Netflix Confirms “Untamed” Season 2 Premieres October 11 – Lucy’s Role Replaced by a Betrayed Figure from Her Past
Netflix has officially announced that Untamed, the gripping murder mystery set in the rugged wilderness of Yosemite National Park, will return for a second season on October 11, 2025. The series, which captivated audiences with its atmospheric storytelling and shocking twists in its debut season, is set to take a bold new direction. In a surprising move, Lucy Cook, the enigmatic figure at the heart of Season 1’s mystery, will no longer be the lead. Instead, her place will be taken by a character she once betrayed, promising a fresh narrative arc that delves deeper into the themes of trust, vengeance, and redemption. This article explores the implications of this shift, the potential new lead, and what fans can expect from Untamed Season 2.
A Recap of Untamed Season 1
Untamed Season 1, released on July 17, 2025, introduced viewers to Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a haunted National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent investigating the death of a young woman, initially known as Jane Doe, in Yosemite National Park. The series, created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, unraveled a complex web of secrets, betrayals, and personal tragedies against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite’s wilderness. The investigation revealed that Jane Doe was Lucy Cook (Ezra Franky), a woman with a troubled past who died after a confrontation with her biological father, Chief Park Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill). Lucy’s death, initially suspected to be murder, was ultimately revealed to be a suicide prompted by Souter shooting her in the leg, leading her to leap from El Capitan to escape further harm.
The season also explored Kyle’s personal grief over the murder of his son, Caleb, and the betrayal by his ex-wife, Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt), who hired wildlife officer Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel) to kill Caleb’s murderer, Sean Sanderson, without Kyle’s knowledge. This betrayal ended their marriage, adding emotional depth to the series’ character-driven narrative. By the finale, Kyle left Yosemite, seemingly at peace, while Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), his rookie partner, emerged as a competent and empathetic ranger.
The show’s success, bolstered by a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and its atmospheric setting, sparked speculation about a second season, despite its initial billing as a limited series. Netflix’s decision to renew Untamed aligns with its potential as an anthology series, with showrunners hinting at exploring new national parks and cases.
The Shocking Shift: Lucy Replaced as Lead
The announcement that Lucy Cook will no longer be the lead in Season 2 has sent shockwaves through the Untamed fanbase. Given her central role in Season 1’s mystery, her absence as the focal point is a bold creative choice. Instead, the new lead will be a character Lucy betrayed, suggesting a narrative that flips the perspective to someone affected by her actions. While Netflix has not officially named the new lead, clues from Season 1 and the showrunners’ comments point to several possibilities.
Lucy’s backstory revealed a life marked by abandonment and abuse. Born out of an affair between Paul Souter and Maggie Cook, Lucy was sent to an abusive foster home run by the Gibbs family in Nevada, where she endured horrific treatment. As an adult, she returned to Yosemite, blackmailing Souter to expose their connection and even kidnapping his granddaughter, Sadie, to force his attention. These actions, driven by desperation and pain, alienated those around her, setting the stage for a betrayed figure to take center stage.
Who Could the New Lead Be?
The most likely candidate for the new lead is Faith Gibbs, the daughter of Lucy’s abusive foster father, Lester Gibbs. In Season 1, Kyle’s investigation led him to Faith, who revealed the horrors of her father’s foster home, where Lucy (then known as Grace) suffered. Faith’s emotional recounting of Lucy’s pain and her own resentment toward her father’s actions suggest a complex character with unresolved trauma. Lucy’s betrayal could refer to her escape from the foster home, leaving Faith and other children behind to endure further abuse. Faith’s perspective as a survivor who was indirectly harmed by Lucy’s actions would offer a compelling lens for Season 2, exploring themes of survival and retribution.
Another possibility is Naya Vasquez, though her betrayal by Lucy is less direct. As Kyle’s partner, Naya played a key role in uncovering Lucy’s identity and the drug ring tied to Shane Maguire. If Lucy’s actions—such as her involvement in the drug trade or her blackmail schemes—indirectly endangered Naya or her son, Gael, this could frame Naya as the betrayed figure. Showrunners have hinted that Naya could lead a new case in a different national park, making her a strong contender for the lead role.
A less likely but intriguing option is Jill Bodwin, Kyle’s ex-wife. While Lucy did not directly betray Jill, her actions in Yosemite stirred up painful memories of Caleb’s death and Jill’s own betrayal of Kyle by orchestrating Sean Sanderson’s murder. If Season 2 ties Lucy’s story to Jill’s past decisions, Jill could emerge as a lead grappling with the consequences of vengeance and loss. However, this seems less probable given Jill’s secondary role in Season 1.
What to Expect from Season 2
Netflix’s confirmation of an October 11, 2025, premiere suggests Untamed Season 2 will maintain the atmospheric tension and character-driven storytelling that defined its predecessor. Showrunners Mark and Elle Smith have teased a potential anthology format, with the action moving to a new national park—possibly Yellowstone, Zion, or even a Hawaiian mountain, as suggested by Lily Santiago. This shift would allow the series to explore fresh mysteries while retaining its focus on the dangers lurking beyond the park’s beauty.
The new lead’s story will likely center on their response to Lucy’s betrayal, weaving a narrative of justice and healing. If Faith Gibbs is the protagonist, the season could delve into her journey to confront her past, possibly tracking down other survivors of the Gibbs foster home or seeking justice for Lucy’s suffering. If Naya takes the lead, the focus might shift to her growth as a ranger, tackling a new murder mystery while grappling with the moral complexities of Lucy’s actions.
Eric Bana’s return as Kyle Turner remains uncertain. In interviews, Bana has been noncommittal, stating, “We’ll have to wait and see,” but the showrunners have noted that Kyle’s job as an ISB agent allows for mobility between parks, leaving the door open for his return. If Kyle does appear, his role may be secondary, supporting the new lead’s investigation while continuing his journey of healing.
The series is expected to retain its strong ensemble cast, with potential returns for Lily Santiago as Naya and Rosemarie DeWitt as Jill. New characters will likely be introduced to populate the new park setting, with the showrunners emphasizing the wilderness as a character in its own right. The narrative will likely continue to explore themes of family, betrayal, and the human capacity for both cruelty and redemption, set against a visually stunning yet dangerous backdrop.
Fan Expectations and Critical Reception
The announcement of Untamed Season 2 has sparked excitement and debate among fans. The first season’s 79% Rotten Tomatoes score and praise for its Yosemite setting and Bana’s performance set a high bar. However, critics noted pacing issues and a reliance on familiar tropes, suggesting Season 2 will need to tighten its narrative to maintain momentum. The shift to a new lead adds intrigue but risks alienating fans attached to Lucy’s story. Social media buzz on platforms like X indicates enthusiasm for a potential anthology format, with fans speculating about new parks and mysteries.
Conclusion
Untamed Season 2, premiering October 11, 2025, promises to build on the success of its debut while charting new territory. By replacing Lucy Cook with a character she betrayed, the series sets the stage for a compelling exploration of trust, vengeance, and the enduring impact of past choices. Whether led by Faith Gibbs, Naya Vasquez, or another figure from Lucy’s past, the new season will likely deliver the same blend of suspense, emotional depth, and breathtaking scenery that made Untamed a hit. As fans await the premiere, the question remains: how will the betrayed rise to reclaim their story in the wilds of a new national park?
