Carrie-Anne Moss found herself engrossed in a chapter about Baba Yaga from her cherished book when she received an offer to star in the new series called “Yaga.” The timing of the offer seemed serendipitous to Moss, who revealed in an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner that she has possessed Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ book, “Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype,” since 1999. The thematic connection between the chapter she was reading and the project presented to her felt like a meaningful sign to Moss, who admitted to taking such occurrences quite seriously as guiding forces in her life.
“Yaga,” a dark mystery-thriller series, is the brainchild of Canadian playwright Kat Sandler and is an adaptation of her 2019 stage play. The show stars Noah Reid from “Schitt’s Creek” as private investigator Charlie Rapp, who embarks on a mission to locate missing heir Henry Park, portrayed by Hudson Williams from “Heated Rivalry.” Set in the fictional coastal town of Whittock, the storyline mirrors the Slavic legend of Baba Yaga, characterized by her enigmatic nature and a hut perched on chicken legs.
Upon receiving a letter from Sandler explaining her envisioned role as Katherine Hargrove, a professor with a penchant for younger men, Moss carefully considered the offer after reviewing Sandler’s pitch and the scripts. The allure of the character and storyline prompted Moss to accept the role.
Filming for the series has brought Moss back to her roots in British Columbia, where she spent summers as a child on the island with her aunt and uncle, assisting in caring for their children. Growing up in Burnaby and later residing in Granville Island during high school, Moss’ passion for acting was ignited by her solo visits to watch school plays, musicals, and performances by touring arts groups in Vancouver. The emotional impact of these experiences spurred Moss’ desire to pursue acting as a career.
Transitioning from Vancouver to Toronto as a model, Moss eventually landed her breakout role on the television series “Dark Justice” while living in Barcelona. Her relocation to Los Angeles with the show posed challenges due to financial constraints and visa uncertainties. Despite the hurdles, Moss remained steadfast in her pursuit of acting, driven by a genuine passion for the craft rather than a quest for fame.
Her perseverance paid off when she secured the iconic role of Trinity in “The Matrix” after overcoming setbacks in her career. The success of “The Matrix” catapulted Moss to international stardom, leading to subsequent film appearances and a return to the franchise in 2021’s “The Matrix Resurrections.”
Balancing her professional achievements with motherhood, Moss took breaks from acting to prioritize raising her children, a decision she values deeply. Currently residing in New Hampshire after years in Los Angeles, Moss sought a quieter lifestyle to enjoy the tranquility of nature and stargazing.
Reflecting on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on creativity and storytelling, Moss expressed reservations about its implications. She emphasized the importance of human creativity and storytelling in fostering empathy and connection, underscoring the need to navigate the evolving landscape of AI with caution.
As Moss contemplates her future endeavors, she remains focused on the present opportunities, including a return to her upbringing in British Columbia and an enticing role that resonated with her at a pivotal moment.