When Hudson Williams arrived in Toronto last Thursday, King Street erupted into a celebration. Fans eagerly captured the moment with their phones, cheering and taking countless photos and selfies. Some devoted fans camped out for up to 12 hours to catch a glimpse of the star of “Heated Rivalry” and secure a ticket to his premiere at the TIFF Lightbox.
Williams was in the city for a special event and the debut of his upcoming project, “Yaga,” a series inspired by Slavic folklore with a touch of mystery and sensuality set to stream in October. Fans of Williams will be delighted as he takes on not just one but two roles in the show.
Filmed earlier this year on Vancouver Island, “Yaga” follows a private investigator called to a coastal town to locate a missing heir from a prominent fishing family, unveiling a network of hidden secrets. The series features a stellar Canadian cast, including Noah Reid from “Schitt’s Creek,” Carrie-Anne Moss from “The Matrix,” Clark Backo from “Letterkenny,” Sheila McCarthy, and the original “Anne of Green Gables” star Megan Follows.
At the world premiere of “Yaga” at TIFF, CBC News caught up with the cast on the red carpet. Although Williams remained silent with the media, his co-star, Moss, expressed confidence in his performance, stating, “He doesn’t need it. He’s doing great.”
The premiere showcased not only the excitement around Williams but also the immense pride in the Canadian talent involved in the production. Reid, who brings a fresh and playful energy to his role in “Yaga,” shared his admiration for the collaborative and supportive nature of the Canadian creative community.
Backo, who stars alongside Reid, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the growing appreciation for Canadian projects. The genesis of “Yaga” traces back to a play by Kat Sandler at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre in 2019, reflecting a distinctly Canadian narrative that resonates with Follows, who emphasized the need for Canada to create its own diverse and compelling stories.
“Moss completes the Canadian ensemble, portraying a captivating professor entwined in the series’ intrigue. Sandler’s direct approach to Moss resonated with the acclaimed actress, who found the material irresistible and accepted the role without hesitation.
“Yaga” is set to premiere on Crave in the coming month, promising an engaging and uniquely Canadian viewing experience.