Maya Hawke Dives into Dark Mystery with ‘The God of the Woods’ Adaptation
Following the critical acclaim for her role in the SXSW 2026 award-winning film Wishful Thinking, Maya Hawke is swiftly transitioning from the realm of sci-fi romance to the gripping world of a bestselling crime thriller. The Stranger Things star is set to headline a new adaptation of Liz Moore’s highly successful novel, The God of the Woods, a book that has garnered attention from notable figures like Taylor Swift and former US President Barack Obama, who included it on his summer reading list for 2024.
This new project sees Hawke venturing further into Netflix’s expansive content library, building on her significant presence with Stranger Things. The adaptation of The God of the Woods promises a darker, more prestige-driven role for the actress.
Hawke Takes the Lead as Investigator Judy Luptack
In the upcoming series, Maya Hawke will portray Judy Luptack, a sharp and determined investigator. Luptack is tasked with leading the central investigation of a complex case. Adding to the weight of her role, she is also breaking ground as the first female investigator within the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, an organisation traditionally dominated by men.
The series is being co-developed by Liz Moore, the author of the original novel, and Liz Hannah, a writer known for her work on the acclaimed series Mindhunter. This collaboration suggests a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the mystery and its characters.
The narrative of The God of the Woods is expected to be populated by a rich cast of supporting characters, each potentially holding crucial pieces of the intricate puzzle. These include:
- Barbara Van Laar
- Alice Van Laar
- Peter Van Laar III
- TJ Hewitt
- Vic Hewitt
- Louise Donnadieu
- Tracy Jewell
- Peter “Bear” Van Laar IV
- Denny Hayes, Judy’s mentor
The novel itself enjoyed a significant run on The New York Times Best Sellers list throughout 2024 and 2025, lending the forthcoming series considerable literary weight and anticipation.
Unravelling the Mystery of ‘The God of the Woods’
At its core, The God of the Woods centres on the baffling disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar. Barbara vanishes from her family’s summer camp, nestled in the scenic Adirondack Mountains. This event triggers a complex investigation that unearths buried secrets and long-held truths.
The story unfolds across multiple timelines and perspectives, revealing how Barbara’s disappearance echoes a similar family vanishing that occurred over a decade prior. This connection draws the Van Laar family into an increasingly tangled web of secrets, power dynamics, and unsettling revelations.
Hawke’s character, Judy Luptack, will navigate this labyrinth of deception. The adaptation appears poised to explore the idea that the mystery is not merely about a single disappearance, but rather about the pervasive rot and hidden darkness that lay beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
While Netflix has currently listed the series as “coming soon” with no firm production or release dates announced, the buzz surrounding the project is already palpable. This anticipation is further amplified by Hawke’s recent media appearances, including her performance on The Tonight Show where she also teased the release of her new music album.
With 2026 shaping up to be a significant year for Maya Hawke, her role in The God of the Woods adaptation is poised to captivate audiences once again and solidify her versatility as an actress.
