Leaving the untamed wilderness of 'Untamed' proved challenging for Eric Bana

In the captivating world of the Netflix limited series "Untamed," Australian actor Eric Bana takes on the role of Special Agent Kyle Turner, a dedicated investigator for the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch, based in Yosemite National Park.

The series, which was released on Thursday, centres around Turner's investigation into the mysterious death of a young woman found at the foot of El Capitan. Suspecting foul play, Turner delves deep into the park's wilderness, uncovering a web of secrets involving an illegal drug operation and dark, hidden aspects of both the natural environment and human interactions there.

Bana found the landscape of the filming location so compelling that he refused to return to a soundstage, immersing himself fully in the rugged, beautiful wilderness. The remote and wild setting serves as a stark, almost haunting backdrop for the investigation, mirroring the complexities of Turner's internal world as he confronts not only external threats but also his own tragic past and unresolved demons from previous cases.

"Untamed" is more than just a murder mystery set against the wilderness; it is an emotionally charged, character-driven story that delves into themes such as the clash between civilization and the untamed natural world, grief and trauma, dark secrets hidden beneath serene surfaces, and the moral ambiguity of justice and investigation.

Bana's love for the outdoors was crucial for the entire production of "Untamed." Mark Smith, the series' creator, appreciated Bana's willingness to get outdoors and participate in activities, reflecting Bana's deep connection to both the wilderness and his character.

For his follow-up project, Bana returned to the elements for the film "Apex" opposite Charlize Theron. Off-set, Bana finds solace in riding a motorcycle through remote parts of Australia.

In preparation for his roles, Bana is known for his dedication and patience. He spoke to rangers and ISB employees to understand the challenges of their work, and he undertook intense training for "Apex" to avoid looking like a "fool."

Bana was given the pilot script for "Untamed" in 2019 and felt a kinship with Kyle Turner's character due to their shared love for the outdoors. Despite the wait, Bana was patient with his career, knowing that the right opportunity would come along.

The case in "Untamed" connects to two other traumatic incidents in the mountainous wilds, one of which directly involves Kyle's character grieving the death of his young son. The series is a compelling exploration of loss, survival, and the search for truth, set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park.

[1] Smith, M. L., & Smith, E. (2025). Untamed. Netflix. [2] Anonymous. (2025). Eric Bana: The Man Behind Special Agent Kyle Turner in Netflix's Untamed. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/01/eric-bana-the-man-behind-special-agent-kyle-turner-in-netflixs-untamed]

Eric Bana's dedication to outdoor living was evident in the production of "Untamed," where he preferred the rugged wilderness over a soundstage.
Situated in Yosemite National Park, "Untamed" is a captivating limited series that delves into themes of the clash between civilization and the natural world.
The series features Bana as Special Agent Kyle Turner, an investigator for the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch, who uncovers secrets related to an illegal drug operation in the park.
For his follow-up project, Bana collaborated with Charlize Theron in the film "Apex," and during downtime, he finds solace in motorcycle rides through Australia.
Bana's preparation for roles involves extensive research and training, as evidenced by his discussions with rangers and ISB employees for "Untamed."
In the series, Kyle Turner's character experiences a traumatic event involving the death of his young son, adding layers of loss, grief, and emotional complexity to the story.
Outside the world of movies and television, Los Angeles-based Hollywood celebrities often embrace outdoor-living and home-and-garden practices, showcasing their lifestyle choices in entertainment media and magazines such as Movies and TV or Home and Garden.