The first images from Yaga have finally arrived, giving fans their best look yet at one of the most anticipated new mystery series of the year. While the project already generated buzz thanks to its unique take on Slavic folklore, the newly released first-look photos reveal an ensemble cast that could make the upcoming thriller one of the breakout television events of the fall.

Leading the cast is Carrie-Anne Moss, joined by Schitt’s Creek favorite Noah Reid, Letterkenny actress Clark Backo, and Heated Rivalry breakout Hudson Williams, whose rapid rise over the past year has turned nearly every new project into headline news.

The first-look images, released exclusively by Entertainment Weekly, offer a glimpse into a world where mythology, crime, horror, and psychological suspense collide. Rather than presenting Baba Yaga as audiences traditionally know her, the series reinvents the legendary witch through the lens of a modern noir mystery filled with disappearances, hidden identities, and supernatural secrets.

Created by playwright Kat Sandler, Yaga expands upon her acclaimed stage production of the same name, transforming an intimate theatrical story into an ambitious television event that blends multiple genres while asking one central question: What truly makes someone a witch?

Unlike many modern fantasy adaptations, Yaga isn’t simply retelling folklore. Instead, it uses the legend as the foundation for a contemporary detective story.

The series follows private investigator Rapp, played by Noah Reid, who arrives in a quiet coastal town after the mysterious disappearance of Henry Park, the young heir to one of the region’s most influential fishing families.

Henry is portrayed by Hudson Williams, whose popularity exploded following his leading role in Heated Rivalry. Although Henry disappears before much of the story begins, the newly released images suggest his character remains central to the mystery through flashbacks, investigations, and relationships that continue influencing every major player.

Among those relationships is one that has already attracted significant attention.

Carrie-Anne Moss stars as Katherine, an enigmatic university professor whose connection to Henry appears far more complicated than initially expected. Earlier this year, Moss teased that she shares intimate scenes with Williams, describing him as “a serious gentleman” while praising his professionalism throughout filming.

One of the exclusive images appears to hint at that relationship, showing Katherine and Henry sharing a quiet moment together. While the exact nature of their connection remains under wraps, it immediately raises questions about how deeply Katherine may be involved in Henry’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, Clark Backo plays Carson, a local detective assigned to the missing-person investigation. Rather than immediately welcoming outside help, Carson reportedly clashes with Reid’s private investigator, creating a tense partnership that drives much of the series.

According to the official synopsis, the investigation leads both characters through “a labyrinth of enigmatic suspects, secret lives, and ancient magic,” suggesting the mystery gradually shifts from a conventional missing-person case into something much stranger.

For Sandler, that genre collision was always the goal.

Speaking about adapting her own work for television, the writer explained that Yaga began as a small theatrical production with only three actors before evolving into something far more expansive.

She described the television version as a collision of folklore, fairy tales, police procedurals, noir thrillers, horror, and feminist fantasy.

Despite the increased scope, Sandler says the heart of the story remains unchanged.

At its core, Yaga still asks audiences to reconsider centuries-old assumptions surrounding women labeled as witches and monsters while examining how myths evolve over time.

That thematic approach immediately separates the series from more straightforward fantasy adaptations currently dominating streaming platforms.

Rather than relying solely on supernatural spectacle, Yaga appears interested in using mythology to explore grief, power, identity, and manipulation.

The impressive cast only strengthens those ambitions.

Carrie-Anne Moss brings decades of genre experience following her iconic role in The Matrix franchise, while Noah Reid remains beloved by television audiences after his acclaimed performance in Schitt’s Creek.

For Hudson Williams, however, Yaga represents another major milestone in what has become one of television’s fastest-rising careers.

Following the enormous international success of Heated Rivalry, Williams has quickly become one of Canada’s most recognizable young actors. His chemistry with co-star Connor Storrie helped transform the hockey romance into a streaming sensation, opening doors to several high-profile projects almost immediately afterward.

Although Henry Park may spend much of Yaga missing, Sandler has hinted that Williams’ role extends well beyond being the mystery’s victim.

Instead, Henry’s story unfolds piece by piece as investigators uncover hidden relationships, family secrets, and long-buried truths surrounding the influential Park family.

Another intriguing addition to the ensemble is veteran actress Sheila McCarthy, who portrays Olena Yaha, a colorful local resident originally from Ukraine.

Described as witty, unconventional, and deeply knowledgeable about local folklore, Olena reportedly enjoys vodka, hallucinogenics, and younger men while serving as one of the community’s most mysterious figures.

Whether she becomes an ally or obstacle during the investigation remains unclear, but her name alone strongly suggests she may have important ties to the legendary Baba Yaga mythology.

The newly released production stills emphasize atmosphere just as much as character.

Dark forests, isolated coastlines, candlelit interiors, and weather-beaten buildings dominate the images, creating a haunting visual identity that feels equally inspired by Scandinavian noir and supernatural horror.

Rather than embracing flashy fantasy visuals, Yaga appears committed to grounded realism, allowing the unsettling mythology to slowly emerge from otherwise ordinary surroundings.

That restrained approach has become increasingly popular among prestige television dramas, particularly those blending crime fiction with supernatural elements.

The production also arrives at an ideal moment.

Audiences have demonstrated growing interest in genre series that combine mystery with folklore, especially following the success of shows centered around local legends, ancient myths, and psychological horror.

By incorporating Slavic folklore into a contemporary detective narrative, Yaga enters relatively unexplored territory while offering something that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.

Distribution plans should also help the series reach a wide international audience.

Originally developed as a Crave Original in Canada, Yaga will stream in the United States through AMC+, introducing the series to viewers already familiar with acclaimed dramas like Dark Winds, Interview with the Vampire, and Mayfair Witches.

A fall premiere has already been confirmed, although an exact release date remains under wraps.

Additional details are expected to arrive very soon.

The creative team is scheduled to appear at San Diego Comic-Con, where Sandler will join Carrie-Anne Moss, Noah Reid, and Clark Backo for a special panel featuring an exclusive sneak preview of the series.

Fans are hoping the presentation will finally reveal a full trailer while providing deeper insight into the show’s mythology and central mystery.

For Sandler, bringing Yaga to television represents years of creative evolution.

She recently described the cast as a “Canadian Avengers-level” ensemble and admitted that expanding the project from stage to television allowed the story to become even stranger than originally imagined.

Now, with the first official images finally unveiled, audiences can begin piecing together their own theories before the mystery officially begins this fall.

Between its acclaimed creative team, impressive ensemble, richly atmospheric visuals, and intriguing blend of detective fiction and ancient folklore, Yaga already looks poised to become one of the season’s most distinctive new series.

And for Hudson Williams, whose career continues accelerating following Heated Rivalry, the upcoming thriller could mark yet another major breakthrough as he steps into a completely different kind of role—one where simply disappearing may end up becoming the biggest performance of all.