The much-anticipated supernatural mystery series, *Yaga*, is set to premiere this Friday, 23rd October, exclusively on AMC+. The show boasts a remarkable cast that includes Canadian actress Carrie-Anne Moss, known for her iconic role as Trinity in *The Matrix*, alongside rising stars Noah Reid, Hudson Williams, and Clark Backo.
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During the AMC+ Spotlight Panel at New York Comic Con on 9th October, Moss delved into her experience working with Williams, who is 25 years old and has recently gained attention for his performance in *Heated Rivalry*. She described Williams as “wonderful” and expressed her excitement over a particularly significant scene they share. “I think I just have one scene with him, and it’s a big one,” Moss hinted, though she remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the encounter. Showrunner Kat Sandler, also present at the event, added a touch of humour to the discussion by playfully reminding attendees that Moss was not at liberty to reveal any spoilers.
The project draws inspiration from the dark folklore surrounding Baba Yaga, a legendary Slavic witch characterised by her morally ambiguous nature and mystical abilities. Sandler explained that the show seeks to explore the multifaceted persona of Baba Yaga, who embodies both good and evil. She remarked, “I think it really depends on how you define evil, and I think that is undefinable.” She also described the character as possessing an enticing allure, referring to her as “really sexy”.
Set in the fictional coastal town of Whittock, *Yaga* follows private investigator Rapp, portrayed by Noah Reid, as he delves into the mysterious disappearance of a young heir, Henry Park, played by Hudson Williams. Uniquely, Williams portrays two characters—Henry Park and Logan—adding depth and complexity to the unfolding narrative. Moss plays Katherine, a professor whose ties to Henry position her at the heart of the investigation. As the plot thickens, Rapp uncovers a tangled web of secrets, dark local histories, and age-old magic.
For Moss, the allure of stepping into such an enigmatic world was a primary motivating factor to join the cast. “I know who Baba Yaga is as a story. I’ve been intrigued by that for a long time,” she commented. However, it was her discussions with Sandler that captivated her attention further. Moss shared her enthusiasm for contributing to a project that aligns with someone else’s vision. “Once I talked to Kat, I was very intrigued by it,” she said.
The character of Katherine resonated with Moss, who found the role immensely appealing. “The way that she wrote Katherine… I could hear myself in the scenes,” she explained, suggesting a natural synergy between actress and character. “That would be a great role for me. I would have fun doing that,” she added, expressing her eagerness to bring the character to life.
The actress did not hold back on praising her co-stars, particularly Reid. She reflected on their time together on set, stating, “He made me laugh harder than I’ve laughed in so long, and I feel I should pay him money for that.” This camaraderie among the cast promises a dynamic performance once the series premieres.
*Yaga* will kick off with a two-part premiere on 23rd October, followed by weekly episodic releases every Friday, culminating in a two-episode finale scheduled for 27th November. As audiences eagerly await the show’s debut, it is clear that the unique reimagining of the iconic Baba Yaga legend, coupled with a talented ensemble cast, will deliver an engaging venture into the realms of mystery and magic.