Carrie-Anne Moss was engrossed in one of her beloved books, reading a chapter about Baba Yaga, when she received an offer to join the new series, “Yaga.” The timing of the opportunity felt like a meaningful coincidence to her.
In a conversation with CBC’s Eli Glasner, Moss shared that she has owned the book “Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés since 1999. The chapter she was reading resonated with the project she was being offered.
“Those kinds of synchronicities have always been guiding forces in my life,” Moss expressed. The series “Yaga,” created by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, is a dark mystery-thriller adapted from Sandler’s 2019 stage play.
The show features Noah Reid from “Schitt’s Creek” as private investigator Charlie Rapp, who embarks on a quest to locate missing heir Henry Park, portrayed by Hudson Williams from “Heated Rivalry.” Set in the fictional town of Whittock, the storyline mirrors the Slavic legend of Baba Yaga, a mysterious figure with a hut perched on chicken legs, known for her enigmatic nature and power.
Upon receiving a letter from Sandler outlining the character of Katherine Hargrove, a professor with a penchant for younger men, Moss carefully considered the role after reviewing the pitch and scripts.
Filming in Victoria has brought Moss back to her roots in British Columbia, where she spent summers on the island with family, fostering her love for acting from a young age.
Recalling her journey, Moss highlighted her upbringing in Burnaby and Granville Island, where her passion for acting was ignited by school plays and performing arts groups. She described a deep emotional connection to television shows that fueled her aspiration to pursue acting.
Transitioning from Vancouver to Toronto and eventually to Europe, Moss landed her breakthrough role in the television series “Dark Justice” before moving to Los Angeles, where she faced challenges establishing herself in the industry.
Despite setbacks and uncertainties, Moss remained steadfast in her pursuit of acting, which led her to audition for the iconic role of Trinity in “The Matrix.” The transformative experience of securing the role reshaped her perspective on rejection and perseverance.
Reflecting on her career-defining role in “The Matrix,” Moss recalled the emotional impact of watching the film for the first time and the camaraderie she shared with the cast during martial arts training.
While her Hollywood journey propelled her to international fame, Moss prioritized family life, taking breaks from acting to raise her children. The decision to move to New Hampshire stemmed from a desire for a quieter life and reconnecting with nature.
Expressing reservations about artificial intelligence’s impact on creativity, Moss emphasized the importance of human storytelling and empathy in an increasingly AI-driven world.
As Moss navigates her career choices, including returning to her native province, she remains focused on embracing opportunities that align with her purpose and values.