Carrie-Anne Moss reflects on ‘The Matrix’, motherhood and AI concerns ahead of ‘Yaga’ premiere

Moss said using AI in her own writing can make her feel as though part of her creativity switches off

Carrie-Anne Moss is reflecting on her journey from Vancouver to Hollywood, her experience raising her children and her concerns about artificial intelligence as she prepares to star in the new mystery-thriller series Yaga.

In an interview with CBC News, the Canadian actress discussed returning to British Columbia to film the series, which draws inspiration from the Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga. Moss plays Katherine Hargrove, a university professor who becomes connected to a mysterious disappearance in the fictional coastal town of Whittock.

Moss said the opportunity came at a meaningful moment, as she had recently opened Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype, a book that explores myths and stories about women. The timing helped draw her towards the project, alongside the script and conversations with creator Kat Sandler.

The actress, who grew up in Burnaby, British Columbia, recalled discovering her passion for performing at an early age. She attended school plays, watched television with an emotional investment in the stories and found opportunities to perform through singing and writing plays and musicals.

Her career reached a major turning point when she was cast as Trinity in The Matrix. The role made her internationally recognised and remains one of her most celebrated performances. Moss also reflected on how difficult it was to watch herself on screen initially, explaining that it took several viewings before she could appreciate the film beyond her own performance.

Despite her success in Hollywood, Moss said motherhood became a central priority. She stepped away from acting at different points to raise her children, describing the experience as something she valued deeply. She and her family eventually left Los Angeles for a quieter life in New Hampshire, where she could enjoy a different pace away from the entertainment industry's demands.

However, stepping back from Hollywood has not ended her creative ambitions. Moss also shared concerns about artificial intelligence and its potential impact on artists and storytelling. She said using AI in her own writing can make her feel as though part of her creativity switches off, expressing reservations about technology that could diminish the human element of creative work.

For Moss, storytelling remains important because of its ability to build empathy and connection. Her concerns reflect wider questions about how AI may reshape creative industries and what could be lost if technology begins to replace human imagination and expression.

With Yaga, Moss returns to a project rooted in folklore and mystery, starring alongside Noah Reid, Clark Backo and Hudson Williams, known for Heated Rivalry. The eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on AMC+ and Crave on October 23, bringing Moss back to British Columbia for a story that combines a contemporary investigation with the unsettling mythology of Baba Yaga.