AMSTERDAM - AMC+ has acquired the U.S. streaming rights for Yaga, a new Canadian thriller series starring Hudson Williams. Williams recently gained a significant international following for his lead role in the popular queer hockey romance, Heated Rivalry. The new series will see him share the screen with Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix) and Noah Reid, widely known for his role as Patrick in Schitt's Creek.
The eight-episode series, originally from Canadian streamer Crave, is a contemporary reimagining of the Slavic folk tale of Baba Yaga. The story is framed as a mystery thriller, following private investigator Rapp (Noah Reid) as he arrives in a small coastal town to investigate the disappearance of Henry Park (Hudson Williams), the young heir to a powerful local fishery. The investigation puts him at odds with a local detective (Clark Backo) and a charismatic university professor with an interest in younger men (Carrie-Anne Moss), uncovering a world of secret lives and ancient magic.
Familiar Faces in New Roles
The casting is of particular interest to many in the LGBTQ+ community. Hudson Williams' profile rose considerably with Heated Rivalry, an adaptation of the popular M/M romance novel series by Rachel Reid. The addition of Noah Reid, whose character's relationship with David Rose was a celebrated storyline in the Emmy-winning series Schitt's Creek, further strengthens the show's appeal for audiences who follow queer talent and storytelling.
While Heated Rivalry streams on HBO Max in the U.S., the acquisition of Yaga by AMC+ suggests a competitive market for projects involving its breakout stars. AMC has reportedly been building a portfolio of series with supernatural and witchcraft themes, including A Discovery of Witches and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, making Yaga a strategic addition to its lineup.
Production and Release
Yaga is based on a play by Kat Sandler, who also serves as the series' writer and showrunner. It is produced by Blink49 Studios and Front Street Pictures. The series is set to debut on AMC+ in the U.S. later this year. For fans of Williams' previous work, he is also slated to return for the second season of Heated Rivalry.
Global distribution for Yaga is being handled by Sphere Abacus, though details on a Dutch or European release have not yet been announced.
