Harlan Coben is keeping his Netflix streak alive with The Woods, the latest adaptation of his 2007 novel, and the cast is shaping up to be a who's who of familiar faces. Joining previously announced lead Michelle Keegan are Tom Bateman (Based on a True Story), Mandeep Dhillon (MobLand), Pearce Quigley (Small Prophets), and Rade Sherbedgia (Slow Horses).
Coben, who recently ventured into true crime with the CBS docuseries Harlan Coben's Final Twist, described The Woods as "haunting and very personal." In a statement, he added, "It has everything you expect from us — twisty, turning, gasp-inducing — but at the core is a story of old love and yearning." The series is co-written by Coben and Danny Brocklehurst, his frequent collaborator on hits like Fool Me Once and Stay Close.
Keegan, who became a streaming sensation after her role in Fool Me Once, will play Lucy, a character grappling with deep personal secrets. "What's really exciting for me as an actor is that Lucy is dealing with these deep, personal secrets," Keegan said. "So, I get to really explore her vulnerability and that emotional push and pull, which just makes the story feel so real and powerful."
This isn't the first time The Woods has been adapted. A Polish-language version aired on Netflix in 2020, earning an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, that series flew under the radar for many viewers, and the English-language adaptation is expected to bring the story to a wider audience. The new version will likely follow the same six-episode format.
For fans of Coben's twisty narratives, the wait might be a bit longer. While no official release date has been announced, the series is expected to debut in January 2027, aligning with the typical release pattern for Coben's Netflix adaptations. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on Fool Me Once on Netflix, or dive into other binge-worthy shows like North of North.
The casting of Dhillon, who recently appeared in the crime thriller MobLand, adds another layer of intrigue to the project. Season 2 of MobLand has just wrapped filming, and Dhillon's transition to Coben's universe is a natural fit given her experience with tense, character-driven dramas.
With a blend of fresh faces and Coben veterans, The Woods is shaping up to be another must-watch thriller for Netflix subscribers. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this and other upcoming streaming releases.
