When Hudson Williams arrived in Toronto on Thursday, King Street transformed into a lively celebration. Excited fans eagerly snapped photos and clamored for autographs. Some dedicated enthusiasts had waited up to 12 hours just to catch a glimpse of the star of “Heated Rivalry” and secure a ticket to his premiere at the TIFF Lightbox.

Williams was in town for a special event and the premiere of his upcoming project, “Yaga,” a series based on Slavic folklore with a touch of mystery and sensuality, set to debut on streaming platforms in October. Fans of Williams will be delighted to see him take on not one, but 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 from a wealthy fishing family, uncovering a web of dark secrets in the process. The series boasts a stellar Canadian cast, including Noah Reid, Carrie-Anne Moss, Clark Backo, Sheila McCarthy, and Megan Follows.

At the world premiere of “Yaga” at TIFF, Hudson Williams’ co-star, Carrie-Anne Moss, expressed her confidence in his performance by stating that he doesn’t need any advice as he is excelling in his role. The event showcased not only the excitement surrounding Williams but also the pride in the Canadian talent showcased in the series.

The cast members, including Noah Reid and Carrie-Anne Moss, shared their thoughts on the creative environment of the show, emphasizing the collaborative and supportive nature of Canadian creativity. Clark Backo highlighted the growing appreciation for Canadian projects and the sense of unity within the industry.

“Yaga” originated from a play by Kat Sandler at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre, with Megan Follows expressing enthusiasm for being part of a project that embraces Canadian talent and storytelling. The series promises a unique and diverse representation of Canadian narratives, reflecting the country’s creative landscape.

Carrie-Anne Moss rounds out the Canadian ensemble, portraying a captivating professor entangled in the series’ mystery. Her involvement in the project was a result of Sandler’s direct offer, which Moss found irresistible due to the quality of the material. “Yaga” is set to premiere on Crave in the upcoming month.