sandokan, a self-serving pirate living for the thrill of each day. His world is turned upside down when he encounters Marianne, the stunning daughter of the British consul in Labuan. This marks the start of an improbable love story between two kindred spirits: Marianne, with her aristocratic European heritage and untamed spirit cultivated in the tropical wilderness, and Sandokan, a pirate and explorer who carries within him the bloodline of ancient warrior leaders unbeknownst to him. Their relationship will be pursued by the legendary pirate hunter Lord James Brooke, determined to capture Sandokan and win Marianne’s affection.

As the saga unfolds, Sandokan will have to evolve and become the legendary “Tiger of Malaya.”

Yaman has been meticulously preparing himself for global fame, as evident in his dedicated efforts towards the role in Sandokan. Over several months, he shed over 10 kilos, underwent rigorous physical training, and honed his English dialect. He attributes his effortless acting to this preparation and the camaraderie on set, stating, “My acting parts were not challenging because I was fully prepared.” The most demanding aspects were the physically taxing scenes, as a two-minute scene might have required up to 10 hours of filming.

Yaman, 35, clearly believes that his life so far has prepared him for this next career step.

He shares that before attending high school, his mother encouraged him to learn Italian as a second foreign language. Consequently, he attended an Italian high school. Towards the end of his high school years, he ventured to the United States as an exchange student. Specifically, he resided in Athens, Ohio and lived with a host family to complete his American high school education.

After completing high school, I decided to pursue a career in law at law school, eventually landing a job at PricewaterhouseCoopers. However, acting wasn’t my long-term goal; instead, I had always aspired to become an international maritime lawyer because of my language skills. It was only when I crossed paths with my agent that things took a different turn.

The agent aimed to establish their own business in collaboration with a fashion-savvy partner, with the objective of turning an unknown figure in Turkey into a celebrity. As Yaman recounts, “They were planning to transform a nobody into a big name at that time.” It was uncommon for people to do this back then as they weren’t working with established stars but rather focusing on developing a unique style. Yaman was one of the first individuals they encountered, and after that, they began instructing him on fashion and managing his personal style.

Within months, Yaman secured an acting role in a series. And he kept going from there.

Due to Turkey’s extensive history of prolonged dramas and soap operas, Yaman, who already exudes a lot of energy, has become accustomed to pushing himself hard in his production roles.

In Turkey, once a show begins, it seems to never end,” he notes with a grin. “With numerous channels and fierce competition, we churn out many productions. As a result, Turkish shows have an endless run, providing our actors ample opportunities for continuous training through work.

Passionate about languages, this actor has taken on leading roles in series produced in Turkish, Italian, and English. The English projects are a result of his work in “El Turco” and more recently, the high-end international production “Sandokan“.

Instead of being content with what he’s achieved, Yaman is constantly pushing forward. Having wrapped up season 1, he’s now taking the next step in his quest for worldwide influence by learning Spanish.

As I share with THR, I’ve been immersed in Spanish lessons for quite some time now. Each day, a tutor visits my home, and we spend four hours diligently studying together. We’ve recently completed the grammar section, and I feel confident that I’ve grasped it well. Now, my focus is on speaking, reading, and absorbing Spanish through movies and series. I sense that I can converse fluently in Spanish, and I’m certain of my ability to perform in this language as well.

It’s worth noting that this Turkish actor is known for his determination, concentration, and aspirations. In his own words, “I am always seeking fresh opportunities in life.” He has already played the main character in an Italian television series, followed by a lead role in an English production. Now, he aims to replicate this success in Spanish productions as well.

It seems like quite an unusual accomplishment, they remark. “Perhaps,” Yaman replies, “I’ll be the pioneer to star as the leading actor in four distinct languages: Turkish, Italian, English, and Spanish.

Supporters can confidently anticipate one aspect – he’ll continue to create a thrilling journey through the entertainment industry. In “Sandokan”, he demonstrates his prowess in action and athletics, while also delivering romantic and comical undertones. This was another role he relished playing. Moreover, those who watched the first episode of “Sandokan” can expect the next seven episodes to exceed their expectations. “It’s becoming more exciting, more filled with action, more of everything,” he promises.

He’s open to exploring different genres, but his favorite is comedy. As he puts it, “I love comedy,” he confides in THR. Having worked on romantic comedies in Turkey and a humorous advertisement in Egypt, he admits that his background leans towards comedy, and humor seems to be where he naturally gravitates in life.

What destination awaits Sandokan? The daring Yaman, mirroring the courage of Sandokan, is ready for any new possibilities that arise. “I’ll find out where my journey will lead me,” he says. “Perhaps it will take me to America, perhaps to London – we shall see! In the meantime, I will engage in something related to Spanish.

Regardless of where Yaman’s career trajectory lies in the future, he aims for Sandokan to continue delighting audiences with an engaging popcorn series that offers a respite from current conflicts in the news. As Yaman explains, “Sandokan usually sports a smile, instilling hope in everyone,” and by triumphing over numerous obstacles through valiant acts, he embodies a truly uplifting character.

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2025-05-12 12:25