Netflix’s ‘The God of the Woods’ Begins Filming in Upstate New York
Production is officially underway on The God of the Woods, Netflix’s upcoming series adaptation of Liz Moore’s New York Times bestselling novel.
The story centers on the wealthy Van Laar family after 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar disappears from a summer camp owned by her family. The disappearance becomes even more troubling because it follows an earlier tragedy involving the Van Laars—one that may have connections to the new mystery.
Maya Hawke, known for Netflix’s Stranger Things, stars as investigator Judy Luptack. Academy Award nominee Kerry Condon plays Barbara’s mother, Alice Van Laar.
The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television.
Where Is ‘The God of the Woods’ Filming?
Netflix’s The God of the Woods is filming in upstate New York, with production taking place in both the Hudson River Valley and Adirondack Mountains.
The location is particularly significant because the Adirondacks aren’t simply a backdrop for the story—they are an important part of the novel’s identity.
Co-showrunners Liz Moore and Liz Hannah have expressed their excitement about filming in the region that inspired the original story. The pair highlighted the Adirondacks’ history, natural beauty, and complexity as elements they hope to capture in the television adaptation.
For New York-based actors, extras, and crew members, a production filming extensively on location can also create opportunities throughout the production process.
What Is Netflix’s ‘The God of the Woods’ About?
The God of the Woods is a multigenerational mystery drama set in the Adirondacks.
The story begins when Barbara Van Laar, the 13-year-old daughter of a wealthy family, disappears from Camp Emerson.
But Barbara isn’t the first disappearance connected to the Van Laar family.
As the investigation unfolds, secrets from the family’s past begin colliding with the present. The mystery gradually exposes class tensions, complicated relationships, privilege, and the consequences of powerful people abusing their influence.
At the center of the investigation is Judy Luptack, the first female investigator in the male-dominated Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Smart and quietly determined, Judy is tasked with finding Barbara while navigating an investigation involving one of the region’s most influential families.
Maya Hawke Stars as Judy Luptack
Maya Hawke leads The God of the Woods cast as Judy Luptack.
Judy is a determined investigator attempting to establish herself as the first woman in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. When Barbara Van Laar disappears from summer camp, Judy is assigned to uncover what happened.
Hawke is best known to Netflix audiences for playing Robin Buckley in Stranger Things. Her credits also include Asteroid City, Do Revenge, Inside Out 2, and Wishful Thinking.
Kerry Condon Plays Alice Van Laar
Kerry Condon stars as Alice Van Laar, Barbara’s mother.
Alice remains hardened by grief following an earlier family tragedy and is trapped in a deeply troubled marriage. When her 13-year-old daughter disappears, she is forced to confront another devastating possibility while secrets surrounding the Van Laar family begin emerging.
Condon received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in The Banshees of Inisherin. Her other credits include F1 and Train Dreams.
Who Is in ‘The God of the Woods’ Cast?
Netflix has assembled an extensive ensemble for The God of the Woods.
The announced cast includes:
- Maya Hawke as Judy Luptack — A smart and determined investigator assigned to investigate Barbara’s disappearance.
- Kerry Condon as Alice Van Laar — Barbara’s mother, who is still struggling with an earlier family tragedy.
- Damon Gupton as Denny Hayes — A captain in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation who finds his carefully maintained peace disrupted by his new colleague.
- Ella Rubin as Louise Donnadieu — A working-class counselor at Camp Emerson whose life is turned upside down when one of her campers disappears.
- Susannah Perkins as T.J. Hewitt — The quietly commanding director of Camp Emerson who immediately takes action following Barbara’s disappearance.
- Benjamin Walker as Peter Van Laar III — The wealthy, entitled heir to the Van Laar estate and Barbara’s father.
- Nell Fisher as Barbara Van Laar — An artistic, headstrong teenager whose disappearance drives the central mystery.
- Autumn Molina as Tracy Jewell — A young camper determined to find her missing bunkmate.
- Tracy Letts as Peter Van Laar II — The wealthy Van Laar patriarch whose seemingly kinder personality may conceal something more disturbing.
- John Gallagher Jr. as Jacob Sluiter — A convicted murderer and escaped prisoner who resurfaces near his former hunting grounds around the time Barbara disappears.
- Lola Kirke as Delphine Barlow — Alice’s recently widowed, confident, and boisterous older sister.
- Colton Ryan as John Paul McClellan Jr. — The emotionally repressed son of a wealthy family with potentially dangerous connections to Camp Emerson.
- Camila Cano-Flavia as Donna Romano
- Tristan Leander Green as Lee Towson
- Cliff Chamberlain as Carl Stoddard
- Lynden Miles Ley as Bear Van Laar
- Dannie McCallum as Jeannie Clute
- Andrew Polk as Clovis Goldman
- Chris Henry Coffey as Sergeant Jimmy Dagle
- David Furr as John Paul McClellan Sr.
- Joseph Adams as Vic Hewitt
- Brooklyn Shuck as Annabel
With production underway, additional performers could be announced as the series moves forward.
