Digital Phablet – Uğur Güneş and Burak Özçivit have become the center of a casting dispute.
The controversy involves ATV’s highly awaited new series Güneşin Doğduğu Yer (The Place Where the Sun Rises), a high-budget Tims&B production scheduled to film in Adana.
Initially, filming was set to commence in mid-June, but plans suddenly shifted. Turkish media reported a delay until June 25, raising questions about the behind-the-scenes happenings.
Shortly after, reports surfaced indicating that lead actor Uğur Güneş had exited the project even before filming started. Güneş had been preparing to portray Kenan Kozan, a key character in the narrative, who is the son of Celadet and a significant figure in the Kozan family. Turkish actress Sibel Taşçıoğlu is expected to play Celadet.
Sources indicate that Güneş and the production team couldn’t agree on the final contract terms, with disagreements over conditions leading to his departure.
Not long after this news broke, another surprising development occurred.
Several outlets reported that Burak Özçivit, who recently wrapped up a six-season run on ATV’s hit series Kuruluş Osman, was in negotiations to assume the lead role. Reports suggested that Özçivit was close to finalizing the agreement to portray Kenan Kozan.
Interest in his participation grew when entertainment sources claimed Özçivit was highly impressed by the script and personally showed enthusiasm for joining the project. Although no official confirmation has been provided, these rumors quickly spread across Turkish media and social platforms.
Attention then turned to Uğur Güneş’s social media activity. After the casting change, the actor posted messages interpreted by many as references to the ongoing situation.
One social media post read: “Neither Mecca nor the dervish lodge can cleanse a violated right,” which rapidly circulated online. He later shared another message, “Doymadın doyamadın” (“You were never satisfied”), fueling further speculation among fans and entertainment critics.
While Güneş never explicitly named Özçivit, many followers saw these posts as indirect criticisms of the developments surrounding the series. Some believed the messages addressed entirely different issues. Neither actor has publicly commented on the matter.
Further, Güneş expressed his views about the industry, stating, “It’s not just about being an actor; the story is the true star.” He shared some insights about preparing for his role in Güneşin Doğduğu Yer and made comments about his colleagues, which drew notable attention.
The upcoming drama, penned by Yıldız Tunç, tells the story of Kenan, a member of one of Çukurova’s most influential families, and Tina, a German woman whose life becomes intertwined with his. It’s considered one of ATV’s largest projects for the upcoming TV season.
Currently, the project remains under scrutiny as fans await confirmation of Özçivit’s official signing and responses from either actor regarding the controversy.
