Untamed Netflix – Eric Bana stars in this gripping 6-episode Yosemite thriller. Complete cast guide, filming locations, plot details & streaming info.
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Untamed Netflix: Everything About the Must-Watch Crime Thriller
Netflix’s latest crime thriller, “Untamed,” premiered on July 17, 2025, bringing viewers a gripping murder mystery set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park. This six-episode limited series stars Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, an Investigative Services Branch (ISB) special agent who becomes entangled in a complex case that challenges both his professional skills and personal boundaries.
The series follows a woman’s death that draws a federal agent into lawless terrain, where nature obeys no rules but its own. Created by the father-daughter writing team of Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, “Untamed” combines elements of crime, mystery, and psychological thriller to create a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Plot Summary: A Death in Paradise
The story begins when a brutal death occurs at Yosemite National Park, prompting a thorough investigation by the National Park Service. As the investigation progresses, Turner takes the case to new extremes with serious repercussions, while other characters become entangled in personal conflicts and long-buried secrets.
The series explores themes of justice, survival, and the thin line between civilization and wilderness. The investigation ultimately reveals the truth about Lucy’s death and the long-buried secrets that set the tragic events in motion.
Star-Studded Cast and Characters
Eric Bana as Kyle Turner
Eric Bana stars as Kyle Turner, the central character who is an ISB special agent investigating the mysterious death. The 56-year-old Australian actor brings his extensive experience from films like “Troy,” “Black Hawk Down,” and “Hulk” to this complex role.
Sam Neill as Paul Souter
Sam Neill, 77, plays Paul Souter, the chief park ranger of Yosemite. The veteran New Zealand actor, famous for his role in “Jurassic Park,” adds gravitas to the series with his commanding presence.
Supporting Cast Excellence
- Rosemarie DeWitt as Jill Bodwin: The 53-year-old actress, known from “La La Land” and “United States of Tara,” brings depth to her character
- Lily Santiago as Naya Vasquez: The 29-year-old actress, primarily known for her role in “La Brea,” delivers a compelling performance
- Wilson Bethel as Shane Maguire: The 41-year-old actor from “Hart of Dixie” and “The Young and the Restless” adds complexity to the ensemble
- William Smillie as Bruce Milch: Known for “Chicago Fire” and “The Dark Knight,” Smillie rounds out the talented cast
Behind the Scenes: Production Details
| Production Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Creators | Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith (father-daughter team) |
| Executive Producers | John Wells, Eric Bana, Mark L. Smith, Elle Smith |
| Production Companies | Warner Bros. Television, John Wells Productions |
| Episodes | 6 episodes, 60 minutes each |
| Release Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Genre | Crime, Mystery, Thriller |
| Setting | Yosemite National Park |
Filming Locations and Challenges
Although “Untamed” takes place in Yosemite, the show was filmed in British Columbia. The production faced unique challenges filming in wilderness conditions.
Eric Bana described the filming experience, noting they “had a bear guy on set who was responsible for our and the bears’ safety” with “very strict rules around food and all that sort of stuff”. Interestingly, while most people did see a bear while filming, Bana had “really bad bear luck” and never encountered one despite being “desperate to have an encounter with a bear of the positive kind”.
Critical Reception and Reviews
Netflix’s limited series “Untamed” has been described as “engrossing,” with Eric Bana portraying a special agent investigating the shocking death of a mysterious Jane Doe.
Reviews highlight the series as “a thriller, crime, and mystery hybrid with a solid cast and well-written characters” that’s worth binge-watching. Critics note that the series has “just six episodes and a strong core plot” with “all the answers given before the end of episode six”.
However, some critics point out that “the plotting gets thick and murky as the six-episode limited series picks up steam, before completely turning into mush in the finale with at least one twist too many”.
Streaming Information and Availability
Where to Watch: Netflix (exclusively) Release Date: July 17, 2025 Episode Count: 6 episodes Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes per episode Language: English Subtitles: Available in multiple languages
Cast Insights and Behind-the-Scenes Quotes
William Smillie promoted the series on Instagram in May, describing it as “a thriller/mystery set in beautiful Yosemite” and calling it “so good, y’all”.
Lily Santiago shared her perspective on her character in an interview, stating: “I think of all the characters—and yes, I am biased—[Vasquez] has the biggest arc in this series… because of how much she has to adapt to her new environment and her new surroundings”.
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FAQs
When was Untamed Netflix released?
Untamed was released on Netflix on July 17, 2025.
How many episodes are in Untamed Netflix?
There are six episodes, each lasting 60 minutes.
Who are the main stars of Untamed Netflix?
The series stars Eric Bana and Sam Neill, along with Rosemarie DeWitt, Lily Santiago, Wilson Bethel, and William Smillie.
Will there be a second season of Untamed Netflix?
While the first season concludes definitively, critics note that “crime happens all the time,” suggesting a second season is possible.
What Makes Untamed Netflix Stand Out
Unique Setting
The choice to set the series in Yosemite National Park provides a breathtaking and mysterious backdrop that becomes almost a character itself. The wilderness setting adds tension and unpredictability to the narrative.
Strong Character Development
The series features compelling character arcs, particularly for Naya Vasquez, who “has the biggest arc in this series” due to her adaptation to new environments.
Production Quality
With Warner Bros. Television backing and John Wells producing, the series maintains high production values throughout its six-episode run.
Future Prospects and Season 2 Possibilities
While the first season provides closure with all answers given by the finale, the nature of crime stories means a second season remains possible. The series format allows for potential anthology-style continuation or new cases for the characters.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Crime Thriller
“Untamed” Netflix represents a compelling addition to the streaming platform’s crime thriller catalog. With its stellar cast led by Eric Bana and Sam Neill, stunning wilderness setting, and intricate mystery plot, the series offers an engaging viewing experience for fans of the genre.
The combination of beautiful Yosemite scenery, complex character relationships, and a gripping murder mystery makes “Untamed” a standout limited series. Whether you’re drawn to crime procedurals, psychological thrillers, or simply appreciate quality storytelling, this six-episode series delivers on multiple fronts.
The series successfully balances character development with plot progression, creating a binge-worthy experience that keeps viewers invested from the first episode to the final revelation. As streaming audiences continue to seek quality limited series, “Untamed” positions itself as a must-watch addition to your Netflix queue.
Stream “Untamed” exclusively on Netflix and experience the gripping mystery that unfolds in the wilderness of Yosemite National Park.
