Hudson Williams Joins Crave's 'Yaga' After 'Heated Rivalry' Breakout
Following his breakout role in the globally successful hockey romance series 'Heated Rivalry,' Canadian actor Hudson Williams is set to continue his collaboration with Crave. He has officially joined the cast of the streamer's new mystery thriller 'Yaga,' marking a significant expansion of his television portfolio. The series, which is currently in production, features an ensemble cast including Carrie-Anne Moss, Noah Reid, and Clark Backo.
A New Half-Hour Drama for Crave
This eight-episode project represents a first for the Bell Media-owned platform, as it ventures into the half-hour drama format. The move builds on the momentum generated by the international acclaim of 'Heated Rivalry,' showcasing Crave's commitment to innovative storytelling. According to industry reports from Variety, production is now underway, with the series poised to captivate audiences with its unique blend of mystery and supernatural elements.
Creative Team and Production Details
The series 'Yaga' is adapted from playwright Kat Sandler's hit stage play, with Sandler serving as both writer and showrunner. It is produced through a partnership between Front Street Pictures and Blink49 Studios, in collaboration with Crave. Directing duties are shared by David Frazee and Rachel Talalay, ensuring a dynamic visual style. The show will be introduced to international buyers at the London TV Screenings through Sphere Abacus, with an option to be presented as four one-hour episodes, highlighting its flexibility for global markets.
Plot and Character Insights
At the heart of 'Yaga' is a gripping narrative centered on Rapp, portrayed by Noah Reid, a private investigator tasked with unraveling the disappearance of Henry Park. Hudson Williams takes on the role of Henry Park, a young heir to a powerful fishery, whose vanishing act sets the story in motion. Clark Backo plays Carson, a cautious local detective, while Carrie-Anne Moss embodies Katherine, a charismatic university professor with a penchant for younger men. The plot intricately weaves together secret lives, enigmatic suspects, and ancient magic, offering a contemporary reimagining of the myth of Baba Yaga.
Executive Perspectives on the Series
Justin Stockman, Bell Media's vice president of content development and programming, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Featuring a truly exceptional cast, this series marks another exciting collaboration with Blink49 Studios. We're thrilled to bring Kat Sandler's bold vision to Crave with this first-ever half-hour drama, and to continue setting the bar for genre-bending, unexpected storytelling."
Kat Sandler, reflecting on the personal significance of 'Yaga,' shared, "'Yaga' has evolved from myth to stage to my first greenlit series, reclaiming the wicked witch and reshaping her as an incendiary feminist antihero for our time. It reflects the kind of storytelling I love: propulsive, accessible, dark, funny, and unapologetically bold." She added her excitement about working with longtime collaborator Mackenzie Donaldson and the production teams.
Mackenzie Donaldson, scripted television VP at Blink49 Studios, praised the series as "the kind of ambitious, genre-smashing storytelling we're proud to support." She highlighted, "Bringing Kat Sandler's singular and fearless voice to the screen for the first time is a thrill. This is a story that is truly unique and unmistakably hers." Donaldson serves as an executive producer alongside Andrew Miller and Carrie-Anne Moss, with Charles Cooper as producer.
Hudson Williams: Rising Star Profile
Hudson Williams, born on February 13, 2001, in Kamloops, British Columbia, has rapidly ascended in the entertainment industry. Best known for his role as Shane Hollander in 'Heated Rivalry,' which also streams on HBO Max in the U.S., he began his screen career in the early 2020s. His breakout role in 2025 catapulted him to prominence, leading to his current involvement in 'Yaga.' In 2025, he signed with CAA and joined Netflix's limited series 'The Altruists,' further solidifying his growing presence in television.
This new venture with Crave underscores Williams' versatility and the platform's dedication to fostering talent through original, compelling content. As 'Yaga' progresses in production, it promises to deliver a fresh take on thriller genres, blending mystery with mythological undertones for a global audience.
