Can Yaman: Turkey’s Rising Star Takes Center Stage in Global Pirate Drama “Sandokan”

“I discovered today that I also have British supporters,” remarks Can Yaman as he gazes over London’s Leicester Square from the Odeon cinema, where he has just presented the sweeping pirate drama series to prospective buyers and members of the television industry.
Sandokan
, a fresh interpretation of Emilio Salgari’s widely acclaimed late 19th-century book series from Lux Vide, a Fremantle company, in partnership with RAI Fiction.

A bunch of enthusiasts gathered outside the movie theater are enthusiastically waving at him, and Yaman reciprocates with a wave, much to the joy of the gathering.

The
Sandokan
Saga will be broadcast on RAI 1 in Italy, with FremantleInternational overseeing international distribution of the series, excluding Spain where Mediterráneo Mediaset España Group is managing it. The Turkish star Yaman
(Dolunay, Purple as the Ocean)
, whom some have dubbed “the Turkish Jason Momoa,” enjoys a devoted following in regions like Italy, Spain, Portugal, India, the Arab world, and Latin America. He is now gearing up to expand his global fanbase further as the iconic pirate.

He has been relishing his trip to the British capital. “I feel like a true Londoner now. Since I was born in Istanbul, I crave some chaos, and London suits me perfectly,” says Yaman.
THR
, talking quickly and confidently. “Therefore, I ought to fit in well here. I require my group of friends—living solo isn’t for me.”

Gazing out at Leicester Square, it’s evident that this isn’t an issue whatsoever. Actually, the celebrity notices at least one woman among them. “This Spanish lady keeps tabs on me,” he shares. “Whenever I travel to Brazil or another place, she’ll be waiting at the airport.”

Yaman grins while conveying his thankfulness and joy. “I feel proud of my supporters since they remain devoted. No matter where I am, they always stick around,” he states, then proceeds to emphasize his determination and aspirations. “However, currently with
Sandokan
I am hopeful that my fan base will expand to include people from other nations as well, perhaps reaching audiences in the United States and the northern regions.

What’s the response from his family regarding Yaman’s expanding fanbase? “My mother often sheds tears,” he shares proudly, chuckling as he continues, “As for my dad, he remains calm. He just says, ‘I knew this would happen; I’ve always known he’d make it.’”

The initial 1976 television series, which reached over 85 countries, propelled Sandokan to fame across numerous regions worldwide and transformed actor Kabir Bedi into a mega-star in Bollywood. The updated adaptation, inspired by an idea from Lux Vide CEO Luca Bernabei and crafted for television by Alessandro Sermoneta, aims to continue this legacy.
Devils
), Scott Rosenbaum (
The Shield
), and Davide Lantieri (
Monterossi
), along with Jan Maria Michelini (
Devils
) and Nicola Abbatangelo (
Doc
) acting as directors, might easily propel Yaman to international stardom.

However, Yaman also commends the creative team and his co-stars, featuring new British talent Alanah Bloor.
Waves
) as Lady Marianne, the vivacious daughter of the British consul X, played by Ed Westwick
(Gossip Girl
,
Children of Men
) portraying the malevolent Lord James Brooke, Alessandro Preziosi
(The Doctors, Black Out
), John Hannah
(The Last of Us, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Mummy)
), Madeleine Price, Gilberto Gliozziotti
(They, the Crimes of Barlume)
), Mark Grosy
(Zero
(Zero Zero) and Samuele Segreto
(Stranizza d’amuri, The Hour
).

“Experience top-notch action-adventure, rooted in an incredible pirate legacy, this premium series brims with joy and entertainment, vividly portrayed by our outstanding ensemble cast,” assures Bernabei.

Jens Richter, who serves as the CEO for commercial operations and international ventures at Fremantle, states: ”
Sandokan
It goes beyond being merely a tale of pirates, historical events, or escapades in far-off places…
Sandokan
It encompasses all of this and even more. This tale revolves around love: one of the pioneering interracial romances of our era, and increasingly relevant in modern times, it stands as a beacon for a fervent yet harmonious response to hatred and fragmentation.”

The plot summary goes as follows: “Set in Borneo, a lush haven home to indigenous Dayak communities yet governed under the ironclad rule of British colonizers, Sandokan emerges as a swashbuckling pirate living from one day to the next; he battles solely for personal gain and his band of pirates. However, everything shifts gears when, amidst a daring assault, he encounters Marianne, the stunning offspring of the British consul stationed in Labuan. This marks the inception of an unlikely romance between kindred spirits—Marianne, born into aristocratic Europe but nurtured amid the vibrant wilderness of a tropical idyll, juxtaposed against Sandokan, a rogue seafarer whose lineage traces back to valiant royal ancestors unbeknownst even to him. In pursuit of this duo shall come the notorious buccaneer tracker Lord James Brooke, relentless in his quest not just to apprehend Sandokan but also to win over Marianne’s affections.”

