Where was Untamed shot? Here's what we know about the upcoming Netflix thriller's filming

Netflix's upcoming mystery thriller, Untamed, might be set in the out doors of Yosemite, but here's the surprise and twist: it never actually filmed there to begin with.

Instead, the show was filmed in Canada, mainly across British Columbia, which acted as a stand in for the iconic U.S. national park.

That choice wasn't random because it gave the production team easy access to natural beauty while offering the flexibility of film friendly locations. With Untamed being released on Netflix on July 17, viewers will be in for a whirlwind of tension, beauty, and a few surprises.

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The Canadian wilds that became Yosemite on screen

Though Untamed is set within the landscape of Yosemite National Park, filming stayed far from California's famous trails. Instead, the production unfolded across British Columbia, particularly around Vancouver and the lush Chip Kerr Park.

These areas were picked for their dense forests, peaceful trails, and dramatic backdrops-qualities needed to match the fictional setting of a murder investigation in the wild.

The show's teaser already hints at this visual trickery. In it, Eric Bana's character, Kyle Turner, wanders through dense, misty woods that look like Yosemite. But it's actually Canada doing the heavy lifting.

Vancouver wasn't just chosen for its look. It's known for a strong film industry, easy access to nature, and long summer daylight which are very much ideal for capturing extended outdoor scenes. The team took full advantage of the season, starting production in June 2024, just as the foliage was full and the natural light was ideal.

A key location during filming was Chip Kerr Park, whose tall trees and quiet walking paths were used to stage major investigation scenes. According to reports, production trucks, trailers, and camera rigs filled parts of the location, transforming streets into active filming zones.

A rental building at 3002 Henry Street was even dressed up with graffiti and renamed "Casa Bueno" to add a gritty, lived-in feel for certain storylines.

A production assistant confirmed the crew wrapped key scenes by early August, although additional filming likely stretched into the months after to capture different moods and weather.

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Untamed & its filming choices and the story it supports

Untamed dives deep into a character led mystery story where the landscapes are more than just a backdrop placed there for the aesthetics. Infact, what they are is a mirror to emotionality of the story.

Eric Bana plays Kyle Turner, a National Parks Service agent drawn into a chilling murder case. He's joined by Lily Santiago as Naya Vasquez, a rookie ranger with a sharp eye and a fresh take. Their search for answers winds through dangerous paths, both literal and emotional.

Although the visuals portray Yosemite, the danger and mystery were captured almost entirely in Canada. It's an illusion that works all thanks to careful location scouting and production design.

The decision to film in British Columbia wasn't just about saving costs or avoiding a national park's red tape. Co-showrunner Mark L. Smith explained the creative drive behind it to Netflix Tudum:

"Everyone thinks of Yosemite as this beautiful place with all the vistas and all the scenery, but we were trying to touch on the dangers that are just beyond that."

He added;

"I love stripping all the cheats away, stripping all the more modern tools that people can use. It really gets down to the character and what they can find within themselves."

That mindset is reflected in how Untamed uses its chosen locations. The quiet trails, dense forest cover, and rugged backroads become characters of their own. All unpredictable, secretive, and full of clues.

Behind the camera, Untamed is created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, with a production team that includes Eric Bana himself. Other cast members like Sam Neill, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Wilson Bethel joined the shoot in June 2024.

Together, they helped create a world that looks and feels like Yosemite, even though not a single scene was filmed there.

So, when Untamed hits Netflix this July, just remember that the beauty and danger you see are all thanks to the forests of British Columbia. Let us know if you spot certain aspects that give it away!

Also read: Untamed cast and character guide: Who plays whom in Netflix's upcoming mystery thriller starring Eric Bana?

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