EXCLUSIVE: Untamed Season 2 Release Date Finally Revealed — Fans Stunned by Recast Secrecy

Netflix’s gripping crime thriller Untamed took the streaming world by storm with its debut season on July 17, 2025, captivating audiences with its intense murder mystery set against the breathtaking backdrop of Yosemite National Park. The series, led by Eric Bana as National Park Service agent Kyle Turner, quickly climbed to the number one spot on Netflix’s global charts, amassing 24.6 million views in its first week alone. With its slow-burn narrative, stellar performances, and stunning cinematography, fans have been clamoring for news about a second season. Now, in an exclusive reveal, we can confirm that Untamed Season 2 is officially on the way—but the news comes with a shocking twist that has left fans reeling: only one of the original leads is returning, and the other has been recast in complete secrecy.

A Surprise Renewal for a “Limited Series”

Initially billed as a limited series, Untamed was designed as a self-contained story, wrapping up its central mystery in six gripping episodes. The first season followed Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a tormented National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent, as he investigated the mysterious death of a young woman, Lucy, at Yosemite. Alongside rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), Turner unraveled a web of dark secrets, including a devastating revelation about his mentor, chief park ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill). The season’s emotional and shocking conclusion left viewers satisfied yet hungry for more.

Despite its “limited series” label, the show’s massive viewership and critical acclaim—boasting a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—prompted Netflix to reconsider its one-and-done status. Sources close to the production confirm that Untamed Season 2 has been greenlit, with a tentative release date slated for late July or August 2026. This timeline aligns with the first season’s production schedule, which filmed from June to September 2024 for a July 2025 premiere. The decision to renew reflects Netflix’s history of extending popular limited series, such as The Watcher and Monster, when audience demand is high.

However, the renewal comes with a bombshell: only one of the original leads, Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, is confirmed to return. The other key character, Naya Vasquez, originally played by Lily Santiago, has been recast under a veil of secrecy, sending shockwaves through the Untamed fanbase.

The Recasting Mystery: Why Naya Vasquez Is Changing

Lily Santiago’s portrayal of Naya Vasquez, the sharp and determined rookie ranger who moved from Los Angeles to Yosemite with her young son, was a standout in Season 1. Her chemistry with Bana’s Kyle Turner was a highlight, blending professional respect with subtle emotional depth. Fans praised Santiago’s ability to hold her own alongside heavyweights like Bana and Sam Neill, making her recasting a surprising and controversial move.

While Netflix and the show’s creators, Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, have remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the recast, industry insiders suggest scheduling conflicts or creative differences may be to blame. Santiago, known for her role in La Brea, has reportedly signed on for a new high-profile project, which may have prevented her return. Others speculate that the showrunners’ vision for Season 2, which is rumored to shift to a new national park with a fresh murder mystery, may have prompted a reevaluation of the character’s arc.

The identity of the new actor stepping into Naya Vasquez’s role remains a closely guarded secret. Netflix has reportedly enforced strict confidentiality agreements to keep the casting under wraps, fueling speculation on platforms like X. Some fans theorize that a bigger name might be brought in to elevate the show’s profile, while others worry that a new actor could disrupt the dynamic that made Season 1 so compelling. Posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and apprehension, with one user writing, “Naya was the heart of Untamed. Recasting her feels like a betrayal—hope they know what they’re doing!” Another speculated, “What if they’re hiding the new Naya because it’s a huge star? Imagine someone like Zendaya stepping in!”

What to Expect from Season 2

While the recasting news has sparked debate, the creative direction for Untamed Season 2 is generating significant buzz. Showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith have teased that the new season will take an anthology-like approach, moving the action to a different national park—potentially Yellowstone, Zion, or Acadia. This shift aligns with comments from Eric Bana, who told Variety, “We knew that the nature of [Kyle’s] job is that these ISB agents do get moved around from park to park, which is why the ending is the way that it is.” The Season 1 finale saw Kyle leaving Yosemite, haunted by his son’s unresolved murder and the tragic events surrounding Paul Souter, setting the stage for a fresh chapter.

Co-showrunner Elle Smith elaborated in an interview with TV Insider, stating, “If we got the opportunity to do it again, it would be getting to explore a different park, a different case. We would do this forever if they let us.” The anthology format draws comparisons to HBO’s True Detective, with each season introducing a new mystery and setting while retaining core characters like Kyle Turner. This approach could keep the series fresh while allowing Bana to anchor the narrative with his raw, emotionally charged performance.

The new season is expected to delve deeper into Kyle’s personal struggles, particularly his battle with alcoholism and the lingering trauma of his son’s death. The showrunners have hinted that Kyle will be “on his back foot” in an unfamiliar park, facing new dangers and unfamiliar terrain. While Naya Vasquez’s role in the story remains unclear, her character is likely to remain a key partner in the investigation, raising questions about how the recast will affect the dynamic between the two rangers.

Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead

The news of Untamed Season 2 has ignited passionate discussions across social media. On X, fans have expressed a mix of excitement for the renewal and concern over the recasting. One user posted, “Eric Bana is Untamed. I’m thrilled he’s back, but recasting Naya in secret? That’s shady.” Another wrote, “If Season 2 is in Yellowstone with a new mystery, I’m all in, but they better nail the new Naya casting.” The secrecy surrounding the recast has only heightened anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement about the new actor.

Critically, Untamed Season 1 was praised for its atmospheric storytelling and strong performances, though some reviewers noted pacing issues and an abundance of red herrings. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 79% approval rating, with critics lauding Bana’s “steady star power” and the “visually sumptuous” Yosemite setting. However, The Guardian gave a more mixed review, calling it “not the smartest of thrillers, but those mountains sure are lovely to look at.” Season 2 will need to address these critiques while maintaining the show’s signature blend of mystery and natural beauty.

A New Chapter for Untamed

As Untamed prepares to return in 2026, the series faces both immense potential and significant challenges. The move to a new national park promises fresh visuals and a new mystery to unravel, while Eric Bana’s return ensures continuity for fans invested in Kyle Turner’s journey. However, the secretive recasting of Naya Vasquez looms large, with the success of Season 2 hinging on the new actor’s ability to fill Santiago’s shoes and maintain the chemistry that defined the first season.

For now, fans can only speculate about what lies ahead. Will Untamed Season 2 live up to the high bar set by its predecessor? Can the new Naya Vasquez win over skeptical viewers? And what dark secrets will Kyle Turner uncover in a new wilderness? One thing is certain: the journey into Untamed’s next chapter will be anything but predictable.

Untamed Season 1 is available to stream on Netflix. Stay tuned for updates on Season 2’s cast and official release date.