Netflix dropped its first-ever Turkish Original series today (Friday, December 14) with all 10 episodes from the show dropping in one go. The series has been described as an “epic journey” for an ordinary man who discovers his true destiny and becomes a superhero. The Protector features a core cast of Turkish stars bringing together established actors with up-and-coming performers.
The Protector was announced back in March 2018 and is part of Netflix’s expansion into international content.
This series follows in the footsteps of Sacred Games, Élite and 1983 which have all launched earlier this year as the streaming giant continues with its ethos of storytelling without borders.
Netflix announced this year that it’s commissioned its first Original series from Africa as it continues branching out into new markets.
Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix said: “Our belief is that great storytelling transcends borders.
When stories from different countries, languages and cultures find a worldwide platform where the only limitation is the creator’s imagination, then unique, yet universal, stories emerge that are embraced by a global audience.”
THE PROTECTOR ON NETFLIX RELEASE DATE, CAST, TRAILER, PLOT
A synopsis from Netflix for The Protector reads: “The series follows the epic adventure of Hakan (played by Cagatay Ulusoy), a young shopkeeper whose modern world gets turned upside down when he learns he’s connected to a secret, ancient order, tasked with protecting Istanbul.
“At the story’s start, Hakan couldn’t be further from a hero — just an ordinary guy in this city of 15 million, where East meets West and past meets present.
“He must quickly learn that his hometown is under threat from the mysterious, mystical Immortals, and it’s his job to stop them. It’s a task he’s not only unprepared for, but resists — will he fulfil his destiny as the last protector?”
HOW TO WATCH THE PROTECTOR ON NETFLIX ONLINE
Who is in the cast of The Protector on Netflix?
Hakan – Cagatay Ulusoy
Leading the cast the titular protector is Cagatay Ulusoy as Hakan, who finds himself on an unexpected course after discovering his real purpose.
Ulusoy’s credits include the likes of Adini Feriha Koydum, Medcezir and Içerde.
Leyla – Ayca Aysin Turan
Joining him is Ayca Aysin Turan as Leyla, who will be Hakan’s love interest and also serves as chief of staff to businessman Faysal (played by Okan Yalabik).
Turan studied at the Department of Radio, Cinema and Television in Istanbul University before getting roles in Karagül, Dinle Sevgili and Hayal ve gerçek.
WHERE IS THE PROTECTOR ON NETFLIX FILMED?
Zeynep – Hazar Erguclu
Hakan’s confidante and close friend Zeynep will be played by Hazar Erguclu. Could she also serve as a love rival to Leyla?
Erguclu has many credits to her name within Turkish television such as Hayat Sirlari, Yüksek Sosyete and Medcezir.
Faysal – Okan Yalabik
In the role of respected businessman Faysal is Okan Yalabik, who Hakan looks up to as a father figure of sorts.
With a career spanning decades and covering stage and screen, Yalabik counts Wounded Love, Hunting Season and Masum among his credits.
Mazhar – Mehmet Kurtulus
Taking on the part of Hakan’s best friend and his right-hand man Mazhar will be Mehmet Kurtulus.
German-born actor Kurtulus is an established star with roles in Muhtesem Yüzyil: Kösem, Tatort and Kasirga insanlari.
Other cast members include Saygin Soysal, Burcin Terzioglu, Mehmet Yilmaz Ak and Fatih Dönmez.
The Protector is available to watch on Netflix now