ALBAWABA - Demet Özdemir secures the female lead in 'Grand Maison İstanbul'.
Demet Özdemir is preparing for a new television project, and this time she will be sharing the screen with Kerem Bürsin. The actress has reportedly been cast as the female lead in 'Grand Maison İstanbul', Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming original series, ending months of speculation about who would play the character Defne.
According to Turkish journalist Birsen Altuntaş, Özdemir has reached an agreement with DASS Yapım to join the production. She will portray Defne, a chef whose story becomes closely connected to Ateş Leventoğlu, played by Bürsin. The actor was previously announced as the male lead.
The series will be directed by Umut Aral, an International Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. Filming is planned to begin in December 2026, with the production being prepared for Prime Video audiences in Türkiye and international markets.
Demet Özdemir and Kerem Bürsin to Play Two Chefs
The casting brings two well-known Turkish actors together for the first time. Özdemir will play Chef Defne, while Bürsin will appear as Chef Ateş Leventoğlu.
The female lead had been one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the project. Several names had been discussed during the casting process, but the latest report identifies Özdemir as the actress who secured the role.
The production had previously been reported as an eight-episode drama. Its central story revolves around two chefs who begin a professional partnership that gradually develops into a romantic relationship. However, their connection will face serious challenges as secrets, betrayal and love triangles enter their lives.
The story takes place in one of Istanbul's most prestigious kitchens, where professional ambition and personal relationships become closely intertwined.
'Grand Maison İstanbul' Is Based on a Japanese Series
Bomba transfer! “Grand Maison İstanbul”un Defne’si Demet Özdemir Oldu!
♦️Amazon Prime Video’nun yeni iddialı orijinal dizisi “Grand Maison İstanbul”un merakla beklenen kadın başrolü belli oldu!
DEMET ÖZDEMİR VE KEREM BÜRSİN BAŞROLDE
♦️DASS Yapım’ın Amazon Prime Video için Aralık ayında çekimlerine başlamayı planladığı dizide, uzun süredir kimin canlandıracağı merak konusu olan Defne karakteri için bomba isim Demet Özdemir ile anlaşıldı. Kerem Bürsin'in de Ateş karakteri ile başrolünde yer alacağı projenin Yönetmen koltuğunda ise Uluslararası Emmy ödüllü Umut Aral oturuyor.
♦️Amazon’un yalnızca Türkiye’ye değil, dünya pazarına yönelik global orijinal yapımları arasında konumlandırdığı “Grand Maison İstanbul”, uluslararası ölçekte iddialı bir prodüksiyon olarak hazırlanıyor. 👇
https://t.co/pTHmyq6707
The upcoming production is a Turkish adaptation of the Japanese drama 'Grand Maison Tokyo', which premiered in 2019.
The original series follows a chef whose career suffers a major setback in Paris. Determined to rebuild his reputation, he works toward opening a successful restaurant in Japan and achieving the highest recognition in the culinary world.
The Turkish version will bring the story to Istanbul, with Ateş and Defne at the center of the drama. Earlier reports have also described Ateş as a successful chef whose career and personal life will take unexpected turns.
Prime Video introduced the project with the tagline: "One kitchen. Two lives. Love, betrayal, intrigue, friendship... All tested in the heat of the kitchen."
Its official presentation also teased a passionate partnership that turns into an undeniable love story, while dangerous secrets and betrayals threaten to complicate the relationship.
Umut Aral to Direct the Eight-Episode Production
Umut Aral will take charge of directing 'Grand Maison İstanbul'. The filmmaker has worked on several Turkish television and streaming productions, including 'Şahsiyet', 'The Protector' and 'The Club'. He is also associated with the International Emmy-winning series 'Şahsiyet'.
DASS Yapım is producing the project for Amazon Prime Video, which is positioning the series as an original production with ambitions beyond the Turkish market.
The first season is planned to consist of eight episodes, and filming is expected to begin in December 2026. However, Prime Video has not yet announced an official release date or a complete cast list.
Demet Özdemir’s Next Project After 'Eşref Rüya'
A post shared by Burak Sağyaşar (@burak.sagyasar)
The new role marks another major project for Özdemir following her recent success in 'Eşref Rüya', where she starred opposite Çağatay Ulusoy as Nisan.
Known internationally for series such as 'Erkenci Kuş', 'Doğduğun Ev Kaderindir' and 'Adım Farah', the actress will now take on a character from the world of gastronomy.
For Bürsin, the project adds another leading role to his television and streaming career. His character Ateş will place him at the center of a story combining professional competition, romance and personal secrets.
With Özdemir and Bürsin leading the cast, 'Grand Maison İstanbul' is already attracting attention ahead of its planned December production start.
Zaid Qaissieh is a passionate English news and content writer with a knack for storytelling and an eye for detail. covering a range of Entertainment topics—from breaking global news and trending entertainment stories to insightful pieces—I bring a creative edge to every article. Zaid aims to engage, inform, and inspire readers, balancing well-researched content with a fresh, accessible voice.
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