ALBAWABA - Mert Ramazan Demir reportedly takes a leading role in Susuz Yaz.
Preparations for the highly anticipated television adaptation of Susuz Yaz are gaining momentum, with new details emerging about the project’s cast and creative team.
According to behind-the-scenes information reported in Turkish media, Mert Ramazan Demir has reached an agreement in principle to take on one of the leading roles in the new series. If finalized, the actor will portray Hasan, one of the two brothers at the center of Necati Cumalı’s acclaimed story.
The project is being developed by Ay Yapım as a series adaptation of Cumalı’s Susuz Yaz. The original work was famously adapted for cinema in 1963 by director Metin Erksan, with the film going on to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. It became the first Turkish film to receive the festival’s top prize, giving the story an important place in the history of Turkish cinema.
For the new television adaptation, Ay Yapım has brought together two established names from the Turkish television industry. Sema Ergenekon, known for writing successful productions including Yargı, Karadayı and Gümüş, is writing the screenplay, while Yusuf Pirhasan will direct the series.
The project initially attracted attention in June when Ay Yapım’s acquisition of the rights to Cumalı’s work was reported. At the time, Turkish media confirmed that negotiations with television channels were still continuing, meaning the eventual broadcaster had not yet been finalized.
Now, casting has become the main focus surrounding the production.
Demir is reportedly preparing to play Hasan, a character previously portrayed by Ulvi Doğan in the classic 1963 film. The search is also continuing for the actress who will play Bahar, Hasan’s partner, making the female lead one of the key remaining casting decisions.
Another major name has also been linked to the project. According to industry reports, Kaan Urgancıoğlu has reportedly been offered the role of Osman, Hasan’s older brother. However, his participation should still be treated as a casting possibility until an official agreement is announced.
The planned production is expected to be filmed in Adana, giving the new adaptation a contemporary visual setting while retaining the central conflict of Cumalı’s story.
The original Susuz Yaz follows two brothers whose lives become consumed by conflict over land, water and power. The story explores family rivalry, desire, injustice and the struggle for control of a vital natural resource. The television adaptation is expected to reinterpret the material for a modern audience while drawing on the dramatic foundation of the original work.
For Mert Ramazan Demir, the project would represent another major role following his rise to widespread recognition through Yalı Çapkını. His portrayal of Ferit Korhan opposite Afra Saraçoğlu turned him into one of the most closely followed young actors in Turkish television.
The combination of Demir, the acclaimed screenwriter Sema Ergenekon and director Yusuf Pirhasan has already made Susuz Yaz one of the projects attracting attention ahead of the new television season.
However, several important details remain open. The actress who will play Bahar has yet to be finalized, Kaan Urgancıoğlu’s reported offer has not been officially confirmed, and the series’ broadcaster has not yet been announced.
For now, the production continues to take shape behind the scenes, with casting and preparations moving forward. If the reported agreements are finalized, Susuz Yaz could bring together a high-profile cast and creative team for a new television interpretation of one of the most significant works in Turkish cinema.
