Netflix to Adapt Hit Novel ‘The God of the Woods,’ With Author Liz Moore and Liz Hannah as Showrunners (EXCLUSIVE)

Netflix has signed on to adapt Liz Moore‘s hit novel “The God of the Woods” — which counts President Obama and Taylor Swift among its fans — into an hour long series. Liz Hannah (“The Girl From Plainville”) and Moore will serve as co-showrunners, writers and executive producers. The show comes from Sony Pictures TV and Original Film.

The New York Times bestseller is described as “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.”

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In the case of the book “The God of the Woods,” it has been highlighted by multiple publications, and President Barack Obama called it one of his favorite books of the year. In her new documentary “The End of an Era,” Taylor Swift is seen listening to “The God of the Woods” audiobook.

“We love making TV and can’t wait to bring ‘The God of the Woods’ to life with our partners at Sony and Netflix,” Hannah and Moore said in a joint statement. “We hope everyone falls in love (and hate) with these characters as much as we have.”

“The God of the Woods” comes as part of ongoing overall deals that Sony Pictures TV has with both Original Film and Hannah (through her Happy Friday Prods. label, including VP of development Will DeCamp). Original Film’s Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty will also exec produce.

Hannah’s other credits include “Mindhunter” (which earned her a WGA Award nom) and “The Post,” which scored her a WGA award and Golden Globe nomination. Hannah was also an executive producer and writer on the Emmy-winning Hulu limited series “The Dropout.” Most recently, Hannah wrote and executive produced the film “Lee.” 

For Moore, this reps the second time she has adapted one of her novels, following “Long Bright River,” which ran as a drama earlier this year on Peacock. “Long Bright River,” which Moore wrote with Nikki Toscano, earned star Amanda Seyfried a Golden Globe nomination. Sony Pictures TV and Original Film were also behind “Long Bright River,” which makes “The God of the Woods” their second collab with Moore.

Moore’s novels also include “The Unseen World,” “Heft” and “The Words of Every Song.” She’s the winner of the Rome Prize in Literature, and is also the director of the MFA program in Creative Writing at Temple University.

Original Film’s lineup includes “The Boys,” “Gen V” and “Long Bright River.” Upcoming projects include “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” the “Boys” prequel “Vought Rising” and the animated series “Golden Axe.” Past titles include “S.W.A.T.,” “Goosebumps,” “Cruel Intentions,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Preacher,” “Prison Break” and “The Big C.”

Netflix has been bolstering its roster of book adaptations in recent years, with the success of series like “Bridgerton.” Other book-to-TV series have included “Ransom Canyon,” “Forever,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Society of the Snow,” “Frankenstein,” “The Woman in Cabin 10,” “Fool Me Once” and “The Hunting Wives.” Netflix notes that book adaptations have hit the streamer’s Global Top 10 lists every single week this year.

Netflix book adaptations coming in January include “His & Hers” (Jan. 8), “People We Meet on Vacation” (Jan. 9). “Seven Dials Mystery” (Jan. 15) and “Bridgerton” Season 4 (Jan. 29).

Hannah is repped by UTA, TFC Management and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Moore is repped by WME and attorney Darren Trattner at Jackoway.