Can Yaman comments on his work on the Sandokan set, then reveals whether he took inspiration from Kabir Bedi—and how he approached the character.
Can Yaman played Sandokan in the TV series that arrived on Rai 1 in December 2025. Anticipation was huge at the time, and he said he felt ready for the audience’s judgment—confident he had given his absolute best as the Tiger of Malaysia on screen. The Turkish actor spoke about his character and also revealed something about his own personality that he felt connected him to the fearless corsair.
Can Yaman Talks About the Comparisons to Kabir Bedi
When the Sandokan project was announced about five years ago, Can Yaman moved to Italy to fully step into the shoes of the Tiger of Malaysia. The pandemic, however, slowed production down significantly, so the Turkish actor took on new projects in the meantime—like the drama series Viola Come il Mare alongside Francesca Chillemi, and the international production El Turco, where he acted with Italian actress Greta Ferro. Yaman prepared intensely for the role, both physically and mentally, but as he reveals in a long interview with Vanity Fair Italia, he did not take inspiration from the 1970s TV adaptation starring Kabir Bedi.
“We never met. With great respect, I can say that I read all of Salgari’s novels and watched the old works, but I wanted to create an authentic character. When I act, I draw inspiration from many things, but I don’t imitate anyone. My Sandokan is a bit ascetic, a bit prophet, a bit savior of the people.”
In short, even though many people initially compared Can to Kabir, the Turkish actor confirms that he wanted to create a new version of Sandokan—a corsair who feels more authentic and closer to Emilio Salgari’s original stories, as well as a modern adaptation enhanced by special effects and breathtaking directorial choices, some of which even put Can in danger on set.
Sandokan: Can Yaman Reveals How They’re Similar
In his long conversation with Vanity Fair, Can Yaman shared that he first pursued acting almost as a personal experiment, alongside his law degree—which he completed with excellent grades. With support and guidance from his family (even though his parents separated when he was five), Yaman took the leap. But the Turkish TV industry isn’t easy: people can work up to eighteen hours straight in order to produce at the highest level. Of course, he admits his looks helped him at first—but that’s not his only strength.
Yaman also compares himself to Sandokan, explaining a side of his personality that has always helped him live his career without anxiety.
“I’ve never really gotten into these discussions, but I know people talk about the ‘sigma man.’ It’s a man who doesn’t engage in pointless competition, who doesn’t feel the need to prove his strength at all costs, and who has rediscovered his tenderness. To me, Sandokan is a sigma man—not an alpha. That’s where I’m similar to Sandokan. I know that, at first glance, I might look like the classic alpha male. But in reality, I’m the opposite. I don’t need to prove anything. I don’t live off competition or aggression. I’m much more drawn to calm and kindness.”
In fact, Yaman has always stayed away from public drama involving his colleagues. He’s preferred to let his acting—and the projects that, year after year, effort after effort, have rewarded him with huge success—do the talking. Now Sandokan is getting ready to reach the UK and the US as well, and who knows—maybe this will be his next major, spectacular launchpad.
Can Yaman Talks About the Comparisons to Kabir Bedi
When the Sandokan project was announced about five years ago, Can Yaman moved to Italy to fully step into the shoes of the Tiger of Malaysia. The pandemic, however, slowed production down significantly, so the Turkish actor took on new projects in the meantime—like the drama series Viola Come il Mare alongside Francesca Chillemi, and the international production El Turco, where he acted with Italian actress Greta Ferro. Yaman prepared intensely for the role, both physically and mentally, but as he reveals in a long interview with Vanity Fair Italia, he did not take inspiration from the 1970s TV adaptation starring Kabir Bedi.
“We never met. With great respect, I can say that I read all of Salgari’s novels and watched the old works, but I wanted to create an authentic character. When I act, I draw inspiration from many things, but I don’t imitate anyone. My Sandokan is a bit ascetic, a bit prophet, a bit savior of the people.”
In short, even though many people initially compared Can to Kabir, the Turkish actor confirms that he wanted to create a new version of Sandokan—a corsair who feels more authentic and closer to Emilio Salgari’s original stories, as well as a modern adaptation enhanced by special effects and breathtaking directorial choices, some of which even put Can in danger on set.
Sandokan: Can Yaman Reveals How They’re Similar
In his long conversation with Vanity Fair, Can Yaman shared that he first pursued acting almost as a personal experiment, alongside his law degree—which he completed with excellent grades. With support and guidance from his family (even though his parents separated when he was five), Yaman took the leap. But the Turkish TV industry isn’t easy: people can work up to eighteen hours straight in order to produce at the highest level. Of course, he admits his looks helped him at first—but that’s not his only strength.
Yaman also compares himself to Sandokan, explaining a side of his personality that has always helped him live his career without anxiety.
“I’ve never really gotten into these discussions, but I know people talk about the ‘sigma man.’ It’s a man who doesn’t engage in pointless competition, who doesn’t feel the need to prove his strength at all costs, and who has rediscovered his tenderness. To me, Sandokan is a sigma man—not an alpha. That’s where I’m similar to Sandokan. I know that, at first glance, I might look like the classic alpha male. But in reality, I’m the opposite. I don’t need to prove anything. I don’t live off competition or aggression. I’m much more drawn to calm and kindness.”
In fact, Yaman has always stayed away from public drama involving his colleagues. He’s preferred to let his acting—and the projects that, year after year, effort after effort, have rewarded him with huge success—do the talking. Now Sandokan is getting ready to reach the UK and the US as well, and who knows—maybe this will be his next major, spectacular launchpad.
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