Carrie-Anne Moss found herself delving into a chapter about Baba Yaga from one of her cherished books just as an offer to join the upcoming series, Yaga, landed on her lap. The coincidental timing felt like a meaningful sign to her.
During an interview with CBC’s Eli Glasner, Moss shared that she has possessed Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés since 1999. The chapter’s theme resonated with the project she was being presented with, a connection she takes quite seriously. Moss expressed, “I take those kinds of things quite literally. Things like that have always guided my life.”
Yaga, a dark mystery-thriller, is the brainchild of Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, adapted from her 2019 stage play. The series stars Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek) as private investigator Charlie Rapp on a quest to locate missing heir Henry Park, portrayed by Hudson Williams (Heated Rivalry). As the narrative unfolds in the fictional coastal town of Whittock, it mirrors the enigmatic Slavic myth of Baba Yaga, known for her hut perched on chicken legs and her capricious nature.
Upon receiving a letter from Sandler outlining her vision for the character of Katherine Hargrove, a professor with a penchant for younger men, Moss meticulously reviewed the proposal and scripts before committing to the role.
Filming in Victoria has brought Moss back to her roots in British Columbia, where she spent summers on the island assisting her aunt and uncle with their children.
Growing up in Burnaby and later residing in Granville Island during high school, Moss’s passion for acting was ignited by watching television. She recalls being deeply moved by the performances she witnessed, sparking a desire to pursue a career in the industry.
Transitioning from Vancouver to Toronto and then Europe, Moss landed her initial significant role on the TV series Dark Justice (1991-93) while living in Barcelona. The move to Los Angeles, though challenging due to financial constraints and visa issues, marked a pivotal period in her career trajectory.
Despite facing setbacks, including being released from a TV series after two seasons, Moss persevered, eventually landing the iconic role of Trinity in The Matrix series. The experience taught her valuable lessons about resilience and embracing life’s uncertainties.
Reflecting on her journey, Moss remains grateful for the opportunities that have come her way. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s aspirations and finding purpose in one’s pursuits.
As Moss continues to explore new horizons and navigate the evolving landscape of storytelling in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, she remains steadfast in her commitment to creativity and human connection. She acknowledges the inherent challenges posed by AI but maintains a positive outlook on the transformative power of storytelling.
Amidst her contemplation of the future, Moss’s return to her native province and her latest role in Yaga stand as testaments to her enduring passion for the craft of acting and storytelling.