UNTAMED: Season 2 Just Cast a Hollywood Icon—and Fans Are Already Losing It Over Who They Might Play
Netflix’s Untamed has been a runaway hit, with its first season drawing 24.6 million views in its opening week after premiering on July 17, 2025, and securing an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent, the series captivated audiences with its blend of murder mystery, personal drama, and the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park. Following the announcement of Season 2 on July 29, 2025, set for a Summer 2026 release, Netflix has dropped a bombshell: a Hollywood icon has joined the cast, sending fans into a frenzy over who they might play in the new national park setting.
Season 1: A Gripping Foundation
Untamed Season 1, created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, followed Kyle Turner as he investigated the suspicious death of Lucy Cook in Yosemite, uncovering a web of secrets tied to the park and his own tragic past—the murder of his son, Caleb. The series, bolstered by a strong ensemble including Sam Neill as chief park ranger Paul Souter, Rosemarie DeWitt as Turner’s ex-wife Jill Bodwin, and Lily Santiago as rookie ranger Naya Vasquez, delivered a slow-burn thriller that resonated with viewers. The finale revealed shocking truths, including Jill’s role in orchestrating the murder of Caleb’s killer and Souter’s tragic connection to Lucy, setting the stage for Turner to leave Yosemite behind.
The renewal for Season 2 promises a new national park, a fresh mystery, and a deeper dive into Turner’s emotional journey. But the latest news—a Hollywood icon joining the cast—has sparked wild speculation and excitement across platforms like X, where fans are buzzing with theories about the newcomer’s role and impact.
The Hollywood Icon: Who Could It Be?
While Netflix has yet to officially confirm the identity of the Hollywood icon, the announcement has ignited fervent discussion. The term “Hollywood icon” suggests a veteran actor with a storied career, likely someone with global recognition and a history of transformative performances. Based on industry patterns and the show’s tone, the casting likely points to a figure with gravitas to match Eric Bana’s intense portrayal of Kyle Turner. Names like Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, or Robert De Niro have surfaced in fan discussions on X, with posts like, “Meryl Streep in Untamed S2? Imagine her as a shady park superintendent! I’m screaming!” and “Denzel as a villain in a national park? Untamed about to be iconic!”
Other speculated names include actors like Jeff Bridges, known for The Big Lebowski and True Grit, or Sigourney Weaver, celebrated for Alien and Avatar, who could bring a commanding presence to a park-related role. The Smiths’ emphasis on a new park with a “distinct cultural identity” suggests the icon could play a character tied to the park’s history or community, perhaps a local leader, a reclusive figure with secrets, or even a villain connected to Turner’s past.
Potential Roles for the Hollywood Icon
The role of this Hollywood icon is a hot topic, with several possibilities aligning with Untamed’s narrative style and Season 2’s promised twists. Here are some likely scenarios:
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A Complex Villain: Season 2 teases a “villain you’ll never see coming,” and a Hollywood icon could elevate this role. Imagine a legendary actor playing a charismatic yet sinister figure—perhaps a park official hiding a criminal operation or a family member from Turner’s past tied to the dark family secret teased for the season. A star like Denzel Washington could bring chilling intensity to a villain who manipulates the park’s isolation to their advantage.
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A Mentor or Ally: The icon could play a seasoned park ranger or a cultural figure tied to the new park’s history, serving as a guide or mentor to Turner and potentially Naya Vasquez. Someone like Jeff Bridges could embody a grizzled, wise ranger who knows the park’s secrets but harbors their own. This role would mirror Paul Souter’s dynamic with Turner in Season 1, offering support while hiding key truths.
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A Family Connection: Given Season 2’s focus on a “dark family secret,” the icon might portray a relative of Turner’s—perhaps a long-estranged parent or sibling whose reappearance upends his life. Meryl Streep, for instance, could play a mother figure whose past decisions tie into Caleb’s death, adding emotional weight to Turner’s journey. This would align with the show’s emphasis on personal stakes.
