Can Yaman’s “Italian Job”: How a Turkish Star Conquered European TV Without Leaving the Continent

Can Yaman’s European Journey: A Success Story Spanning from Italy to Spain

Can Yaman established a dominant position in the European market with two major series projects in 2026: “Sandokan” broadcasted on Italy’s RAI1 channel and “El Turco” on Spain’s Movistar Plus+ platform.

A Simultaneous Surge of Emotions

January was a historic test for Yaman. “El Turco” premiered on Movistar Plus+ on January 15th, while four days later on January 19th, “Sandokan” started streaming on Netflix US. This simultaneous release of two series served as concrete evidence of the actor’s international appeal. The fact that both series were featured prominently on the main pages of their respective platforms, especially Netflix highlighting “Sandokan,” was no mere coincidence. In the streaming world, algorithm positioning is a critical factor determining the success of a production.

“Sandokan” Strikes Gold

The new version of “Sandokan,” a cult series in Italy since 1976, was met with high expectations. Directed by Jan Maria Michelini, the production featured John Hannah from “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” and Ed Westwick, known for his role as Chuck Bass in “Gossip Girl,” alongside Yaman. Portraying the pirate Sandokan fighting against colonial powers in Borneo, Yaman participated in filming in Rome and later on Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean.

The series, completed in August, surpassed expectations in international markets. Producer Michelini attributed the success to the immense viewership on Italy’s RAI and particularly strong overseas sales. The series found its way to Netflix in January 2026, thanks to this sales guarantee.

The Stamp Wars and the Power of the European Market

Yaman’s return to the Turkish market made waves with a staggering figure. Receiving 5 million TL per episode (approximately 145,000 Euros) for a project set to launch in 2026 put him ahead of names like Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ and Burak Özçivit. This figure, surpassing the budget capacities of national channels, signaled negotiations with streaming giants like Disney+ or Netflix.

Behind this figure was a simple mechanic: Guaranteed Sales. Industry sources indicated that regardless of the script, the series featuring Yaman were sold to Italy, Spain, and Latin American countries at record prices. The production company could recoup the 5 million TL through sales to just one country, showcasing Yaman’s international market value. The contract terms reflected Hollywood standards, including mandatory stunt double collaborations and special clauses known as the “King’s Clause.” This deal spurred other actors’ managers into action, turning 2026 into a “Cost War” for the Turkish series industry.

The Spanish Project and its Allure for Tourists

Yaman’s move to Spain was strategic. The project “El Turco,” whose details are yet to be fully disclosed, was positioned as Movistar Plus+’s prestigious product. The social media reactions of fans who saw him during the presentation in Madrid proved the actor’s allure in Spain. The Spanish press referring to him as “Consolidated as the actor of the moment” goes beyond viewer numbers, also impacting tourism, cultural institutions, and commercial engagement.

Twists in the Wind

The successful start of the “El Turco” project in January wasn’t without its challenges. An interview in which he spoke against Türkiye led to the GAIN platform pulling “El Turco” off the air. The platform stated that the series portraying Ottoman history conflicted with their values. Yaman questioned why the Turkish media did not acknowledge his role as the lead in “Sandokan” streaming on Netflix US.

Despite conflicts, Yaman’s value in the European market remained undisputed. His Spanish project titled “Labirinto de las Mariposas” continued with the role of secret agent Caplan. Films, series productions, platform deals—2026 was the year of Yaman’s consolidation.

The extent to which a Turkish actor has been able to penetrate and dominate the European market highlights the international potential of Türkiye’s creative industry. Yaman’s story not only belongs to him but has also become a narrative of how European platforms perceive Turkish talent.