Boran Kuzum

stars in

Netflix series

BIG MISTAKES

Photography Matthew Priestley

Fashion Editor Deborah Ferguson

Jacket, Shirt, & Pants: Kenzo

Jacket, Pants, & Slides: Dolce Gabbana

On location at The Ned NoMad in New York City, creating our cover shoot with Boran, a different dimension of the actor emerges, his presence measured, self-assured, and quietly charismatic.

A N, compelling contrast from his character in Netflix series in Big Mistakes.

There is an ease to him that feels instinctive rather than performed. He moved through the shoot with an appreciation for photography and fashion while remaining grounded. It’s a rare balance: an actor with established success in Turkey and growing momentum in the United States, yet entirely unburdened by it.

Jacket, Pants, & Slides: Dolce Gabbana

Big Mistakes marks your entry into an American comedy with a substantial supporting role; how was this character initially presented to you, and how did it evolve once you were on set?

When I first received the audition, the only things I knew about the character were that he was a foreigner in America and involved in organized crime. Once I got the role, our writers decided to make him Turkish, and I started suggesting names we eventually landed on “Yusuf.” During filming, I brought in many gestures and expressions from my own roots, and together we gradually built the character.

Jacket, Pants, & Slides: Dolce Gabbana

You’re a highly established actor in Turkey, what has it been like stepping into an American comedy space, and did it shift your approach to performance in any way?

The biggest difference for me was performing in English for the first time. It was actually quite comforting that we leaned into my accent, so I didn’t have to overthink how I was speaking. That allowed me to focus more on the performance and the character itself.

Jacket, Shirt, & Pants: Kenzo

Jacket, Pants, & Slides: Dolce Gabbana

Audiences have noted a strong on-screen chemistry between your character and Morgan as you introduce her to the world of organized crime, was that dynamic intentional, or something that developed organically?

I’d say it was a bit of both, and I’m really happy to hear that it translated to the audience. Taylor is a wonderful actress who truly reacts to what you bring into a scene, and she also brings so much herself. That mutual exchange made it easy to build a dynamic together.

Your character takes a surprising turn in terms of loyalty, culminating in a major cliffhanger; how did you interpret those choices and their repercussions within the writing?

I think Yusuf is more loyal to what he believes is right within his job, rather than to specific people. Even though he operates within organized crime, he’s constantly searching for a sense of fairness. In the end, he refuses to harm someone who isn’t truly guilty, and that decision reveals a lot about his moral compass.

Jacket, Pants, & Slides: Dolce Gabbana

Were there particular scenes or moments that stood out to you as favorites, either in the writing or in performing them?

I would say the first ride we take with Morgan and Nicky in my truck. That was one of the funniest days on set—we kept laughing, and it was genuinely difficult to get through the scenes because of it, in the best way.

What was your experience working with Dan Levy, given his reputation for both creative precision and generosity on set?

I really admire how he manages to wear so many hats on set while still remaining open and collaborative. He listens to everyone and makes sure people feel comfortable and supported. And as a scene partner, he’s an incredible actor.

Jacket, Pants, & Slides: Dolce Gabbana

Characters within organized crime can often lean into familiar tropes, yet yours reveals unexpected growth, how did you approach bringing nuance and evolution to the role?

That really comes down to the writing. Our writers created a three-dimensional character whose layers unfold over time. As an actor, once you see those layers clearly, it becomes much easier to build the character’s journey and evolution.

Jacket, Shirt, & Pants: Kenzo

Was there a moment during filming where you felt the scale or potential success of the series that “pinch me” realization of doing comedy in America?

Honestly, I felt that during our table reads. It was incredible to see how these talented actors brought everything to life right from the start. The chemistry in the room was already there.

Jacket, Shirt, & Pants: Kenzo

Do you feel there’s more story to tell? Would you be open to a second season?

I definitely think there’s much more story to explore. I would love for us to come together again for another season and continue digging deeper into these characters and this world.