Netflix, Sony Advance 'The God of the Woods' Series
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Sony Pictures Television acquired the rights to Liz Moore’s novel The God of the Woods and partnered with Netflix on the adaptation in December 2025.
- Netflix is moving forward with a multi‑generational drama series set in the Adirondacks about the Van Laar family and the disappearance of Barbara Van Laar, though a release date has not been set.
- Maya Hawke has been cast as series regular Judy Luptack, a female investigator leading the case of the missing teenager.
- Kerry Condon will portray Alice Van Laar, the mother of the missing teen, while Nell Fisher will play Barbara.
- Damon Gupton joins the ensemble as Denny Hayes, with Susannah Perkins and Benjamin Walker also announced for key supporting roles.
Why it matters: Netflix gains a marquee adaptation that could improve subscriber appeal and ease investor concerns after a 10% stock fall, while rival streaming services miss out on a high‑profile literary drama.
