Adapting the DNA of a Thriller
The Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You has quickly become a streaming focal point, drawing attention not just for its plot, but for the deliberate creative deviations from the source material. Showrunner Robert Hull and author Harlan Coben have navigated the delicate process of translating a high-stakes thriller to the screen, focusing on maintaining the “DNA” of the story while allowing for necessary narrative adjustments.
According to Us Magazine, the creative team viewed the challenge of adaptation as their greatest asset. By prioritizing the emotional heart of the novel over rigid adherence to every plot point, the production aimed to create a more dynamic experience for viewers.
The Evolution of a Key Sequence
One of the most significant behind-the-scenes adjustments involved a pivotal action sequence at an airstrip in Episode 5. Stars Chi McBride and Logan Browning, who portray a father-daughter police duo, revealed that the scene underwent a radical transformation during production.
“We shot that airport scene twice in two different locations,” Logan Browning told Collider. “The scene was so different the first time. Even our one-on-one was completely different from what it ended up being the second time.” McBride added that the reshoot felt more intuitive, capturing a sense of urgency that better served the narrative’s cliffhanger conclusion.
Building Authentic Chemistry
Beyond the technical challenges of stunt work and reshoots, the series relies heavily on the evolving relationship between McBride’s character and Browning’s. The actors noted that their onscreen bond developed organically, often mirroring the friction and eventual mutual respect required by their characters’ roles as FBI detectives.
“When you don’t overthink things and use what comes naturally, that’s what makes for satisfying performances,” McBride noted, reflecting on his long career. The series, which stars Sam Worthington as David Burroughs—a man escaping prison to prove his innocence regarding his son’s murder—is currently streaming on Netflix.