Engin Akyürek, who claims to empathize with all the characters he plays, this time portrays Osman, a character unlike any he’s played before. At the center of Old Money, Osman is a profound figure who pushes his own boundaries and feels entitled to more from life. We sat down with Engin Akyürek ahead of the series premiere to discuss Osman’s world and the story of the highly anticipated series.
Osman feels entitled to more from life, is a self-made character, and who earned everything he has fighting tooth and nail. He’s even called a “monster” in the series. But over time, we get to know a humble, emotional man beneath his seemingly sullen and arrogant nature. How would you describe Osman?
Engin Akyürek: Osman is actually a traumatized character. His visible aspects are a shield he uses to distance himself from his past and escape his traumas. He chose to be strong and follow a goal to move on. Beneath the surface lies a sensitive man, but he doesn’t realize he wants to make peace with what he’s running from. Perhaps love will help him reconcile with his past and his childhood… With both his visible and invisible aspects, Osman gives the impression of someone we recognize, someone we know, but I could describe him as a postmodern character who also has a side that says something new.
So, how would you interpret Osman and Nihal’s relationship? Just when we think they’re finally together, things always fall apart again. They’re at war both with each other and their lifestyles. Despite this, they’re incredibly drawn to each other. Do you think two such characters could be together in real life, or rather, could they stay together?
Engin Akyürek: I don’t know if they can stay together. Storytelling doesn’t really concern itself with that aspect anyway. A film ends, and it becomes a subject the audience will respond to and fulfill within their emotional responsibility. These two very different characters play their own cards, their own games, within the same world. There’s a force that draws them together, and as the intensity of the conflict increases, that passion between them grows stronger. If they could overcome their prejudices, they actually have the intelligence and sense of life to speak the same language. Perhaps this conflict is good for them.
The series, as its name suggests, is Old Money. A strong element of the story is, of course, built on this conflict between “old and new money.” The concept of old money entered our lives a few years ago; it first began with fashion, but now it’s become a form of self-expression in almost every aspect of life; acting like someone you’re not is fashionable for most people. What are your thoughts on the show’s approach to this subject?
Engin Akyürek: The work that began and concluded with the script-writing process doesn’t address the issue of old money as a fundamental issue. It doesn’t strive for it. We have a story, and the story takes place within this universe. I think we’ve thematically presented this topic, without being didactic. It’s a very contemporary issue, and perhaps it will become the subject of new conflicts in the coming years, conceptually falling into place.
Engin, as far as I know, this is the first time we’ve seen you and Aslı Enver together. I think you had a great harmony on screen. What was it like working together? Do you have any memorable moments from filming?
Engin Akyürek: I was very happy to work with Aslı. Beyond sharing a relationship as actors, it was also very valuable to get to know her as a person. Aslı is an actress who is all about acting and knows what the story should tell. So, you find yourself in a more comfortable working space as an actor… I think we’ve captured a good acting style. I remember Aslı constantly feeling cold in her red dress. This situation arose when scenes planned for summer were postponed to winter. As male actors, we were luckier because we had jackets.
This is a series produced for Netflix by TİMS&B, one of the industry’s leading production companies; of course, there are the factors of Meriç Acemi and Uluç Bayraktar. Could you tell us a little about your involvement process with the project? What did you feel when you first read the script?
Engin Akyürek: I loved the effortless power and narrative style. I think our screenwriter handled this very cleverly. Besides it being a contemporary plot, I was also very excited to play a character I had never played before. Many factors come into play when involved in a project; knowing that Uluç Bayraktar would build this world well and having the support of a strong production team were also crucial. Working with talented people creates a unique space of freedom.
Osman is actually a traumatized character. His visible traits are a shield he uses to distance himself from his past and escape his traumas. He chose to be strong and follow a goal to move on. Beneath the surface lies a sensitive man, but he doesn’t realize he wants to make peace with what he’s running from. Perhaps love will help him reconcile with his past and his childhood…
Moving on to your character, the audience will see a charismatic, intelligent, romantic, and fulfilling character. Where do you empathize with Osman?
Engin Akyürek: I empathize with all the characters I play. If you can’t, it means something isn’t right. Beyond the obvious, I’d say it’s his inner child is trying to reach out to him for reconciliation. Osman’s contradictory character also draws him back to the very place he’s trying to escape. Every suppressed emotion will eventually resurface, multiplied in size. In Osman’s case, Nihal seems to burst that balloon of emotion within him.
You have a large fan base not only in Türkiye but also across the globe. Many viewers from around the world are eagerly awaiting the series. This interview will be published in both Turkish and English. What would you like to say to viewers outside of Türkiye about the series?
Engin Akyürek: I can say they will watch a truly universal love story, which they will enjoy and wonder about, set against the backdrop of the Bosphorus. I believe viewers who haven’t been to İstanbul will want to explore İstanbul and the Bosphorus. İstanbul is one of the main characters in this story!
Click here to read the interview with Aslı Enver and Meriç Acemi.
