Jake Kanter International TV EditorNetflix has canceled filming on its latest Turkish original, If Only, amid pressure from local authorities to remove a gay character from the series.The eight-part relationship drama was announced in March and was set to be made by Turkish production outfit Ay Yapim, with screen star Özge Özpirinçci leading the cast.
But Netflix has scrapped the plans after producers were refused a filming license because of the existence of a gay character.Per a translation in the Financial Times, If Only’s creator Ece Yörenç told Turkish film website Altyazi Fasikul: “Due to a gay character, permission to film the series was not granted and this is very frightening for the future.” Responding to a request for comment.