“Rivals” star Hudson Williams hasn’t strayed too far from Crave, signing on to appear in the Bell Media-owned Canadian streamer’s upcoming half-hour drama series “Yaga” alongside fellow stars Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”), Noah Reid (“Schitt’s Creek”) and Clark Bucko (“Letterkenny”).
“Yaga” is based on the hit play by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, who will serve as writer and showrunner for the eight-episode television series. This small-town mystery thriller is a reimagining of the Baba Yaga myth and is produced by Front Street Pictures and Blink 49 Studios in association with Crave. The series is co-directed by David Frazee and Rachel Talalay and is in production.
“Yaga” will represent Crave’s first-ever half-hour drama original series. The show will be purchased through international distributor Sphere Abacus at a London TV screening next week (the show will also be available as four one-hour episodes). “Yaga” comes on the heels of the surprising global success of “Heated Rivalry,” which garnered attention for Crave Originals (and a hit in the U.S. for HBO Max, which acquired the series domestically in a last-minute deal).
“Featuring a truly outstanding cast, this series marks another exciting collaboration with Blink49 Studios,” Justin Stockman, vice president of content development and programming at Bell Media, said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring Cat Sandler’s bold vision to Crave in this first-ever half-hour drama and continue to set the standard for genre-defying and unexpected storytelling.”
According to the logline, “Yaga” centers on private investigator Rapp (Noah Reed), who arrives in a small coastal town to investigate the disappearance of Henry Park (Hudson Williams), a powerful fishing heir. He finds himself at odds with Carson (Clark Backko), a concerned local detective, Catherine (Carrie-Anne Moss), a charismatic college professor interested in younger men, and Labyrinth. About mysterious suspects, secret lives, and ancient magic. ”
“‘Yaga’ evolved from myth to stage to my first greenlit series, reclaiming the Wicked Witch and reshaping her as a modern-day, inflammatory feminist antihero,” Sandler said. “It reflects my love of storytelling: propulsive, relatable, darkly funny, and unapologetically bold. I’m thrilled to be working with longtime collaborator Mackenzie Donaldson, Front Street Pictures, Blink 49, and Bell Media to bring Crave’s first-ever half-hour drama to life.”
“Yaga” was released following an investment Bell Media made in Blink49 Studios last June. Blink49 and Bell Media have also collaborated on the scripted series “Don’t Even,” “Late Bloomer,” “Sight Unseen,” and “The Trades,” as well as the documentary series “Queen of the Castle.”
“‘Yaga’ is ambitious, genre-defying storytelling that we are proud to support,” said Mackenzie Donaldson, VP of scripted television at Blink49 Studios. “We’re thrilled to bring Cat Sandler’s unique, fearless voice to the screen for the first time. This is a story that is truly unique and unmistakably hers. It’s a fresh, modern reimagining of a classic myth, brought to life by an outstanding cast and creative collaborators.”
“Yaga” is executive produced by Donaldson, Andrew Miller and Moss, with Charles Cooper serving as producer.
Mr. Moss is represented by Hodgson Management Group, Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo LLP, and Viewpoint, Inc. Reid is repped by GGA and Circle Management + Production. Backo is repped by IAG and Linden Entertainment. Mr. Williams is repped by CAA and RED Management.
