Stranger Things star returns to Netflix for The God of the Woods series adaptation

Just when we were finally getting over the Stranger Things grieving period and looking forward to what the cast members have coming down the pipeline, one of the show's stars landed an exciting new role. Not only is this role exciting and based on one of the most popular best-selling novels of the moment, but it's going to be on Netflix! A real homecoming of sorts.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore was first announced to be receiving a Netflix series adaptation in December 2025. The book had already become a best-seller, making an adaptation of some kind, whether as a film or a television series, an inevitability. Now, the series has added some real star power, Netflix star power, with Maya Hawke joining the cast in a major leading role.

Maya Hawke set to star in The God of the Woods series on Netflix

Best known for playing Robin Buckley (or Rockin' Robin as she became known in season 5) in Stranger Things and Anxiety in Inside Out 2, Maya Hawke was announced as the first big-name cast member to join The God of the Woods series adaptation. Hawke will play Judy Luptack, who's described by Netflix as "the first female investigator in the male-dominated Bureau of Criminal Investigation." And the investigation she's leading in Upstate New York is a real tangled mystery.

Check out the offical The God of the Woods series synopsis via Netflix's press release:

"The God of the Woods is a multi-generational drama series set in the Adirondacks, exploring the Van Laar family’s dark secrets, class tensions, and the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of 13 year old Barbara Van Laar from her family’s summer camp—in the wake of an earlier family tragedy that may be related. As the past and present collide, the Van Laars’ wealth and influence unravel, revealing the damaging consequences of privilege and the abuse of power."

The upcoming series counts author Liz Moore as co-showrunner and co-writer alongside Liz Hannah, who has previously worked on hit streaming series like Mindhunter, The Dropout, and The Girl from Plainville. The pair shared their excitement about the series in a statement to Tudum: "We love making TV and can’t wait to bring The God of the Woods to life with our partners at Sony and Netflix. We hope everyone falls in love (and hate) with these characters as much as we have."

Moore's novel Long Bright River was adapted into a limited series starring Amanda Seyfried on Peacock back in 2025. The critically acclaimed series, which earned Seyfried a Golden Globe nomination, was also co-created and co-written by the author. Both of Moore's series adaptations are produced by Sony Pictures Television and their respective streamers.

Based on the plot of the series, it's the perfect addition to Netflix's lineup, which has become a home to a diverse collection of thrillers and mysteries, from Harlan Coben's popular limited series to other titles like The Perfect Couple, His & Hers, and The Beast in Me. Hawke is the perfect actress to step into this kind of gritty role to further extend her talents after completing Stranger Things.

Netflix hasn't revealed when production begins on the new series, but since casting announcements are beginning to roll out, when can likely expect filming to start before the end of 2026 for a release sometime in late 2027 or even the following year. Hawke also has three films set for release this year ahead of her new series: Wishful Thinking, One Night Only, and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

We'll share more updates on The God of the Woods as they are revealed by Netflix!