Can Yaman at Sanremo 2026: The Postponement of Sandokan 2, the Extreme Diet, and His Comedy Debut with Bro

The wait is over. The curtain rises at the Teatro Ariston for Sanremo 2026 and, alongside host Carlo Conti and “queen” Laura Pausini, all eyes are on him: Can Yaman.

The Turkish actor—now a pillar of international TV and a hugely loved icon in Italy—broke the ice at the first-night press conference, revealing new behind-the-scenes details about his career, the production delays shaking up fans, and his surprising physical transformations.

A Co-Host Debut Full of Charm and Humor

The atmosphere in the press room was electric. Can Yaman showed up not just as "TV heartthrob," but as a professional ready to challenge himself in a brand-new role.

There was plenty of playful energy too: when asked about possible “candidates” or suggestions for his private life, the actor answered with a sly smile, while Carlo Conti joked about his own situation (“Well, I’m married!”).

But beyond the glamour, Yaman wanted to talk about substance: work, sets, and the challenges of an actor who doesn’t want to be trapped in a single stereotype.

The “Sandokan 2” Question: Why Was the Series Postponed?

The news everyone was waiting for is about the Sandokan remake. After the success of season one (which Yaman affectionately calls “Sandor” or “Sandoval” in production slang), filming for the second chapter has been pushed back.

“Normally we were supposed to shoot this summer, but the latest news says they won’t be ready in time,” Yaman said.

Why? The bar has been raised. To compete globally, Rai and Lux Vide are aiming for a bigger budget and a level of detail that’s almost cinematic.

“To do it properly, they need more time,” the actor admitted—though he didn’t hide a hint of frustration with European timelines, often slower than his “all in, right now” work philosophy.

The Physical Transformation: From 100 to 85 Kilos

One of the most striking parts of Yaman’s story is the physical sacrifice required to play the Tiger of Malaysia. The actor revealed he’s currently in a muscle-transition phase:

Current weight: 100 kg

Target weight for Sandokan: 85 kg

“Now I have to lose weight again. It’s like continuous training for me,” he explained.

Yaman said he would’ve preferred to film three seasons back-to-back to stay in the right “mood” and keep his athletic performance consistent—avoiding both natural aging and the constant weight fluctuations imposed by a more fragmented production system.

Not Just the Tiger: His future in Spain, and the New Sitcom “Bro”

While Sandokan is on hold, Can Yaman definitely isn’t sitting still. He’s currently in Spain filming a modern action series—an absolute first for his filmography.

But the real surprise is coming this summer, with a return to Rome. Yaman will make his comedy debut in a Lux Vide project titled “Bro” (short for Brother).

What Do We Know About “Bro”?


Genre: Sitcom / Comedy

Original format: The initial idea was 40 episodes, 20 minutes each

New structure: The first season will likely be reduced to 8 episodes

The theme: A total novelty for Yaman, who says he’s excited to explore his comedic side, always looking for new creative challenges

An Actor in Constant Evolution

From Spain to Italy, from epic drama to sitcom comedy, Can Yaman showed at Sanremo 2026 that he’s much more than a sex symbol.

He’s a relentless worker who takes on the demands of international production—even when that means strict diets and last-minute schedule changes.


His presence at the Ariston is just the beginning of a year that will see him take center stage, balancing the action in Madrid and the laughs he promises to deliver with Bro.

Sandokan fans will have to wait a little longer—but if the extra time means higher quality, it will be worth it.