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Fans are raising questions about the casting of the upcoming series Abi, which stars Kenan İmirzalioğlu and Afra Saraçoğlu, highlighting the notable 24-year age gap between the two leads.
The new ATV series Abi has yet to begin filming, but it’s already generating significant buzz this season. The controversy centers around the substantial age difference between its main actors. İmirzalioğlu, who is currently 50, will portray Cerrah Doğan Hancıoğlu, a man who left his family years ago to forge a new life elsewhere. He returns to Istanbul for his sister’s wedding, and that night marks a turning point. At the heart of this upheaval is Çağla, portrayed by Saraçoğlu, who is only 26.
In the series, Çağla is depicted as a young lawyer just starting out in her profession. She applies for a position at her family’s company, where she quickly encounters Doğan. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that will profoundly impact both of their lives.
What has drawn particular attention from viewers and critics alike isn’t just the storyline but also the considerable age disparity between the lead actors. Many viewers on social media express concerns, suggesting that the casting feels unrealistic and makes for an awkward dynamic, especially if the plot hints at romantic development.
Some believe the difference in age is deliberate. Since the character Çağla is introduced as a lawyer at the beginning of her career, her youth is justified. Industry insiders suggest that the series may not even focus on a traditional long-term romance between Doğan and Çağla. Instead, their relationship might emphasize themes of disruption and transformation, exploring how her presence influences Doğan’s life trajectory.
Nevertheless, the pairing has sparked ongoing debates about Turkish dramas and their frequent practice of casting significantly younger women opposite older male leads. While some view this as a recurring issue, others argue it adds depth and realism to the narrative.
Saraçoğlu had initially intended to take a break from mainstream television after completing her role in Pera for Disney+. However, she changed her mind and decided to join the cast of Abi. With Kenan İmirzalioğlu’s star power and Saraçoğlu’s rising popularity, the show is sure to attract attention, whether for its storytelling or the contentious age difference between the leads.
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