For months, Red Roses has been the talk of Türkiye. It’s the most-watched show in the country, with scenes shared all over social media, sparking conversations after every episode. Özcan Deniz portrays the character of Levent, a secular doctor in the series. We had an insightful conversation with Özcan Deniz about Red Roses, his portrayal of Levent, and the series’ international trajectory.
Red Roses has been Türkiye’s most-watched and talked-about series since the last season, and it made a strong start to its second season. What did you feel when you first read the script? Did you anticipate it would be this popular?
Özcan Deniz: Red Roses is performing a miracle when you consider the rhythm of Turkish TV series, the sociology of the country, and the realities of production. I knew that audiences, who were growing tired of shows lacking depth, would see this one as something different. Even on paper, it stood out in that sense. The fact that it came together with the right cast and the right directors made the series even stronger. I would be lying if I said I didn’t expect this kind of attention.
Levent is a secular doctor who is constantly challenged by his beliefs and principles. Where do you think Levent fits in today’s society? And as Özcan Deniz, where do you personally connect with him?
Özcan Deniz: Levent represents not just a large part of Turkish society, but also the majority of people in many developed and developing countries around the world. He is liberal yet patriotic. He holds universal moral values and a strong belief in education. He is as devoted to Atatürk’s principles as he is to the universal ideas of Hz. Ali and other religious leaders and figures. In his daily life, he often references their teachings. What I appreciate most about Levent, and where I connect with him, is that he is very open-minded. He looks at every situation from all angles and isn’t bound by any single ideology.
Özcan Deniz: “Red Roses is performing a miracle when you consider the rhythm of Turkish TV series, the sociology of the country, and the realities of production. I knew that audiences, who were growing tired of shows lacking depth, would see this one as something different. Even on paper, it stood out in that sense. The fact that it came together with the right cast and the right directors made the series even stronger. I would be lying if I said I didn’t expect this kind of attention.“
Özgü Namal has returned to the screen after years with Red Roses, and your chemistry with her has been widely appreciated. Your scenes with Mert Yazıcıoğlu are being shared a lot on social media and people love it. Mina and Esma are very young actors who have quickly gained a lot of popularity. What would you like to say about your co-partners?
Özcan Deniz: I’m so glad Özgü returned to the sets, and even more so that she made her comeback with us. She’s an incredible actor and a fantastic colleague. On top of that, she’s gone through a lot in life, come out stronger, and is now an amazing mother. TV sets are where we spend more time than with our families or social circles, so having everyone work in harmony is a matter of luck. Red Roses is an extraordinary set in that regard. Every actor is someone you could talk about for hours. We’re really fortunate in this sense.
Mert is like a brother to me. He’s incredibly talented with a strong personality. Red Roses has really amplified the star quality he already had, and he carries it so well. This is our second project together, and in both, our energy has really connected with the audience. Our dialogues in Red Roses have become like a favorite book for viewers, something they go back to and watch again and again. As for our girls, Mina and Esma, they are incredible. Despite their young age, they have such presence that they give even the most experienced actors the confidence to lean on them. They’re that powerful and impactful.
What do you think Red Roses is really about? What impact do you hope it will have on the audience?
Özcan Deniz: Everyone who watches and reflects on the series could have their own take on this question. But in my opinion, the core issue that the series aims to tackle is the role of women in society and the impact of polarization on women and the younger generation.
What do you think Red Roses will mean for international audiences?
Özcan Deniz: When we talk about “international audiences,” we sometimes fall into the misconception that there is somewhere called “abroad” and people there are somehow from a different planet. As if they don’t receive the same news, experience the same concerns, or deal with the same global issues like politics, society, health, and the economy. But that’s not the case.
They ask the same questions we do and wonder, even if they don’t know it, “What’s happening over there. Even though Türkiye doesn’t have a history of slavery, I still watched shows like Roots or Slave Isaura with curiosity. In the same way that the world became fascinated by a figure they didn’t know, like Hürrem Sultan, audiences will watch Red Roses with that same curiosity and excitement. It’s a rare production with a depth and cinematic quality that’s hard to find.
This interview with Özcan Deniz was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.
