When Hudson Williams arrived in Toronto on Thursday, the atmosphere on King Street transformed into a lively celebration. The crowd whipped out their phones, fans erupted with excitement, and there was a frenzy of posters and selfies. Outside the TIFF Lightbox, ardent fans had patiently waited for up to 12 hours just to catch a glimpse of the star of “Heated Rivalry” and secure a ticket to his premiere.
Williams was in town for a special in-conversation event and the debut of his upcoming project, “Yaga,” a provocative mystery series inspired by Slavic folklore that will begin 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 heir to a wealthy fishery family, unveiling a web of dark secrets. The series boasts a Canadian ensemble cast including Noah Reid (“Schitt’s Creek”), Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”), Clark Backo (“Letterkenny”), Sheila McCarthy, and the original “Anne of Green Gables” star, Megan Follows.
At the world premiere of “Yaga” at TIFF, CBC News captured the red carpet moments. While Williams chose not to engage with the media, Moss, his co-star, was asked if she had any advice for him. Moss responded simply, “He doesn’t need it. He’s doing great.”
The event exuded both Hudson mania and a strong sense of pride in the Canadian talent showcased in the series. Reid, who portrays the investigator with a playful twist from his role on “Schitt’s Creek,” shared insights on the collaborative spirit in the Canadian creative industry.
Backo, who stars alongside Reid as a local detective, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the growing appreciation for Canadian productions. “Yaga” originated from a play by Kat Sandler developed for Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre in 2019.
Follows expressed her enthusiasm for being part of a distinctly Canadian project, highlighting the richness and diversity of talent and stories emerging from Canada. “Yaga” will debut on Crave next month, featuring Moss in the role of a seductive professor entangled in the mystery.
The series encapsulates the collaborative and innovative essence of Canadian entertainment, with Sandler personally inviting Moss to join the project, an offer she couldn’t resist. “Being invited to participate is an honor. I loved the material, and it was an easy decision,” Moss remarked.
“Yaga” promises to captivate audiences when it premieres on Crave in the coming month, showcasing a blend of talent and storytelling unique to Canada.