As the story continues, Sandokan must transform and rise as the famed “Tiger of Malaya.”

This reflects the journey of Yaman, who is evidently poised for international superstardom and demonstrated this in his preparations.
Sandokan
Over multiple months, which included losing over 10 kilograms, undergoing physical training, and collaborating with an English accent coach, he shares, “Due to all this preparation and the good rapport among the cast and crew, my roles weren’t too challenging as I felt well-prepared.”
THR
The toughest sections were the physically demanding scenes. As you can see from a two-minute segment, we probably spent around 10 hours filming it.

Yaman, who is 35 years old, strongly feels that his journey up until now has equipped him perfectly for his upcoming professional transition.

When asked about his educational journey, he shares that after deciding to study English prior to entering high school, “My mother encouraged me to take up Italian as my second foreign language, which led me to attend an Italian high school.” In his final year of secondary education, he ventured abroad as part of an exchange program. He recounts, “I headed to Athens, Ohio, where I lived with a local family and attended their high school to experience American education firsthand.”

After completing his secondary education, he pursued studies in law and eventually landed a job at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Was becoming an actor something he had always aspired to be? “Not really, I didn’t have aspirations towards acting,” he clarifies.
THR
I have always aspired to become an international maritime lawyer due to my proficiency in languages. Later on, I encountered my agent.

The agent aimed to start his own venture alongside someone experienced in menswear. As Yaman recounts, “Their plan was to turn an unknown individual into a celebrity in Turkey at that time.” He continues, “This approach wasn’t common back then; they weren’t collaborating with well-known personalities yet. Instead, they focused on developing and setting up a fresh look. I became one of their initial contacts, after which they began coaching me and refining my sense of style.”

In just a few months, Yaman landed an acting part in a series. He continued to progress from there.

Turkey’s longstanding tradition of lengthy dramas and telenovelas has accustomed Yaman, whose demeanor exudes boundless enthusiasm, to pushing hard boundaries when it involves his production tasks.

“In Turkey, once you begin a series, it seems like it never ends,” he remarks with a grin. “The high production volume is due to numerous channels and intense competition. As a result, these series tend to run for a long time, providing ample opportunities for actors to hone their skills through continuous work.”

Enamored with languages, the actor has already headlined in Turkish, Italian, and English shows, with the last one due to
El Turco
And now, presenting the top-tier global performance.
Sandokan
.

However, Yaman does not intend to remain complacent with his current achievements. Now that season 1’s production has wrapped up, he is taking Spanish lessons as part of his preparation for his future endeavors aimed at worldwide success.

Yaman mentions that he has been attending Spanish lessons for the past few months.
THR
A tutor visits me at home daily for four hours of study sessions each day. We’ve completed learning the grammar now; I understand it well. Currently, our focus has shifted entirely to speaking practice, reading materials, and watching Spanish movies and TV shows. At this stage, I believe I am capable of communicating fluently in Spanish, and I’m confident about performing roles in Spanish as well.

Has anyone told you how determined, concentrated, and aspirational the Turkish star is? He states, “My aim is to seek out fresh challenges in my life.” He mentions, “I took on the main character in an Italian show. Afterward, I led an English-speaking production. Currently, I am planning to achieve similar feats in a Spanish project.”

That truly seems like an uncommon achievement,” remarks someone. Yaman adds, “I might become the first person to take the leading role in productions across four languages—Turkish, Italian, English, and Spanish.

His fans can count on this: He’ll continue blazing a trail through the entertainment industry with his dashing approach.
Sandokan
In this performance, he showcases his prowess in action scenes and athleticism, while also hitting romantic and comic notes. This presented another enjoyable challenge for the actor. For those fortunate enough to watch episode 1,
Sandokan
He assures them that the subsequent seven episodes will not disappoint. “It’s becoming even more exciting, even more jam-packed with action, and essentially more of everything,” he declares.

If you’re wondering about his preferred genres, he likes to dabble in everything but might lean towards humor. As he says, “Comedy is what I enjoy.”
THR
In Turkey, I acted in romantic comedies. Given my background in those, I lean towards comedy. Recently, I also starred in a humorous advertisement in Egypt.

Where will
Sandokan
Will you take him along? Adventure-seeking Yaman, embodying the essence of Sandokan, embraces whatever chances come his way. He says, “I’ll observe how things unfold and where they lead me.” It could be the United States; it might be London—we shall see! In the interim, I plan to engage in some activities involving Spanish.

No matter where Yaman’s ascending career takes him from now on, his desire remains the same.
Sandokan
To engage viewers with an entertaining series and uplift their spirits during times filled with conflicts in the news. “Typically, Sandokan wears a grin on his face, offering hope to everyone,” explains the Turkish actor, while conquering numerous obstacles via daring acts. “Thus, he embodies a highly optimistic persona.”