Netflix Confirms ‘Untamed’ Season 2 Premiere on October 3: Opening Scene Leaves Cast in Tears

Netflix has officially announced that Untamed, the gripping crime thriller set in the rugged wilderness of America’s national parks, will return for a highly anticipated second season on October 3, 2025. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through fans who have been eagerly awaiting news of the show’s future since its debut as a limited series in July 2025. Adding to the buzz, reports from the set reveal that the opening one-minute scene of Season 2 was so emotionally charged that it brought the entire cast to tears during filming. Here’s everything we know about Untamed Season 2, from its new setting and cast dynamics to the emotional weight of its opening and what fans can expect from this next chapter.

A Surprise Renewal for a Breakout Hit

When Untamed premiered on July 17, 2025, it quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s global streaming charts, captivating audiences with its blend of noir-ish detective mystery and breathtaking Yosemite National Park scenery. Created by Mark L. Smith and his daughter Elle Smith, the series followed National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) special agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) as he unraveled the murder of a young woman, Lucy Cook, while grappling with personal trauma from the loss of his son, Caleb. Originally billed as a limited series, the show’s critical acclaim, with an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and its massive viewership prompted Netflix to reconsider its one-off status.

The decision to greenlight Season 2 was teased by cast and crew members in interviews following the first season’s success. Eric Bana, who also serves as an executive producer, hinted at the possibility of further adventures, telling Variety, “We spoke about what would happen to Kyle after this, in theory. So you never know.” Co-showrunner Elle Smith echoed this sentiment, suggesting a new case in a different national park could be explored. The confirmation of the October 3 premiere date has now solidified these speculations, marking a rare instance of Netflix extending a limited series due to popular demand.

A New Park, A New Mystery

Unlike the first season, which was set against the iconic granite cliffs and lush valleys of Yosemite National Park, Season 2 will take viewers to a new location: Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. This shift aligns with the show’s potential evolution into an anthology format, where each season tackles a fresh case in a different park, much like HBO’s True Detective. The change in setting promises new challenges for Kyle Turner, who, as Bana noted, will be “a little bit on his back foot” in an unfamiliar environment with unique dangers. Yellowstone’s vast geothermal landscapes, unpredictable wildlife, and remote terrain will likely amplify the series’ signature tension between nature’s beauty and its inherent perils.

While plot details remain under wraps, the showrunners have hinted that Season 2 will delve into another complex murder mystery with emotional stakes as high as those in Season 1. The first season’s narrative centered on themes of grief, redemption, and the sins of the past, with Kyle uncovering dark secrets tied to his own history. The new season is expected to explore similar psychological depths, potentially introducing a case that challenges Kyle’s resilience and forces him to confront new facets of his character. Elle Smith told TV Insider that the team would “do this forever if they let us,” suggesting a wealth of untapped stories in America’s national parks.

The Emotional Opening Scene

The most tantalizing detail to emerge from the Season 2 announcement is the report that the opening one-minute scene was so powerful it reduced the entire cast to tears during filming. While specific details about the scene are being kept secret to avoid spoilers, sources close to the production describe it as a “gut-wrenching” moment that sets the tone for the season’s emotional intensity. The scene reportedly involves Kyle Turner and is said to tie directly to the unresolved threads of his personal journey from Season 1, particularly his lingering grief over his son’s death and his fractured relationship with his ex-wife, Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt).

Eric Bana, known for his understated yet powerful performances, spoke to Tudum about the emotional weight of filming Season 1, particularly scenes involving his character’s conversations with his deceased son, Caleb. The Season 2 opener is rumored to revisit this dynamic in a way that catches both Kyle and the audience off guard, blending raw vulnerability with the series’ trademark suspense. Lily Santiago, who plays rookie ranger Naya Vasquez, described the moment as “unlike anything we’ve done before,” hinting at a bold narrative choice that could redefine the show’s emotional landscape. The fact that the scene moved the cast to tears underscores the series’ ability to balance gritty crime drama with profound human stories.

Returning and New Cast Members

Eric Bana will reprise his role as Kyle Turner, bringing his stoic yet tormented portrayal to the new setting of Yellowstone. Lily Santiago is also confirmed to return as Naya Vasquez, whose dynamic with Kyle provided a mix of mentorship and comic relief in Season 1. Santiago expressed enthusiasm for her character’s growth, telling TV Insider that she wants “more solving of murders” for Naya in Season 2, suggesting the rookie ranger may take a more active role in the investigation. However, the shift to a new park raises questions about the return of other Season 1 cast members, such as Sam Neill (Chief Paul Souter) and Rosemarie DeWitt (Jill Bodwin), whose characters were deeply tied to Yosemite and its specific narrative.

Given the potential anthology format, Season 2 may introduce a largely new ensemble to reflect the new setting and case. While no new cast members have been officially announced, speculation points to high-profile actors joining the series, given Netflix’s track record with star-studded thrillers. The first season featured strong supporting performances from actors like Wilson Bethel (Shane Maguire) and Raoul Max Trujillo (Jay), and fans are eager to see if similar caliber talent will round out the Yellowstone-based story. The interplay between new and returning characters will likely be a key draw, especially as Kyle and Naya navigate unfamiliar terrain and relationships.

Production and Creative Vision

Filming for Season 2 began in early 2025, with production moving from the British Columbia locations used to stand in for Yosemite to new sites in Montana and Wyoming to capture Yellowstone’s distinct landscape. Eric Bana noted in a Variety interview that filming in remote locations posed challenges but added authenticity to the series’ atmosphere. The show’s visual splendor, praised by critics for elevating the murder mystery genre, will remain a focal point, with Yellowstone’s geysers, canyons, and wildlife serving as a dynamic backdrop.

Mark and Elle Smith return as co-showrunners, joined by executive producers John Wells, Todd Black, Tony Shaw, Steve Lee Jones, and Cliff Roberts. The creative team’s experience with gritty, character-driven stories (The Revenant, American Primeval) ensures that Season 2 will maintain the first season’s balance of psychological drama and procedural intrigue. Critics lauded Season 1 for its “visually sumptuous” setting and Bana’s “steady star power,” though some noted the plotting could feel convoluted. The Smiths appear poised to address these critiques, aiming for a tighter narrative while preserving the series’ emotional core.

Fan and Critical Expectations

The announcement of Season 2 has sparked fervent discussion among fans, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where viewers have expressed excitement over the prospect of more national park mysteries. The first season’s 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and comparisons to True Detective have set high expectations, though some fans voiced disappointment with Season 1’s pacing and unresolved subplots. The promise of a new setting and a tear-jerking opener has reignited enthusiasm, with many hoping for a season that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing its flaws.

Critics, too, are optimistic about Untamed’s potential to carve out a unique niche in the crowded crime drama landscape. Variety called the first season “deeply layered and gripping,” praising its exploration of pain and redemption. With Yellowstone’s untamed wilderness as the new stage, Season 2 has the opportunity to deliver an even more immersive and emotionally resonant experience.

What Lies Ahead

As the October 3 premiere approaches, Untamed Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and character-driven dramas alike. The emotional weight of the opening scene, combined with the promise of a new mystery in Yellowstone National Park, sets the stage for a season that could surpass the first in scope and impact. Whether Kyle Turner finds redemption or faces new demons, one thing is certain: Untamed will continue to captivate with its blend of heart, suspense, and the raw beauty of America’s wild spaces. Mark your calendars for October 3, and prepare for a journey into the unknown.