Bosnian actress Merzem Şilak has become a new leading actress in the project 'Aşk ve Taht' (Love and the Throne), which is one of the most ambitious historical Turkish dramas in development. The series, produced by Mehmet Bozdağ for Bozdağ Film, has officially moved to the next stage of production, beginning script readings in costume.
Merzem Şilak has joined the project as Princess Destin (previously mentioned as Maryam) and will be one of the main stars alongside Akın Akınzu. Akın Akınzu plays the role of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, one of the influential rulers of the Anatolian Seljuk state. Simay Barлас will also be central to the plot, playing Melike Hatun.
Turkish media reported that the cast recently gathered for a costume rehearsal and script reading, allowing the actors to appear together in historical attire for the first time before filming begins. Special attention was drawn to Akın Akınzu's physical transformation, who spent months preparing to authentically portray Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, reflecting the appearance of a 13th-century ruler, including long hair.
In addition to his appearance, Akın Akınzu underwent extensive preparation, studying both the historical figure and the political climate of that era. His costume, hairstyle, and overall look were meticulously designed to match the image of one of Anatolia's most famous sultans. The script focuses on Alaeddin Keykubad's journey from captivity to the throne, highlighting a key chapter in the history of the Anatolian Seljuks.
The series promises to combine historical facts with emotional storytelling, exploring themes of romance, betrayal, dynastic strife, palace politics, and harem intrigue, rather than focusing solely on military victories. Producers described 'Aşk ve Taht' as a powerful love story rarely shown on screen, emphasizing the complex balance between personal relationships and political ambitions within the palace.
The work behind the camera is handled by a renowned team of directors: Yağmur Taylan and Durul Taylan, known as the Taylan Brothers, along with Cem Tolua. These directors are considered among the most respected in Turkey, having experience creating many successful dramatic projects. During the script reading event, Akın Akınzu, Merzem Şilak, and Simay Barлас shared their enthusiasm for participating in the project. The involvement of Merzem Şilak also attracted attention, as it lends an additional authentic regional dimension to the international production.
The series NOW Yeraltı is preparing for its second season, which promises significant changes in both production and cast. Among the potential major participants is one of Turkey's most respected actors, İsmail Hacıoğlu.
According to reports from Turkish entertainment publications, Hacıoğlu is negotiating to join the project by Medyapım. The series is overseen by director Murat Öztürk and producer Fatih Aksoy. Preparation for the new season began after the first season concluded on May 20th.
Initial reports indicated that Hacıoğlu was being considered for the lead role, which could significantly change the direction of the plot. Latest information suggests that discussions between the actor and the team are ongoing, and he might join the cast once the details of his character are finalized.
According to Turkish press, Hacıoğlu is expected to play a powerful new character who will be an adversary to Bozkurt Hanoğlu, better known as Bozo, played by Uraz Kaygılaroğlu. Although the identity and full background of Hacıoğlu's potential character have not been officially revealed, the possibility of the experienced actor clashing with Bozo has already generated great interest among fans of the series.
This addition will create a new dramatic conflict at the core of the second season. Bozo is one of the central figures of Yeraltı, whose power and influence are closely tied to the criminal underworld. The appearance of a new, strong rival may force him into a confrontation unlike anything he experienced in the first season.
Yeraltı has become one of NOW's most discussed dramatic projects in the 2025–26 season. The series stars Deniz Can Aktaş as Haydar Ali Aslan, Devrim Özkan as Halide Ceylan, and Uraz Kaygılaroğlu as Bozkurt Hanoğlu. The story tells of Haydar Ali, who goes to prison after seeking revenge for the murder of his family, and then becomes involved with one of Turkey's most dangerous underground networks. His release confronts him with old love, loyalty, betrayal, and influential figures controlling the criminal world.
The second season is also expected to introduce several new characters. Turkish media reported that Bozo's former lover will appear in the story, and she will have a young daughter played by child actress Azra Aksu. These new elements should expand the personal and dramatic conflicts surrounding the main characters.
The possible involvement of İsmail Hacıoğlu in Yeraltı would mark a significant return for him to a major television project. Previously, the actor starred in the series Cennetin Çocukları on TRT 1 but left it earlier this year following an investigation. Turkish media reported that he was removed from the cast after the investigation, although previously filmed episodes were still planned for broadcast.
Hacıoğlu has established himself as one of Turkey's strongest dramatic performers, known for taking on emotionally intense and complex roles. Therefore, his potential appearance in Yeraltı has attracted special attention from viewers eagerly awaiting how his acting style will fit into the dark world of crime, power, revenge, and betrayal in the series.
Although the actor's participation has not yet been officially confirmed by Medyapım or NOW, the ongoing negotiations have made İsmail Hacıoğlu one of the most closely watched names in the preparation for the second season. If an agreement is reached, the conflict between his character and Bozo could become one of the central storylines of the new season, adding another major force to the series, which ended its first season with an open future.
