Harlan Coben adapts his novel The Woods for Netflix with Michelle Keegan, his 14th collaboration with the platform

In the spring of 2026, Harlan Coben is back in the spotlight with an ambitious new project. The master of the American thriller has begun shooting his next series for Netflix. The production marks his 14th collaboration with the streaming platform.

The Woods: a new adaptation of the novel Dans les bois

The series is called The Woods and adapts the novel published in 2007. In France, the book is known as Dans les bois. However, this is the second adaptation of this work for Netflix.

A first version was released in 2020. This Polish series had the same French title. Now, the author is offering a British retelling of the story.

Filming is currently taking place in Manchester and the north-west of England. No release date has yet been announced.

“This is one of my most personal novels. Like my hero Paul Copeland, I worked as a summer camp counselor when I was still too young for the job.”

A plot revolving around a twenty-year-old disappearance

The story follows Paul “Cope” Copeland, whose sister Camille has disappeared from a forest summer camp. The disappearance was twenty years ago and tore his family apart. Now a successful lawyer, Cope is also the single father of a ten-year-old daughter named Cami.

One day, the body of a man is found. This man had supposedly died alongside Camille twenty years earlier. Cope becomes convinced that his sister may have survived.

• Paul Copeland reunites with his first love, Lucy Silverfield
• Together, they set off in search of answers
• Years of lies and cover-ups resurface
• Family secrets threaten to destroy Cope’s life
• The hero scratches where it doesn’t belong

A very personal project for Harlan Coben

Almost twenty years after the book’s release, the writer still considers this story to be one of his most intimate. He confided this sentiment in an interview with Tudum. This personal connection no doubt explains his desire to revisit the story.

The American novelist continues to supply Netflix with thrillers. His ability to create gripping plots appeals to a wide audience. As a result, the platform regularly renews its confidence in him.

This new series joins a long list of adaptations. These include Double Piège (Fool Me Once), released in 2024. The success of these productions explains this lasting collaboration.

Michelle Keegan and Danny Brocklehurst return

On the casting front, Michelle Keegan joins the project. The actress previously appeared in Double Entrapment in 2024. She joins Harlan Coben for this new TV adventure.

In addition, writer Danny Brocklehurst signs on for the series. He had already written Fool Me Once. This creative team brings a certain continuity to the author’s adaptations.

Netflix bets again on suspense thrillers

The platform pursues its strategy of storytelling with a twist. Series based on the writer’s novels regularly attract millions of viewers. However, no information on the number of episodes has been released.

The synopsis promises a dense plot combining family secrets and investigation. Fans of the genre will find the usual ingredients. There will be plenty of plot twists and turns.

This production confirms Harlan Coben’s central place in the Netflix catalog. With 14 collaborations, he is one of the streaming giant’s most adapted authors. Thriller fans can look forward to this new series.

• Harlan Coben