At San Diego Comic-Con, IGN had the opportunity to speak with the showrunner and executive producer of Yaga, Kat Sandler, along with cast members Clark Backo and Noah Reid. The series is based on the play by the same name created by Sandler, which draws inspiration from the Slavic folktale of Baba Yaga.
Adapting the Tale of Baba Yaga
Sandler explained that she was drawn to the tale of Baba Yaga due to her complex and ambiguous moral code. She described Baba Yaga as ‘an incredible figure of wisdom and rage’ who is one of the only witches with a name across multiple countries in Eastern European folklore. This unique blend of wisdom and rage made her a compelling character for Sandler to adapt.
Sandler also mentioned that she grew up watching shows like Dexter and Hannibal, which featured complex and morally ambiguous characters. She expressed her desire to create a similar show but with a female lead and a woman as the ‘OG bad girl of fairytales.’
Bringing the Story to the Screen
When asked about the process of transitioning the play to a television series, Sandler noted that one of the benefits is the ability to include more visual Easter eggs and direct the eye of the camera to highlight specific details. This allows for a more immersive and mysterious experience for the viewer.
Backo and Reid also spoke about the show’s blend of genres, including dark mystery-thrillers, pulpy rom-coms, and horror elements. Reid described the show as a ’90s detective movie wrapped in a pulpy rom-com with a dark, mythological thriller in it.’
Backo added that the show’s use of humor and comedy to explore complex themes is one of its strengths. She praised Sandler’s ability to keep the audience engaged and thinking about the themes and moral codes presented in the show.
Exploring Complex Themes
The series delves into complex themes such as justice, good and evil, and the monsters that we create. Backo emphasized the importance of keeping these themes ambiguous until the end, allowing the audience to reflect on their own moral codes and make decisions about what they would do in the characters’ positions.
Sandler’s approach to storytelling is unique in that she allows the audience to question their own assumptions and biases. By keeping the themes ambiguous, she creates a sense of uncertainty that keeps the viewer engaged and invested in the story.
Cast Insights
Backo also delved into her character, Detective Carson, explaining that she is a practical and grounded individual who is deeply committed to her job as a cop. She is skeptical of the case and is focused on protecting women, particularly in a patriarchal society that does not lend itself to their safety.
Reid and Backo both praised Sandler’s approach to blending genres and creating a unique viewing experience. They emphasized the importance of keeping the audience engaged and thinking about the themes and moral codes presented in the show.
The series is a testament to Sandler’s ability to create complex and thought-provoking characters and storylines. By exploring the themes of justice, good and evil, and the monsters that we create, Yaga challenges the audience to reflect on their own moral codes and make decisions about what they would do in the characters’ positions.