Who Are the Casting Directors for ‘The God of the Woods’?
For actors searching for The God of the Woods casting information, one company to know is Roman Candle Casting.
Roman Candle Casting is one of the casting companies working on the project, including casting for background performers.
Background casting plays an important role in a production like The God of the Woods. The series’ period setting means casting teams may need performers who can convincingly fit the time period and specific environments depicted throughout the story.
Depending on individual scenes, casting requirements can include particular ages, appearances, hairstyles, skills, or other characteristics. Some opportunities may also be tied to specific filming locations in upstate New York.
Actors interested in appearing in The God of the Woods should carefully review individual casting notices, as eligibility requirements, filming dates, compensation, locations, and submission instructions can vary between roles.
You can also follow Roman Candle Casting on Project Casting to keep up with available casting opportunities and projects.
Netflix ‘ The God of the Woods’ Open Casting Call for Adults
Netflix TV Series “The Woods” Casting – Background Actors
Job Description
Netflix TV series “The Woods” is casting adult background actors for non-speaking roles in New York. The production is seeking performers ages 18 and older to work in Bolton Landing and surrounding towns. Both SAG-AFTRA members and non-union talent are welcome to apply. Selected background actors should be prepared for full-day or nighttime filming and maintain flexible availability in case production runs late.
Job Responsibilities
- Work as a non-speaking background actor on Netflix TV series “The Woods”
- Portray assigned background characters naturally on camera
- Follow direction from the production and assistant directing teams
- Maintain professionalism and continuity throughout filming
- Remain available for full-day, evening, or nighttime production schedules
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- SAG-AFTRA and non-union talent welcome
- Must be able to work in Bolton Landing and surrounding New York towns
- Flexible availability for full-day and evening filming
- Comfortable working as non-speaking background talent
Compensation
- SAG-AFTRA: $224 for 8 hours
- Non-union: $187 for 10 hours
Netflix ‘ The God of the Woods’ Casting Call for Kid Actors
Netflix TV Series “The Woods” Casting – Kids Background Actors
Job Description
Netflix TV series “The Woods” is casting children for non-speaking background roles in New York. The production is seeking young performers who can work in Newburgh and surrounding towns, Tuxedo Park, Harriman State Park, Southfields, and Forestburgh. Both SAG-AFTRA and non-union child talent are welcome, with filming potentially requiring full-day or evening availability depending on age-group work-hour requirements.
Job Responsibilities
- Work as a child background actor on Netflix TV series “The Woods”
- Portray assigned non-speaking background roles naturally on camera
- Follow age-appropriate direction from the production team
- Maintain professionalism and continuity during filming
- Work with a parent or legal guardian as required
Requirements
- Child performers
- SAG-AFTRA and non-union talent welcome
- Must be able to work in the listed New York filming locations
- Must have appropriate availability based on permitted child work hours
- Comfortable working as non-speaking background talent
- Parent or legal guardian must accompany the child when required
Compensation
- SAG-AFTRA: $224 for 8 hours
- Non-union: $187 for 10 hours
How to Apply for ‘The God of the Woods’ Casting Calls
If you’re interested in applying for The God of the Woods casting calls, always read the complete casting notice before submitting.
Casting notices may request information such as your:
- Name and age
- Current location
- Recent photographs or headshots
- Acting résumé, if applicable
- Height and clothing measurements
- Contact information
- Availability for filming and fittings
- Relevant skills or experience
Background roles may not require extensive professional acting experience, but applicants still need to meet the specific requirements listed in each casting notice.
Applicants should also pay close attention to the filming location. Because The God of the Woods is filming in upstate New York, some opportunities may prioritize or require performers who can work as local hires.
Always follow the submission instructions included in the individual casting call.
Who Is Making ‘The God of the Woods’?
Author Liz Moore is directly involved in bringing her novel to television.
Moore and Liz Hannah serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers on the Netflix adaptation.
Hannah’s previous credits include The Girl from Plainville, Mindhunter, and The Post, while Moore is also known for Long Bright River.
Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty executive produce for Original Film.
Sony Pictures Television is producing the series.
When Will ‘The God of the Woods’ Be Released on Netflix?
Netflix has not announced an official release date for The God of the Woods.
With filming underway, the series will need to move through the remainder of production and post-production before its Netflix premiere.
More information about a release window is expected as production progresses.
Stay Updated on ‘The God of the Woods’ Casting Calls
With an acclaimed novel as its source material, a major ensemble led by Maya Hawke and Kerry Condon, and production taking place throughout upstate New York, The God of the Woods is shaping up to be a Netflix project worth following.
For actors, extras, and other entertainment professionals, Project Casting makes it easier to discover opportunities connected to productions filming across the United States and beyond.
Ready to find your next opportunity? Browse Project Casting for the latest casting calls, acting auditions, background opportunities, and entertainment jobs.
Keep checking Project Casting for the latest The God of the Woods casting calls and updates as production continues.
