“It Was Incredibly Exciting… And A Little Surreal”: Turkish Actor Boran Kuzum Talks Working With Dan Levy On Big Mistakes

He announces himself to the global pop culture circumference in Rachel Sennott and Dan Levy’s Netflix crime comedy Big Mistakes, but the Turkish actor has long been putting his nation’s cinema in focus.

A rip-roaringly funny crime-com created in tandem by two of the funniest writers of their generational cohort – Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy and I Love LA’s Rachel Sennott – sounds like some kind of Gen Z screen nirvana. But this is no idealism – Netflix’s new hit show Big Mistakes has made it a reality. Following two hapless siblings (played by Levy and Taylor Ortega) as they find themselves caught up in a treacherous web of organised crime, the show is shocking, chaotic and often laugh-out-loud, a crisp and compelling genre criss-cross that’s among the streaming giant’s best originals of 2026 so far. 

The show’s breakout is undoubtedly Boran Kuzum. As the unpredictable and eruptive gangster Yusuf, the Turkish actor is downright hilarious and grippingly unnerving in equal measure, a chameleonic and characterful depiction from a thespian making his English language debut in Big Mistakes. 

But in his native Turkey, the 33-year-old has long been a certified star. A leading man with proven box office appeal, Kuzum has led major movies like sci-fi sensation The House With No Address and romantic drama Doom of Love, as well as being a beloved name on the small screen, including fronting roles in acclaimed shows like historical epic Wounded Love and, more recently, quirky rom-com series Thank You, Next.

Bridging the gap between steering his nation’s industry as a respected actor and undeniable heartthrob, to now making inroads in the Western screen consensus, Kuzum is proving an eclectic and engaging performer who’s only just getting into second gear. Speaking with Man About Town below, he delves into the intricacies of Turkish and Persian cinema, working with Levy, and why following his own path is paramount.

Where does your love of acting stem from? Who were the people you looked up to within the craft?

I discovered the power of acting at a very young age, through watching films and going to the theatre. I remember reading John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger and being deeply affected by a character whose anger we couldn’t fully understand at first. Only later in the play, when we learn about his experiences during World War II, everything suddenly makes sense – his anger, his defensiveness, the emotional armour he built around himself.

That moment stayed with me. It made me realise how acting allows us to understand people beyond what we see on the surface. Especially in today’s world, where empathy sometimes feels like it’s fading, I believe art has a healing power. It offers new perspectives and helps us connect with lives and emotions that are different from our own.   

Since then, I’ve been inspired by so many incredible actors – from Turkey, the U.S., and all over the world – and I still watch them with the same sense of admiration.

You’ve been a leading man in Turkish cinema for years and are now stepping into a global lens – what did your years working within your nation’s industry teach you about the craft and position of an actor within society?

Turkey has a very strong film and television industry. In terms of technical quality, pace, and diversity, there really isn’t a huge difference between sets in Turkey and here in the U.S. Because of that, I didn’t feel like a stranger on set at all.

I feel very proud of the work I’ve done in my country and the people I’ve had the chance to collaborate with – incredibly talented actors, directors, and crews.

At the same time, acting is not a profession that exists without an audience. Our motivation comes from reaching people. The more people we can connect with, the more meaningful it becomes. That’s why going global has always been a dream of mine, and I’m truly happy to see it becoming a reality.

How would you view the Turkish and Persian cinema scenes? What challenges do they face as industries?

I think every country has its own cultural dynamics and, naturally, those can influence storytelling in different ways. Certain sensitivities or boundaries may exist depending on the context. But I also believe this is not unique to one place – it’s something that exists in different forms all around the world. What matters most is continuing to tell honest, meaningful stories within those frameworks, and finding creative ways to express them.

Congratulations on your role in Big Mistakes! How did the opportunity first come your way?

About three or four years ago, I came to the U.S. to pursue my dreams. I already had a career that I loved in Turkey, but I wanted to open a new chapter here. After meeting my managers, I went through a long visa process — like many people coming from abroad — before I could fully begin. Once everything was in place, I started auditioning. This project was actually one of my very first auditions in the U.S.

I had been obsessively watching Schitt’s Creek for years — sharing it with friends and rewatching it constantly. When I saw “Dan Levy’s untitled new project” in the audition email, I was honestly in disbelief. I kept asking myself, “Is this that Dan Levy?”

It was incredibly exciting… and a little surreal.

Talk us through your character, Yusuf? What did you enjoy about playing him?

What’s interesting is that Yusuf was originally written as a character from a different nationality. After I was cast, they decided to make him Turkish, which gave me a lot of creative freedom. I was able to bring elements from my own culture, language, and personal experiences into the character, which made him much more layered and authentic.

Yusuf represents a dynamic force within the story – he’s the one who pulls Nicky and Morgan into this unpredictable journey. Being able to shape that energy within such a well-written script, alongside such talented actors, was an incredible experience.

How was being directed by and starring alongside the hilarious Dan Levy?

This was actually my first time working with someone who carries so many creative roles within one project — as a writer, actor, and showrunner. From the outside, you might expect that to feel complicated, but with Dan it’s the opposite. He creates an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and safe. He’s incredibly collaborative, open to ideas, and at the same time, he has a very clear vision. He manages to balance all of that while also being a genuinely kind and thoughtful leader.

And beyond everything, he’s an amazing actor. There were many moments where I found myself genuinely surprised and inspired by his instincts and the way he approaches a scene.

The show is called Big Mistakes — what’s a big mistake you’ve made in your life?

I don’t really see mistakes as something negative anymore. I’ve made many mistakes in my life — sometimes even the same ones more than once — but I don’t regret any of them. Every experience taught me something and brought me to where I am today. Instead of calling them mistakes, I prefer to see them as necessary steps in the journey.

What else are you working on? What’s coming next?

I recently worked on a series for Netflix Turkey called Thank You, Next, and its third season is coming out soon. I’m very excited about that. Other than that, I’m currently focusing on what’s ahead and exploring new opportunities.

What do you want to achieve as an actor in your career?

I’ve always wanted to be a unique actor – someone who follows his own path. There are many artists I deeply admire and learn from, but for me, true artistry comes from staying authentic to your own voice. I hope to continue doing this for the rest of my life, and to be recognised as someone who brings something unique and personal to every role.