Netflix has rounded out the main cast of The God of the Woods, its upcoming adaptation of Liz Moore’s bestselling mystery novel, with five new series regulars joining the project ahead of filming.
The latest casting announcement completes the show’s eight-member principal ensemble, which is led by Maya Hawke, Kerry Condon, and Ella Rubin. Production is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, although Netflix has yet to reveal a release date.
Set in the Adirondack Mountains during the 1970s, The God of the Woods centers on the disappearance of a teenage girl from an elite summer camp, uncovering decades of secrets tied to one of the region’s most powerful families.
The God of the Woods Adds Five New Series Regulars
Netflix’s newest casting update introduces several key characters connected to both the Van Laar family and the investigation into Barbara Van Laar’s disappearance.
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nell Fisher | Barbara Van Laar | A creative, strong-willed 13-year-old whose disappearance sparks the central mystery |
| Benjamin Walker | Peter Van Laar III | Barbara’s father and heir to a wealthy banking dynasty |
| Damon Gupton | Denny Hayes | Bureau of Criminal Investigations captain and Judy Luptack’s supervisor |
| Susannah Perkins | T.J. Hewitt | Director of Camp Emerson who responds when a camper vanishes |
| Autumn Molina | Tracy Jewell | Barbara’s bunkmate who becomes determined to find her missing friend |
Of the new additions, Nell Fisher arguably lands the most important role. Barbara’s disappearance serves as the catalyst for the entire story, setting multiple investigations and family conflicts into motion.
Previously Announced Cast Members
These actors join three stars already confirmed for the series:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Maya Hawke | Judy Luptack |
| Kerry Condon | Alice Van Laar |
| Ella Rubin | Louise Donnadieu |
Character Breakdown
Judy Luptack (Maya Hawke)
- The first female investigator working within a male-dominated Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
- Leads the official investigation into Barbara’s disappearance.
Alice Van Laar (Kerry Condon)
- Barbara’s mother.
- Struggling with grief while trapped in a deteriorating marriage.
Louise Donnadieu (Ella Rubin)
- Camp counselor at Camp Emerson.
- Conducts her own search for answers after Barbara goes missing.
What Is The God of the Woods About?
Based on Liz Moore’s bestselling 2024 novel, The God of the Woods blends mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense.
The story begins when 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from Camp Emerson, a summer camp owned by her wealthy family in New York’s Adirondack region.
However, Barbara’s disappearance is only the beginning.
As investigators dig deeper, they uncover:
- Long-buried Van Laar family secrets
- Growing tensions between wealthy landowners and local residents
- Questions surrounding a previous family tragedy
- Hidden connections that stretch back years before Barbara vanished
The novel became one of the most talked-about literary thrillers of 2024, helping generate significant anticipation for Netflix’s adaptation.
Series Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The God of the Woods |
| Genre | Drama Thriller |
| Based On | Novel by Liz Moore |
| Setting | Adirondacks, New York, 1970s |
| Showrunners | Liz Moore and Liz Hannah |
| Studio | Sony Pictures Television |
| Executive Producers | Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty |
| Production Start | June 1, 2026 |
| Netflix Release Date | TBA |
Who Is Behind the Netflix Adaptation?
One of the most encouraging aspects of the project is the involvement of the novel’s creator.
Liz Moore is co-showrunning the adaptation alongside Liz Hannah, whose previous writing credits include The Post and The Dropout.
The series is being produced by Sony Pictures Television, while Original Film’s Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty are attached as executive producers.
Having both the author and experienced television creatives involved should help preserve the novel’s layered storytelling and emotional depth.
When Will The God of the Woods Release on Netflix?
Netflix has not announced a premiere date.
With production beginning on June 1, 2026, the series is unlikely to arrive before 2027, although the streamer has yet to confirm a release window.
For now, fans can expect additional casting announcements and first-look images once filming gets underway.
Final Thoughts
With its principal cast now complete, The God of the Woods is taking another major step toward becoming one of Netflix’s most anticipated mystery dramas.
The combination of Maya Hawke, Kerry Condon, an acclaimed bestselling novel, and a creative team led by both Liz Moore and Liz Hannah gives the project strong foundations. As filming begins, attention will now turn to when Netflix plans to unveil the first footage from the adaptation.
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