As Episode Magazine, we spoke with Mert Ramazan Demir, lead of Disney+ original We’ll Be Fine.
One of the most turbulent, intense, and debated characters of We’ll Be Fine: Aktan. We sat down with Mert Ramazan Demir to talk about this character who moves along the edge of passion, the fine line between love and addiction, and the fragile world within Aktan.
Lal and Aktan’s relationship is a complete “push and pull” story. When you first read Aktan, did you think “this guy is in love,” or “this guy is sabotaging himself”?
While reading the first episodes, the possibility of Aktan sabotaging himself felt stronger. As time passed and I saw the transformation of both the character and the relationship, I began to better understand the depth of what Aktan feels for Lal. The moment he started losing control, I believed he was in love.
In the series, love feels both like a fairytale and a nightmare. For you, is Lal truly love for Aktan, or is it a bit of an addiction?
I don’t think there’s a clear answer to that. There’s a great passion between him and Lal, which looks like love. On the other hand, there’s also this inability to let go. The intensity of what they experience can also feel like an addiction.
What was your favorite and most challenging aspect of Aktan’s character? Because he appears strong on the outside but is quite fragile inside.
I don’t think there was a part that I struggled with. I love his fragile side and his desire to change.
The series is written by Pınar Bulut. While reading the script, which scene surprised you the most or made you think, “This will be great to play”?
I don’t want to give spoilers, so I won’t name a specific scene. But the idea of playing a character who transforms and evolves in every episode was very exciting.
The director is Neslihan Yeşilyurt. How did working with her affect you as an actor? Is she a director who gives space to actors?
It was great. Working with a director you can create ideas with is a big advantage, and Neslihan was that for me. She does her job with passion. The excitement she feels about what she does affects everyone around her. Working with someone with that kind of energy was motivating for all of us.
“We’ll be fine” feels like the motto of the series. But in real life, do you think love can really overcome everything?
I think it’s a kind of madness, so people can act more courageously. I don’t know if it overcomes everything, but with that madness, it pushes you to go beyond what you think you’re capable of.
If you could sit down with Aktan one evening, what advice would you give him? Is there anything you’d say, “Look, you’re doing this wrong”?
I don’t think Aktan is doing anything wrong. He’s trying to make something very difficult happen despite everything. I find that effort sincere. I would tell him to keep going.
What is the biggest difference between the Mert who first started acting and the Mert of today? Are you calmer on set now, or do you still feel the same excitement?
Of course, I still feel the excitement, but I’m a calmer person now. Even though it feels like a short time, I’ve spent a long time on set. Practicing this much has reduced my anxieties.
I’m curious about your method when preparing for a role. Do you do anything special beyond the script to understand the character?
I’m not someone who reads the script over and over while preparing. I work longer to understand the character properly. After that, there’s a period where I prepare both physically and mentally.
What feeds you the most outside of acting? Music, sports, solitude… Where does Mert Ramazan Demir gather his energy when he’s off set?
Everything. I don’t make a special effort for it. Whatever feeds me naturally also feeds my profession.
Does the series being released on Disney+ create a different kind of excitement for you as an actor? Because now it will be watched not only in Türkiye but all over the world.
Yes, I’m excited. I’ll be meeting Hulu and Disney+ audiences for the first time. The fact that it will be released worldwide is also exciting. I’m curious about the reactions.
I also see you sharing it from time to time, you have a passion for tennis. You both play and follow major matches. Which tennis player’s life would you like to portray?
Novak Djokovic.
