Fans are already adding the ‘haunting’ series to their watchlists
Fans of true crime say that they are already ‘hooked’ on the idea of Netflix’s upcoming series as it unveils plans for an adaptation based on a ‘haunting’ bestseller.
The series, The God of the Woods will be based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, written by Liz Moore. It is the same writer behind the book Long Bright River, which was also turned into a series that hit screens last year and starred Amanda Seyfried in the leading role.
Author Moore will also serve as a co-showrunner according to Deadline, alongside Liz Hannah who has previously worked on The Girl From Plainville and Mindhunter. This time around, it has been confirmed that Stranger Things star Maya Hawke has been cast in the starring role.
She will play Judy Luptack, a smart and quietly determined investigator assigned to unravel the disappearance of a young girl from a summer camp in upstate New York. While the show will be a work of fiction, those who are obsessed with true crime have already admitted they can’t wait for the show to release. Unfortunately, there’s currently no confirmed release date.
The official synopsis describes the show as “a multi-generational drama series set in the Adirondacks, exploring the Van Laar family’s dark secrets, class tensions, and the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her family’s summer camp – in the wake of an earlier family tragedy that may be related.”
It continues: “As the past and present collide, the Van Laars’ wealth and influence unravel, revealing the damaging consequences of privilege and the abuse of power.”
While this looks set to be the Robin Buckley actress’ next major role for TV, fans will also be able to see her in romantic comedies Wishful Thinking and One Night Only as well as the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping. All of which are all currently scheduled for 2026 releases.
Fans are already highly anticipating the series and claiming this casting news as ‘perfect’. One responded to the news on social media saying: “That sounds like a perfect role for Maya Hawke. She really shines in those layered, introspective characters.
“A quiet but determined investigator in a mystery like this? Yeah, this could be something special. Definitely adding The God of the Woods to my watchlist already!”
Another added: “Read The God of the Woods last year and loved how layered and haunting it is. Maya Hawke feels like perfect casting for Judy Luptackquiet. Intensity is her specialty. Netflix, you’re cooking!”
Someone else replied: “The book-to-Netflix pipeline is undefeated right now. Liz Moore wrote one of the best thrillers in years, perfect choice for adaptation.”
While one person commented: “Maya Hawke in a thriller about a missing girl from summer camp?? This is literally made for my true crime obsessed brain, I’m already hooked.”
Stranger Things is streaming on Netflix now. The God of the Woods will be streaming on Netflix soon.