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A Park Authority Figure: The new park’s unique setting could introduce a superintendent or community leader, played by an icon like Sigourney Weaver, whose authority masks a hidden agenda. This character could clash with Turner, who’s described as being “on his back foot” in the unfamiliar park, creating tension as he navigates their influence.
Fans on X are leaning toward a villainous role, with one post stating, “If it’s Robert De Niro as the Untamed S2 villain, I’m done. Kyle Turner vs. a legend in a creepy park? Take my money!” The excitement reflects the potential for a star of this caliber to elevate the season’s stakes.
The New Park and Its Impact
Season 2 will move Turner to a new national park, distinct from Yosemite’s granite cliffs and forests. Mark and Elle Smith have emphasized that the park’s unique geographical and cultural identity will shape the mystery, with Elle noting, “Being able to explore those places through the case and through Turner’s journey is what’s so fascinating.” Potential settings like Yellowstone, with its volcanic dangers, or the Everglades, with its swampy isolation, could provide a backdrop that challenges Turner and the new character played by the Hollywood icon. The park’s environment will likely amplify the mystery’s tension, with the icon’s character deeply tied to its lore or dangers.
The shift to a new park also means Turner will be out of his element, a dynamic that could be mirrored by the icon’s character. If they play a local figure, their knowledge of the park could contrast with Turner’s unfamiliarity, creating a power imbalance that fuels conflict or collaboration. The mystery itself will be “organic to a different kind of park,” avoiding Season 1’s climbing-accident premise, and the icon’s role will likely tie into this fresh narrative.
Will Familiar Faces Return?
Eric Bana is confirmed to return as Kyle Turner, but the status of other Season 1 cast members is uncertain due to the new setting. Lily Santiago’s Naya Vasquez is a fan favorite, and her return is possible if she transfers to the new park, as Santiago has expressed enthusiasm for reprising the role: “Naya’s story feels like it’s just beginning.” Mark Smith hinted at efforts to bring back beloved characters, saying, “We loved our cast and we loved the characters that they brought to life.” However, with Paul Souter (Sam Neill) and Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel) dead and Jill Bodwin (Rosemarie DeWitt) tied to Yosemite, new characters—including the Hollywood icon—will likely dominate the season.
The icon’s casting could overshadow returning players, drawing focus to their dynamic with Turner. If Naya returns, she might form a key alliance with this new figure, especially if they play a mentor or antagonist, adding depth to her arc as she navigates the new park’s dangers.
Production and Release Timeline
Production for Season 2 is reportedly underway, with filming expected to start in mid-2025 for a Summer 2026 release, mirroring Season 1’s one-year turnaround from June 2024 to July 2025. The series, produced by Warner Bros. Television and John Wells Productions, will likely recreate the new park in a location like British Columbia, where Season 1 was filmed. The creative team, including Mark and Elle Smith as co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Bana, John Wells, and others, aims to maintain the show’s stunning visuals and emotional depth.
Why This Casting Matters
The addition of a Hollywood icon to Untamed Season 2 is a game-changer, promising to elevate the series’ profile and stakes. Their presence, whether as a villain, ally, or family member, will add a new layer to Kyle Turner’s journey, especially as he grapples with the teased “dark family secret” and an unfamiliar wilderness. Fans’ excitement on X reflects the anticipation, with posts like, “A Hollywood icon in Untamed S2? If it’s Sigourney Weaver as a badass park leader, I’m ready to lose it!” The icon’s star power, combined with the show’s knack for blending suspense and personal drama, ensures Season 2 will be a must-watch.
As speculation mounts, viewers can revisit Season 1 on Netflix to prepare for the next chapter. With a new park, a shocking mystery, and a legendary actor joining the fray, Untamed Season 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave fans reeling.
Sources: Netflix Tudum, Variety, Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Entertainment Weekly, X posts
