18.06.2026 20:50
The banned substance investigation in the ambitious TRT Tabii series "Ateş Denizi" has caused chaos on set. Following a narcotics operation at the Beykoz Kundura Factory, legal proceedings were initiated against lead actor Erdem Kaynarca, while the production company made a notable decision. Filming has been halted, and the company announced that Kaynarca has been removed from the project.
The prohibited substance investigation on the set of the 'Ateş Denizi' series shot for the TRT Tabii platform led to a significant decision within the production team. Following a narcotics operation at the set in Beykoz Kundura Factory, it was announced that the production company parted ways with lead actor Erdem Kaynarca, against whom a judicial process was initiated. While filming was suspended for a week, attention has now turned to the new lead actor who will be brought into the project.
According to claims, the incident began yesterday afternoon when narcotics teams conducted an inspection on the set based on a tip-off. During the raid, it was reported that Erdem Kaynarca, who was in his caravan preparing for a scene, was first removed from the caravan, and then a search of his vehicle was conducted. Kaynarca was later taken to the Narcotics Branch Directorate in Halkalı, where his statement was taken and hair and blood samples were examined. The actor was released late at night after his procedures were completed.
FILMING SUSPENDED FOR A WEEK
Following these developments, the production team re-evaluated the shooting schedule. It was learned that filming of the series was suspended for a week, and the production company held meetings to revise the project timeline and determine a new roadmap.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE PRODUCTION COMPANY
The statement the public eagerly awaited came from Hakan Yıldız, General Coordinator of Sepya Film Prodüksiyon Ltd. Şti.
The statement included the following: "The judicial process regarding 'prohibited substance use,' which has been reflected in the public eye regarding Erdem Kaynarca, one of the actors in our project titled 'Ateş Denizi,' which is being produced by our company, has been meticulously examined. On this matter, to which we have shown great sensitivity from the first day of our casting choices, the contract of the individual, who wasted the efforts of our company and our colleagues working on the project, has been unilaterally terminated for just cause. Our project will continue as planned with the participation of a new actor."
MILLION-DOLLAR COST CLAIM
With the production company's statement, Erdem Kaynarca's role in the project officially ended. According to information obtained, the production team has begun negotiations for a new lead actor.
In industry circles, it is discussed that a large portion of the scenes featuring the actor will have to be reshot. It is claimed that this situation could incur additional costs of millions of liras for the production company, and it is noted that a significant part of the previously completed footage cannot be used.
The aim is to determine the new actor within a short period and resume filming in accordance with the planned broadcast schedule.