The upcoming premiere of “Yaga” on Crave this weekend will attract two distinct groups of viewers: fans of Hudson Williams eagerly anticipating his next major project post “Heated Rivalry,” and enthusiasts of the spooky season. It is perfectly acceptable to belong to both categories.
The eight-episode half-hour drama has garnered significant interest not only due to the presence of the popular hockey romance star, Hudson Williams but also because of the impressive ensemble cast featuring renowned Canadian talents such as Carrie-Anne Moss from “The Matrix,” Noah Reid of “Schitt’s Creek,” Clark Backo from “Letterkenny,” and Megan Follows known for “Anne of Green Gables.”
The series offers a captivating blend of a sexy mystery, with Williams portraying two distinct characters, set in the fictional town of Whittock, filmed on the atmospheric Vancouver Island. In this town, a dominant wealthy family coexists with powerful witches unafraid to wield their abilities.
Describing the series, cast member Sheila McCarthy likened it to “Dexter with witches.” The first two episodes will be released on Friday, with subsequent episodes following weekly until the two-episode season finale on November 27.
Before transitioning into a streaming series, “Yaga” originated as a play that premiered at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre in September 2019. The play, which received a Dora Award nomination, combined folklore with a mystery element featuring three actors portraying multiple roles on a minimalist stage.
Kat Sandler, the writer and director of the original play, now serves as the writer and showrunner for the streaming series. Sandler expressed her delight in expanding the story with a talented cast and creative team, emphasizing how the transition to television felt right.
The character played by Hudson Williams in the play was initially singular. However, the decision to split the role into two parts had been made before Williams gained international fame through “Heated Rivalry.” Sandler highlighted the need for more suspects and a richer town setting, making Williams’ availability for the role serendipitous.
“Baba Yaga,” a character from Slavic folklore, is a central figure in the narrative. She embodies the archetype of a solitary crone residing in a house mounted on chicken feet, alternating between malevolent witch and wise mentor roles. The character’s significance in facing darkness and transformation is explored in the book “Women Who Run With the Wolves.”
Carrie-Anne Moss’s involvement in “Yaga” was influenced by her fondness for the book and a heartfelt letter from Sandler. Moss, reflecting on the synchronicity of events, emphasized how such occurrences have guided her decisions.
The series emphasizes the portrayal of strong women on and off-screen. Clark Backo, who plays Sergeant Carson, highlighted the normalcy of powerful women in her life and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to depict such characters on screen.
Sandler commended the collaborative and generous spirit of the Canadian cast, noting their dedication to realizing her vision. Collaborators like Alanis Morissette, who covered Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” for the show, have also embraced the project with enthusiasm.
In anticipation of the premiere, Sandler conveyed a mix of emotions, feeling empowered, feminine, and excited for the long-awaited debut of “Yaga.”