Netflix has announced new cast members for its television adaptation of Liz Moore's novel The God of the Woods, bringing together two Stranger Things stars. Maya Hawke, who played Robin Buckley in the sci-fi series, will lead the mystery drama as Judy Luptack, the first female investigator at the male-dominated Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Joining Hawke is Nell Fisher, who portrayed Holly Wheeler in the fifth season of Stranger Things. Fisher will play Barbara Van Laar, a 13-year-old who goes missing from summer camp, sparking the central mystery. Hawke's character leads the investigation but faces scrutiny from the wealthy Van Laar family, who harbour dark secrets.
The cast also includes Kerry Condon as family matriarch Alice, trapped in a loveless marriage to Peter, played by Benjamin Walker. Other cast members are Damon Gupton, Ella Rubin, Susannah Perkins and Autumn Molina. Moore serves as co-showrunner, co-writer and executive producer alongside Liz Hannah.
Described as a 'multigenerational drama series set in the Adirondacks', The God of the Woods explores class tensions and the Van Laar family's dark secrets. The synopsis teases an 'earlier family tragedy' that may be linked to the present-day disappearance, with the logline stating: 'As the past and present collide, the Van Laars' wealth and influence unravel, revealing the damaging consequences of privilege and the abuse of power.'
Moore's novel, published in 2024, received critical acclaim, with Stephen King calling it 'impossible to put down' by the 200th page. The series does not yet have a release window but will air on Netflix.
