After dominating Netflix’s charts in mid-2025, Untamed is officially returning for Season 2 — and this time, the wilderness gets tropical. The hit series starring Eric Bana as National Park Service agent Kyle Turner is moving from the rugged mountains of Yosemite to the lush danger of Hawaii’s national parks.
The new chapter promises a fresh mystery, new characters, and a deeper exploration of the balance between human ambition and nature’s untamed power.
“Season 2 takes Turner out of his comfort zone,” said co-creator Mark L. Smith in a recent interview. “We wanted to see him somewhere completely different — where paradise hides its own secrets.”
Key Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Untamed (Season 2) |
| Genre | Crime Thriller / Mystery Drama |
| Creators | Mark L. Smith, Elle Smith |
| Lead Star | Eric Bana as Kyle Turner |
| Filming Start Date | February 17, 2026 |
| Filming Wrap Date | June 1, 2026 |
| Setting | Hawaii (National Parks) |
| Production Company | Netflix |
| Season Format | 6–8 Episodes (Expected) |
| Expected Release Window | Late 2026 – Early 2027 |
Season 1 Recap: How We Got Here?
Season 1 of Untamed followed Kyle Turner, a federal agent investigating the death of a young woman in California’s Yosemite National Park. The case unraveled layers of corruption, grief, and personal redemption, as Turner confronted his past and the dark side of America’s natural preserves.
By the finale, Turner had uncovered a drug ring, witnessed the suicide of Chief Souter, and learned that his ex-wife orchestrated their son’s killer’s murder. As the dust settled, Turner — suspended and disillusioned — left Yosemite behind, but his instincts told him there were still truths to be found in the wild.
“We wanted Kyle’s story to feel like the start of an anthology of survival and moral conflict,” said Elle Smith, co-creator of the series. “The national parks become characters themselves.”
What’s New in Season 2?
Season 2 of Untamed takes the story to Hawaii, trading granite cliffs and pine forests for volcanic landscapes, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests.
According to Netflix’s early production notes, Kyle Turner will now investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to illegal land exploitation and environmental sabotage.
“Hawaii isn’t just paradise — it’s layered, political, and fiercely protective of its land,” said Smith. “That tension makes it the perfect backdrop for Turner’s next case.”
The show will reportedly lean into Hawaiian folklore and local cultural influences, blending crime drama with elements of psychological and environmental suspense.
New Location: Paradise with Peril
Filming will reportedly take place across multiple Hawaiian islands, though the exact national park hasn’t been confirmed. Potential locations include:
| Potential Setting | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| Haleakalā National Park (Maui) | Vast volcanic landscapes and ancient craters |
| Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) | Home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, active volcanoes |
| Kalaupapa National Historical Park (Moloka‘i) | Isolated cliffs and historic settlements |
| Nā Pali Coast (Kaua‘i) | Remote, treacherous coastlines perfect for suspenseful sequences |
The shift to Hawaii offers new terrain — both literal and emotional. Expect storms, moral ambiguity, and stunning cinematography juxtaposing nature’s beauty with human greed.
Cast and Characters: Who’s Returning and Who’s New?
While Eric Bana is confirmed to return as the introspective, haunted Kyle Turner, the rest of the Season 2 cast will largely be new due to the change in location.
| Actor | Character | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Bana | Kyle Turner | Returning |
| Lily Santiago | Naya | Possible guest appearance |
| TBD | Local Investigator / Partner | New role |
| TBD | Native Park Ranger | New role |
| TBD | Antagonist | New role, tied to corporate corruption |
Showrunners have hinted that Season 2 will feature a diverse ensemble of Hawaiian and Polynesian actors to authentically represent the island’s culture and environmental stakes.
“We’re working closely with local communities and consultants,” producer Elle Smith noted, “to ensure Hawaiian perspectives and traditions are integral to the story.”
Filming and Production Timeline
According to Production Weekly (Issue 1475), filming begins February 17, 2026, and will wrap by June 1, 2026. This timeline mirrors Season 1’s production length, meaning post-production should carry through summer and fall 2026.
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production | Late 2025 – January 2026 |
| Filming | February 17 – June 1, 2026 |
| Post-Production | June – October 2026 |
| Possible Release | November 2026 – March 2027 |
Plot Expectations: What Could Happen in Season 2?
Untamed Season 2 is expected to follow Turner after he’s reinstated — or perhaps freelancing — to solve a new mystery in Hawaii. Several threads may carry over from Season 1:
- Turner’s Past: His complicated moral compass and trauma from Yosemite may influence how he approaches his new assignment.
- New Case, New Rules: The investigation could involve environmental crimes, missing persons, or a cover-up tied to tourism and local politics.
- Cultural Conflicts: Turner’s federal authority may clash with native communities and traditions, deepening the show’s ethical dilemmas.
- Personal Redemption: With his marriage destroyed and career hanging by a thread, Turner’s Hawaiian mission might be his chance at closure.
“We want Turner to evolve,” said Mark L. Smith. “Each park tests him differently — nature exposes what people hide.”
Comparison: Untamed vs. Other Netflix Crime Thrillers
| Title | Lead Star | Setting | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Untamed (Season 1) | Eric Bana | Yosemite, USA | Wilderness crime drama |
| Untamed (Season 2) | Eric Bana | Hawaii | Psychological & environmental thriller |
| Ozark | Jason Bateman | Missouri | Crime and morality |
| Pieces of Her | Toni Collette | Georgia | Family mystery |
| The Killing | Mireille Enos | Seattle | Procedural noir |
This fresh locale gives Netflix another chance to redefine the “eco-thriller” subgenre — one rooted in both natural beauty and human corruption.
Why It Matters?
Untamed has become a breakout for Netflix, striking a balance between prestige drama and binge-worthy crime storytelling. Season 2 not only continues that success but also showcases the streamer’s commitment to regionally diverse storytelling.
With Eric Bana back and a Hawaiian backdrop, the sequel has all the ingredients to deepen its character-driven narrative while expanding its cinematic scope.
As TV critic Jenna Lowry noted, “If Season 1 was about confinement — emotional and physical — Season 2 is about exposure. Hawaii lets the story breathe, even as it burns.”
FAQs
1. Is Untamed Season 2 confirmed by Netflix?
Yes. Netflix officially renewed Untamed after its strong 2025 debut.
2. When will filming start for Season 2?
Production begins February 17, 2026, in Hawaii.
3. Who will return for Season 2?
Eric Bana will reprise his role as Kyle Turner; new characters and Hawaiian actors are expected to join the cast.
4. Where is the new season set?
The story moves from Yosemite National Park to Hawaii, exploring a new mystery in a tropical national park.
5. When could Untamed Season 2 release on Netflix?
Based on production timelines, expect a release between late 2026 and early 2027.
6. What’s different about Season 2?
A new setting, new mystery, and darker tone — shifting from survival drama to an environmental crime thriller.
