Eric Bana reveals why he chose to star in Untamed, says ‘I attached myself immediately’

Eric Bana shared what motivated him to join Untamed, Netflix's limited crime thriller series set against the striking landscape of Yosemite National Park. In an interview with Variety, the Australian actor said that he "attached [himself] immediately" to the series after reading the pilot script.

As per Variety, he said,

"I think the idea of following someone who’s trying to solve a crime, knocking on doors and driving a car, I’ve seen that so many times. To see someone in a national park do it on a horse just seems so much more interesting and much more fun to do. "

He added,

"I just really loved the character of Kyle Turner. I attached myself immediately. I just got the elbows out and said, “Can we make this happen? And can I be Kyle and what do we need to do?"

The series's showrunners and writers are Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith. It is set during a murder trial that deals with complex themes of grief, memory, and the outdoors—topics all relevant to Bana's choice. Bana plays Kyle Turner, a special agent with the American National Parks Service, who investigates the untimely death of a young woman on the Tuolumne River. When talking about what drew him to the script, Bana cited the immersive environment, the solitary tone, and the emotional relevance of the story as key factors.

Untamed is a six-episode standalone season that alternates traditional detective investigations with contemplative storytelling rooted in naturalistic origins.

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Why Untamed was so important to Eric Bana

In an interview with Variety, Bana explained he was impressed with the way Untamed developed a grounded detective story with thematic depth. He described the script as cinematic and character-driven. According to Variety, he said,

"I was thrilled with the journey of the character and the story and the twists and turns and the opportunities within the rest of the cast to have all these amazing characters and amazing actors as well."

He also praised the series for effectively adapting a crime genre story and shifting it to a different environment, moving from city darkness to rural quiet without losing narrative momentum.

While others might prefer a traditional procedural, Bana emphasized that Untamed stands out in its exploration of mystery and character. The story develops not only through investigation but also through emotional subtext, particularly regarding Turner's background and his connection to nature. For Bana, playing Turner was a chance to explore themes of guilt, memory, and loss that he couldn't otherwise address on screen.

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A character based on landscape and feeling

Kyle Turner of Bana's Untamed is not a solo actor or part of a large cast of Hollywood personalities. The actor occasionally shares scenes with other main actors, such as Sam Neill as his boss and Lily Santiago as a regional park biologist. Most of Turner's internal struggle unfolds on the grand stage of Yosemite, which Bana credits with amplifying the show's emotional impact.

The setting was key to his fascination with the role. Filming on location in an actual national park environment was logistically and creatively challenging.

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Clear genre, subtle structure

Untamed is a psychological crime thriller that maintains a pace rooted in a darker, more introspective storytelling style. The series uses long takes, silence, and fragmented flashbacks to explore Turner's mind and his open wounds.

Bana described the style as something familiar to audiences, yet not a formulaic show. It avoids cliffhangers and unnecessary violence, instead creating atmosphere through space, silence, and mood.

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No second season, yet

To the surprise of some fan theories, Untamed has not been officially renewed for a second season as of July 2025. Season one concluded as a self-contained story, and the creators stated that they designed it as a limited series. According to Variety, Bana said,

"We’ll have to wait and see."

"We spoke about what would happen to Kyle after this, in theory. So you never know."

The six-episode run is a self-contained story, although the possibility for future stories remains if there's enough fan support and platform available.

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Eric Bana boarded Untamed because of an immediate connection, not with a genre or trend, but with a tightly written script that was emotionally rich and evocatively grounded. The series offers a fresh take on the detective genre, avoiding over-the-top tropes for a more reflective pace and sensory engagement.

With only one season released, Untamed is a subtle yet fully developed addition to Netflix's lineup of crime dramas. Bana's portrayal of Kyle Turner captures the show's balanced thematic approach perfectly: half procedural, half emotional diary.

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Also read: “Kind of paternal instinct both ways”: Untamed stars reflect on the unlikely emotional connection between Kyle and Naya.