Maya Hawke to Star in Netflix Adaptation of Liz Moore's Bestseller 'The God of the Woods'

Maya Hawke, the acclaimed actress widely recognized for her standout performance in the hit series "Stranger Things," has secured the lead role in Netflix’s upcoming television adaptation of Liz Moore’s novel, "The God of the Woods." Hawke is set to portray Judy Laptak, a perceptive and determined investigator who is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a young girl in the rugged terrain of upstate New York. This project represents Hawke's second major collaboration with Netflix, following her successful multi-season run on their flagship supernatural drama.

The series is being developed as a sweeping, multi-generational drama set within the Adirondack Mountains. The narrative explores the dark secrets and class-based tensions surrounding the affluent Van Laar family. The central mystery involves the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar, who vanishes from a summer camp—an event that hauntingly mirrors a previous tragedy within the family, casting a shadow over the clan's immense privilege and influence. Originally published in 2024, the novel became a massive literary success, maintaining a position on the New York Times bestseller list for 38 weeks as of April 2025.

In her role as Judy Laptak, Hawke will depict a trailblazing investigator who makes history as the first woman to join the male-dominated Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Her mission is to untangle a complex web of events surrounding Barbara's disappearance, which shares chilling similarities with the vanishing of Barbara’s older brother, Bear, fourteen years earlier. The story serves as a deep dive into the destructive nature of power and the collision of past and present, as the Van Laar family's wealth and status begin to fracture under the weight of the investigation.

Liz Moore, the author of the source material and the director of the creative writing program at Temple University, is heavily involved in the production as both a co-writer and executive producer. She is joined by Liz Hannah, whose notable credits include "The Girl from Plainville," "Mindhunter," and "The Post." Hannah, a New York native born on December 14, 1985, previously received a Golden Globe nomination for her work on the screenplay for "The Post." Together, Moore and Hannah will lead the project as showrunners, writers, and executive producers.

Production for the series is slated to begin in June 2026, with Sony Pictures Television acting as the production studio. The executive production team also features Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty, representing the Original Film banner. Moore’s narrative provides a poignant look at class inequality, highlighting how the Van Laar family built their empire on the labor of local residents who were left struggling after the closure of a regional paper mill. Critics have lauded the book for its insightful examination of the relationships between parents and children, as well as the stark divide between the wealthy and the working class.

By blending a gripping mystery with social commentary, the adaptation aims to bring the atmospheric depth of Moore's writing to the screen. The series is expected to resonate with audiences who appreciate complex character studies and stories that challenge the permanence of power. With a talented creative team and a compelling lead in Maya Hawke, "The God of the Woods" is positioned to be a significant addition to the landscape of modern television drama.