When Hudson Williams arrived in Toronto on Thursday, the atmosphere on King Street transformed into a lively celebration. Phone cameras were in abundance, fans were ecstatic, and there was a flurry of posters and selfies. Outside the TIFF Lightbox, devoted fans had patiently waited for up to 12 hours just for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Heated Rivalry star and secure a ticket to his premiere.
Williams was in town for a special discussion event and the debut of his upcoming project, Yaga, a series inspired by Slavic folklore with a focus on mystery and sensuality, set to start streaming in October. Fans of Williams will be delighted as he takes on not one, but two roles in the show.
Filmed earlier this year on Vancouver Island, Yaga follows a private investigator summoned to a small coastal town to locate a missing young heir from a wealthy fishing family, unraveling a web of dark secrets in the process. The series boasts a talented Canadian cast, including Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek), Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix), Clark Backo (Letterkenny), Sheila McCarthy, and the iconic Megan Follows from the original Anne of Green Gables.
The world premiere of Yaga at TIFF saw CBC News present on the red carpet, where Moss, Williams’ co-star, responded to media inquiries by affirming his stellar performance with a simple statement: “He doesn’t need it. He’s doing great.”
The event exuded a strong sense of Canadian pride alongside the Hudson frenzy, emphasizing the talent behind the show. Reid, portraying the private investigator with a refreshing twist from his Schitt’s Creek role, praised the collaborative and supportive creative environment in Canada.
Backo, who stars as a local detective alongside Reid, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the growing support for Canadian productions. The genesis of Yaga stemmed from a play by Kat Sandler at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre in 2019, showcasing an unapologetically Canadian narrative.
Follows expressed enthusiasm for the project’s Canadian essence, underscoring the need for indigenous content creation across various genres. Moss, playing a captivating professor in the series, was drawn to the project by its compelling material and the direct invitation from Sandler.
The eagerly anticipated Yaga will premiere on Crave next month, promising a captivating viewing experience for audiences.
