The God of the Woods Cast Expands With Tracy Letts, John Gallagher Jr., and Lola Kirke

Netflix has announced a major wave of new additions to The God of the Woods cast. Tracy Letts, John Gallagher Jr., Lola Kirke, and Colton Ryan are among the actors joining the upcoming adaptation of Liz Moore’s bestselling novel.

The casting update comes as production continues on the highly anticipated drama series from co-showrunners Liz Hannah and Liz Moore. Several additional recurring cast members have also been revealed, offering a clearer picture of the world surrounding the influential Van Laar family at the center of the story.

The growing The God of the Woods cast joins a project that is already one of Netflix’s most notable upcoming literary adaptations.

Four Key Recurring Characters Revealed

Netflix has shared details about several major recurring roles that will play important parts in the series.

Tracy Letts has been cast as Peter Van Laar II. According to Netflix, the character is an older, wealthier, and seemingly kinder version of his son, played by Benjamin Walker. However, the official description notes that there may be more beneath the surface than first appears.

John Gallagher Jr. will portray Jacob Sluiter, a convicted murderer who has recently escaped from prison. His return to the area coincides with the disappearance of a thirteen-year-old girl.

Lola Kirke joins as Delphine Barlow, the recently widowed sister of Alice, played by Kerry Condon. Netflix describes Delphine as confident, outspoken, and capable of making almost any situation about herself.

Colton Ryan has been cast as John Paul McClellan Jr., a member of a wealthy family with significant connections to Camp Emerson. The character is described as entitled and emotionally repressed.

Together, these characters add new layers to a story already centered on family influence, hidden secrets, and a community shaken by tragedy.

Additional Recurring Cast Members Join the Series

Netflix also announced a broader group of recurring performers joining the production.

The new additions include:

  • Camila Canó-Flaviá 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 McLellan Sr.
  • Joseph Adams as Vic Hewitt
  • Brooklyn Shuck as Annabel

These actors join an already established ensemble that was announced earlier this year.

Previously confirmed series regulars include Kerry Condon, Maya Hawke, Damon Gupton, Ella Rubin, Susannah Perkins, Benjamin Walker, Nell Fisher, and Autumn Molina.

The cast combines established television and film actors with emerging performers, creating a large ensemble that reflects the multi-generational nature of the story.

What Is The God of the Woods About?

Based on Liz Moore’s bestselling novel, The God of the Woods is set in the Adirondacks and follows a mystery that unfolds across multiple generations.

The story centers on the wealthy Van Laar family and the disappearance of thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her family’s summer camp.

According to Netflix, Barbara’s disappearance occurs in the shadow of an earlier family tragedy that may be connected to the case.

As the investigation unfolds, long-buried family secrets begin to surface. The series explores class divisions, privilege, power, and the ways wealth can influence the lives of everyone connected to the Van Laars.

The official synopsis describes a story in which past and present collide, forcing the family to confront uncomfortable truths while their influence and reputation begin to unravel.

The Creative Team Behind the Adaptation

The series comes from co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers Liz Hannah and Liz Moore.

Hannah’s previous credits include The Girl from Plainville, Mindhunter, and The Post. Moore is best known as the author of Long Bright River and the novel on which the series is based.

Additional executive producers include Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty for Original Film.

Sony Pictures Television serves as the studio behind the project.

Netflix has not yet announced a premiere date for the series, but the expanding cast continues to signal that the adaptation is moving forward as one of the streamer’s major upcoming drama projects.

With production underway and several important roles now filled, The God of the Woods continues to build an ensemble capable of bringing Liz Moore’s bestselling mystery to life.

FAQ

  • Who has joined The God of the Woods cast? Netflix has added Tracy Letts, John Gallagher Jr., Lola Kirke, Colton Ryan, Camila Canó-Flaviá, Tristan Leander Green, Cliff Chamberlain, Lynden Miles Ley, Dannie McCallum, Andrew Polk, Chris Henry Coffey, David Furr, Joseph Adams, and Brooklyn Shuck.
  • What is The God of the Woods about? The series follows the disappearance of thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar and the secrets surrounding her wealthy family in the Adirondacks.
  • Is The God of the Woods based on a book? Yes. The series is based on Liz Moore’s bestselling novel of the same name.

Key Details

  • Series: The God of the Woods
  • Based On: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
  • New Cast Members: Tracy Letts, John Gallagher Jr., Lola Kirke, Colton Ryan, Camila Canó-Flaviá, Tristan Leander Green, Cliff Chamberlain, Lynden Miles Ley, Dannie McCallum, Andrew Polk, Chris Henry Coffey, David Furr, Joseph Adams, Brooklyn Shuck
  • Previously Announced Cast: Kerry Condon, Maya Hawke, Damon Gupton, Ella Rubin, Susannah Perkins, Benjamin Walker, Nell Fisher, Autumn Molina
  • Co-Showrunners/Writers: Liz Hannah, Liz Moore
  • Executive Producers: Liz Hannah, Liz Moore, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty
  • Studio: Sony Pictures Television
  • Source Material: The God of the Woods novel by Liz Moore
  • Release Date: TBA
  • Episodes: TBA
  • Filming Location: Adirondacks and Hudson River Valley, New York
Emma Armbrüster is Senior Editorial Critic at The Viewer’s Perspective. Based in Veneto, Italy, she specializes in deep-dive narrative analysis and episode-by-episode recaps of premier television, providing an independent vantage point on the modern streaming landscape.

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