When Hudson Williams landed in Toronto last Thursday, King Street erupted into a celebration. The streets were filled with excited fans capturing the moment with their phones, snapping selfies and holding up posters. Some dedicated followers had camped out for up to 12 hours outside the TIFF Lightbox, eager to catch a glimpse of the “Heated Rivalry” star and secure a ticket to his premiere.
Williams was in town for a special event where he discussed his work and premiered his upcoming project, “Yaga,” a series inspired by Slavic folklore with a touch of mystery and sensuality, set to start streaming in October. Fans of Williams will have double the treat as he takes on two roles in the show.
Filmed earlier this year on Vancouver Island, “Yaga” follows a private investigator called to a coastal town to search for a missing heir to a wealthy fishing family, unraveling a web of dark secrets. The series boasts a stellar Canadian cast, including Noah Reid from “Schitt’s Creek,” Carrie-Anne Moss from “The Matrix,” Clark Backo from “Letterkenny,” Sheila McCarthy, and Megan Follows, known for her role in the original “Anne of Green Gables.”
During the world premiere of “Yaga” at TIFF, CBC News captured the essence of the event, with Moss expressing her confidence in Williams’ performance. The night was a mix of Hudson fever and pride in the Canadian talent involved in the production. Reid, who plays the investigator, praised the collaborative and supportive environment of Canadian creatives.
Backo, who co-stars with Reid, emphasized the growing appreciation for Canadian projects, noting a shift in perception. The genesis of “Yaga” traces back to a play by Kat Sandler at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre in 2019, reflecting a distinctly Canadian identity.
Follows echoed the sentiment, highlighting the richness and diversity of Canadian stories and talent showcased in “Yaga.” The project signifies a step towards self-sufficiency in creating original content within the Canadian entertainment industry.
Moss, portraying a captivating professor in the series, shared her enthusiasm for the role and the material. “Yaga” is set to premiere on Crave next month, promising an engaging and uniquely Canadian viewing experience.
