quite often, producers of Turkish series initially see a particular Turkish actor (or actress) for a role, but unfortunately, they refuse their offers. Some don’t like the script, others are unhappy with the fee, and some (very untimely) decide to take a break from filming.
In this article, I decided to gather the stars of Turkish dramas who refused truly worthwhile roles for various reasons. If things had turned out differently, we would have seen a completely different Aliye in the series "Far City," a Ferit Korhan from "Kingfisher" without such striking eyebrows, and a Behlül without his piercing blue eyes.
By the way, it was the latter that inspired me to compile this collection, because not long ago, Ozan Güven, known to fans of Turkish dramas for his roles in "The Pit," "Magnificent Century," and "Babylon," once again mentioned that the leading male role in the cult series "Forbidden Love" was supposed to go to him.
Ozan Güven — Behlül in the series "Forbidden Love"
Judging by how often Ozan Güven talks about the fact that he should have played Behlül in "Forbidden Love," it’s clear that the man definitely regrets his refusal. It’s understandable: the project became a hit that is still discussed and rewatched in Turkey, even though the final episode aired about 16 years ago!
And yes, Ozan himself says he doesn’t regret his decision, but honestly, I don’t believe him. The reason for the actor’s refusal was… a weak script. Rumor has it that he didn’t like the story itself, so he chose the Turkish drama "My Dear Family" instead and missed out.
Esra Bilgiç — Aliye in the series "Far City"
Yes, fans of the series "Far City" might never have seen Simay Ünsal as the fierce Canadian widow who, by fate’s will, had to fight for her right to happiness in hostile Mardin, because the role was initially offered to Esra Bilgiç.
After this became known, rumors circulated online that Esra refused the role because she didn’t like the cast. However, the actress later denied this information, saying that both the script and her co-stars impressed her, and she simply couldn’t participate in "Far City" for entirely different reasons.
My friends are very successful. I proudly watch their achievements, may their paths be clear. Everything fits their roles perfectly. Everyone still gets their own destiny; it cannot be avoided.
Esra Bilgiç
The Turkish drama star didn’t say she regretted her decision, but it’s likely, considering the immense success the project ultimately achieved.
Alp Navruz — Ferit in the series "Kingfisher"
Yes, even Ferit Korhan could have been completely different, as the actor Alp Navruz was considered for the role alongside Afra Saraçoğlu in the Turkish drama. The producers thought this was a reasonable choice, as the stars had already worked together in the series "Mrs. Fazilet and Her Daughters."
Even though they didn’t play a couple in that series, they had experience working together, and rumors even suggested a romance flared up between them during filming. Overall, this could have been a great choice, but Alp turned down the role in favor of the series "Heartache," which never got renewed for a second season.
Kaan Urgancıoğlu — Vartolu in the series "The Pit"
You won’t believe it, but even the iconic and beloved Vartolu from the series "The Pit," played by the talented Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, was supposed to look different. The creators of the crime drama wanted Kaan Urgancıoğlu to play the role.
However, the Turkish actor declined the offer, reportedly doubting whether the character would appeal to viewers. As you can imagine, Kaan, to put it mildly, missed out—but after "The Pit" became a hit, he didn’t express any regrets about his decision (though there’s a suspicion he might have had some).
Çiğdem Batur — Neşe in the series "You Tell It, Karadeniz" ("Tormented")
It’s hard to imagine anyone else as Neşe in the drama "Tormented" besides İrem Helvacıoğlu, but she only got the role after her colleague Çiğdem Batur rejected the offer from the production company Sinegraf three times (!).
The producers literally begged the Turkish actress, known for her roles in "Valley of the Wolves: Ambush" and "Our Story," to take part in the project, but each time, she was unhappy with the fee offered. In the end, Neşe was played by İrem, and after Çiğdem’s refusal, she remained without major films or series in her filmography, settling for roles in mediocre projects.
Ceyda Düvenci — İfakat in the series "Kingfisher"
Yes, "Kingfisher" could have had an entirely different cast if not for the refusals of some actors and actresses. Even Ferit’s aunt—Ms. İfakat—could have been played not by Gülçin Santırcıoğlu, who perfectly embodied the character, but by Ceyda Düvenci.
Nothing is known about why the Turkish actress declined the offer. However, I’m sure that after seeing how big a hit "Kingfisher" became, she definitely regretted her decision.
Yağmur Yüksel — Eleni in the series "This Sea Will Overflow"
We’ll end the collection with the refusal of Yağmur Yüksel, the star of the series "Bloody Flowers," to play the sweet Eleni in OGM Pictures’ "This Sea Will Overflow." I don’t know about her, but I would definitely regret missing out on such an opportunity, as landing a role in a daily series after that would have been a real gift.
However, Yağmur didn’t appreciate the gift and "threw it away" because the filming schedule didn’t fit into her plans. As a result, the rising star of Turkey is now Ava Yaman, and the girl is known exclusively for her role as Dilan in the very same "Bloody Flowers."