Leyla (fka Hayat Hırsızı), one of the most anticipated series of the new season, is a remake of a classic. By classic, we mean the 2012 International Emmy-nominated Brazilian telenovela Avenida Brasil (Brazil Avenue). At its prime, Avenida Brasil broke viewership records in Brazil, a success it reproduced in many of the 140+ countries it later licensed to.
The original series followed the story of Rita, who struggles to recover the life her dreadful stepmother Carminha took from her when she was a child. In search of justice, Rita transforms into Nina and returns, determined to settle accounts with the woman who destroyed her life and left her in a garbage dump. However, her revenge falters when she discovers the relationship between her ex-stepmother and Jorgito, her first love.
In the years since Avenida Brasil ended, many offers to remake the series were reportedly made, all of which were passed over. This changed in October 2023, when Ay Yapım and Globo confirmed during international TV market MIPCOM that a Turkish remake was in the works. The announcement, met with great enthusiasm, also confirmed that the original Globo Studios team behind the series will be providing artistic consultancy on the adaptation. "Seeing one of our most successful dramas produced in a new version will be fascinating. We believe in the potential of this adaptation, its success in Turkey and around the world, and that it will open doors for many to come,” said Angela Colla, the head of International Business and Coproductions at Globo.
Kerem Çatay, CEO of Ay Yapım, echoed her sentiments, adding, “We are very excited to produce and create the first version of this great story. I am sure this will be the next hit that will travel the world one more time. I believe joining forces in this new journey will bring a lot of newer opportunities in the future."
While information about the remake remains under wraps, we know that it will air in September on Türkiye’s NOW (fka FOX). The remake will be directed by Intl’ Emmy-winning director Hilal Saral, and Aybike Ertürk will be writing.
After a meticulous pre-production phase, a very well-rounded cast has been assembled that we are sure will do the original series justice.
Without further ado, here’s who is playing who in the Turkish remake of Avenida Brasil:
Cemre Baysel as Nina/Rita
Cemre Baysel is set to portray Leyla/Leylim (originally played by actress Débora Falabella), the center of the series, who was abandoned by her stepmother, Carminha, in a dumpster as a child after losing her father. Years later, she returns as Nina to take revenge on the woman she holds responsible for her father’s passing and all the pain and suffering she endured as a child.
Gonca Vuslateri as Carminha
Gonca Vuslateri is set to portray Nur, the Turkish version of Carminha (originally played by Adriana Esteves). Rita’s archnemesis, hell-bent on making her life a living hell, the deceitful, cunning, and ambitious Carminha made a treacherous name for herself by prioritizing her own desires above all else.
Alperen Duymaz as Jorginho
Alperen Duymaz is s set to portray Civan, the Turkish version of Jorginho (originally played by Cauã Reymond). Charming, intelligent, and good-natured, Jorginho was abandoned at a garbage dump as a child. There, he meets and falls in love at first sight with Rita, but they subsequently part ways when Jorge Tufão adopts him. After being apart for many years, they finally reunite, and despite facing numerous obstacles, their passionate love story blossoms.
Halil İbrahim Ceyhan as Jorge Tufão
Halil İbrahim Ceyhan is set to portray Tufo, the Turkish version of Jorge Tufão (originally played by Murilo Benício). Jorge Tufão, a football star in his prime, was married to Carminha for many years until he discovered her many years of unfaithfulness, among other shady dealings. Upon deciding to put himself first, after many years of unhappiness, Jorge Tufão embarks on a journey to reunite with his one true love.
Yiğit Kirazcı as Max
Yiğit Kirazcı is set to play Max, the Turkish version of Max (originally played by Marcello Novaes). Carminha’s lover and partner in crime for years, the duo shared many of the same shady traits, which, in the end, was their undoing.
Cengiz Bozkurt as Leleco
Cengiz Bozkurt is set to play Selman, the Turkish version of Leleco (originally played by Marcos Caruso). Leleco is Jorge Tufão’s fun-loving boxer father, who turned to a life of partying after his son made it big in football.
Meltem Baytok as Muricy
Meltem Baytok is set to play Hatice, the Turkish version of Muricy (originally played by Eliane Giardini). Leleco’s outspoken wife, who fought tooth and nail to raise her kids Jorge Tufão and Ivana, Muricy, was known for her huge heart and immense character.
Zeyno Eracar as Lucinda
Zeyno Eracar is set to play Güzide, the Turkish version of Lucinda (originally played by (Vera Holtz). The heart and soul of the landfill where Batata (Jorginho) and Rita (Nina) were abandoned, Lucinda served as a mother to the many kids who passed through the landfill through the years and treated every one of them with love and care, despite life sometimes being unfair to her.
Gamze Karaduman as Ivana
Gamze Karaduman is set to play Ferda, the Turkish version of Ivana (originally played by Leticia Isnard). Jorge Tufão’s sister, the outgoing and good-natured Ivana, was in charge of the family business. Like many others in the story, Ivana was also a victim of Max and Carminha, as she was Max’s wife.
Dilara Aksüyek as Mona Lisa
Dilara Aksüyek is set to play Serap, the Turkish version of Mona Lisa (Heloise Perissé). The passionate Serap was Jorge Tufão's great love until Carminha tore them apart. But their story was far from over, and when the stars align, they are reunited, and love triumphs.
Mustafa Avkıran as Nilo
Mustafa Avkıran is set to play Neco, the Turkish version of Nilo, originally played by José de Abreu. Married to Lucinda, Nilo greatly exploited children in the garbage dump but ultimately faced the consequences of harboring a secret.
Honorable mention:
Melisa Duru Ünal as Little Rita
Melisa Duru Ünal is set to play the child version of Rita/Nina, beautifully portrayed by Honey Maia in the original series.
Character descriptions for the original Avenida Brasil series were sourced from Globo. Photos are copyright to their original owners, all rights reserved.