First Look at Michelle Keegan and Tom Bateman Behind The Scenes on Harlan Coben Adaptation ‘The Woods’

Picture Credit: Mark Campbell / MCPIX

If you thought you’d seen the last of Michelle Keegan in the Harlan Coben universe after the global phenomenon of Fool Me Once, think again! Earlier this month, it was revealed the “Cobenverse” is expanding once more with a brand-new, UK-based adaptation of his 2007 gripping novel, The Woods.

Filming has been officially underway right now in Manchester and across the North of England for the last few weeks, and we’ve already been treated to some incredibly juicy behind-the-scenes pictures of the cast in action courtesy of some public snaps which we can share below.

Here is everything you need to know about the new series, a breakdown of the cast and plot, and a look at those highly anticipated set photos.

Behind the Scenes: First Look Snaps at the Cast on Set

With production now up and running, cameras have been rolling in the North West, and photographers have managed to capture the cast deep in the thick of the action.

On Day 1 of filming, we got our very first glimpse of leading man Tom Bateman, who was snapped looking pensive and serious behind the wheel of a car. He plays the central role of Paul ‘Cope’ Copeland, and from the looks of it, Cope is about to have a very stressful time.

Picture Credit: Mark Campbell / MCPIX

More recently, fresh snaps have surfaced of Michelle Keegan stepping onto the set. Looking effortlessly stylish, Keegan was photographed sporting a red and white tweed jacket, flared jeans, and a classic white T-shirt while on the phone heading toward her vehicle.

But it’s not all just stylish wardrobe choices—things are already getting explosive! Additional pictures from the night shoot confirm a massive stunt sequence involving Keegan’s character. Snaps show a dramatic car crash where her vehicle smashes right into a house fence. Co-star James Buckley (The Inbetweeners) was also spotted on the scene, looking visibly distressed as he yanked open the car door.

Picture Credit: Mark Campbell / MCPIX

Whatever is happening in the woods, it’s clearly going to be an action-packed, bumpy ride!

What is the plot of The Woods?

If you feel a sense of déjà vu with the title, that’s because Netflix previously adapted The Woods back in 2020 as a Polish-language mini-series (W głębi lasu). This time, however, the action has been relocated to the UK for a thoroughly Northern affair.

Here is the official logline for the new 8-part adaptation:

“Twenty years ago, Paul ‘Cope’ Copeland’s sister, Camille, vanished from a summer camp in the woods, a loss that tore his family apart. Now a top barrister and devoted single father to ten-year-old daughter Cami, Cope appears to have rebuilt his life.

But when the body of a man turns up — twenty years after he was supposedly murdered alongside Camille — Cope becomes convinced his sister may have made it out of the woods alive too. Determined to uncover the truth, Cope begins a search for answers, unearthing years of lies, cover-ups, and family secrets that threaten to destroy everything he has built.”

Who is in the cast of The Woods?

Netflix has assembled an absolute powerhouse British cast for this limited event series. Notably, the production is bringing back some familiar faces from previous Harlan Coben smash hits to delight eagle-eyed fans!