interview by Paul Salfen
In the new Netflix series UNTAMED, Eric Bana steps into the rugged boots of Kyle Turner, a special agent for the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB), tasked with enforcing human law in the untamed expanse of America’s national parks. This character-driven mystery-thriller, spanning six hour-long episodes, plunges viewers into the breathtaking yet perilous wilderness of Yosemite, where a brutal death unravels dark secrets—both within the park and in Turner’s own shadowed past. AMFM Magazine sat down with Bana to discuss the series, its immersive setting, and the passion that drove him to bring this story to life.
A Script That Sparked Passion
Bana’s enthusiasm for UNTAMED is palpable from the moment he begins speaking. “I loved the first episode when I read it,” he shares in an exclusive interview with AMFM’s Paul Salfen. “I knew it could be something special.” The script, penned by showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, immediately stood out to Bana among the countless projects that cross his desk. “It’s like you’re panning for gold, and then you see a little sparkle,” he says, recalling his excitement upon reading the script back in 2018 or 2019. “This really felt like one of those [nuggets of gold].”
The series’ premise—a blend of mystery, thriller, and character drama set against the cinematic backdrop of Yosemite—resonated deeply with Bana, an avid fan of the genre. “This is the kind of genre I really like to watch as an audience member,” he notes. “So to get the chance to jump into it and be set in a location where it felt like we were really transporting the audience somewhere special was great.”
Immersed in the Wilderness
UNTAMED distinguishes itself with its vivid sense of place. Filmed in remote and stunning locations, the series captures the awe-inspiring beauty and inherent dangers of Yosemite. Bana credits the setting as a key element in shaping his performance as Kyle Turner. “The locations really, really help,” he explains. “A lot of it was really on the page, but then I think the locations really feed into who [Kyle] is.” The show’s commitment to authenticity is evident, with even seasoned crew members marveling at previously unseen corners of the park. “We had crew that had filmed in that area their whole lives and hadn’t seen some of these locations,” Bana recalls.
One particularly memorable moment for Bana was filming scenes on horseback alongside co-star Lily Santiago, who plays Naya Vasquez, an ambitious young ranger. “Every time the two of us ran a horse together, we would just look at each other and start laughing,” he says. “It was like, we are getting paid to be out here and to do this. It was really special.”
A Stellar Ensemble
The series boasts a talented ensemble cast that brings depth to the intricate web of relationships and secrets at the heart of UNTAMED. Sam Neill plays Paul Souter, Yosemite’s seasoned chief park ranger and a mentor figure to Turner. Neill’s Souter is a steady presence, balancing his dedication to the park with his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather. Lily Santiago’s Naya Vasquez brings fresh energy as a former Los Angeles cop adapting to the challenges of Yosemite while raising her young son. Her big-city homicide skills prove invaluable as the investigation deepens.
Rosemary DeWitt portrays Jill Bodwin, Turner’s ex-wife, whose complex bond with him is rooted in shared history and unresolved emotions. Rounding out the cast is Wilson Bethel as Shane Maguire, a solitary Wildlife Management Officer whose military background and preference for the wilderness add an enigmatic edge to the story.
Bana praises the dynamic interplay with his co-stars, noting, “All the characters that [Kyle’s] playing opposite really feed into who he is.” The strength of the ensemble, combined with the vivid writing, allowed Bana to fully inhabit Turner’s world as he navigates both the investigation and his personal demons.
Crafting a Cinematic Experience
Executive produced by Mark L. Smith, Elle Smith, Eric Bana, John Wells, Erin Jontow, Todd Black, Tony Shaw, Steve Lee Jones, and Cliff Roberts, UNTAMED aims to deliver a cinematic experience that transports viewers. “We wanted it to feel very cinematic,” Bana emphasizes. “We wanted people to feel like they have gone somewhere special.” Unlike a typical procedural, UNTAMED is not about “a guy driving around knocking on doors.” Instead, it’s a journey into the great outdoors, where Turner confronts mysteries that are as vast and unpredictable as the wilderness itself.
The showrunners’ vision, coupled with the production’s commitment to filming in authentic locations, ensures that UNTAMED feels like a visual and emotional odyssey. “I hope [viewers]feel like they’ve been transported to somewhere really special, like they are in a national park,” Bana says. The series’ six episodes unfold with surprises, keeping audiences guessing as new revelations emerge.
Advice for Aspiring Actors
For those inspired by Bana’s career, his advice is simple yet profound: “You have to really, really love it.” Reflecting on his own journey, he stresses the importance of passion for the craft. “You have to really love the process,” he says. “Otherwise, even at this level, you really have to love the process to do good work.” For Bana, the joy of acting lies in finding those rare, well-written scripts that ignite his creativity—scripts like UNTAMED.
A Must-Watch Mystery
UNTAMED is more than just a thriller; it’s a story about human connections, hidden truths, and the power of nature to both reveal and conceal. With its compelling characters, stunning visuals, and intricate plot, the series promises to spark discussions long after the credits roll. “There’s a lot going on here,” Bana acknowledges, hoping viewers will be caught off guard by the twists and turns of the six-episode arc.
For fans of mystery, drama, and breathtaking scenery, UNTAMED is a must-watch. As Salfen puts it, “We can’t wait to tell everybody. Check it out.” Stream UNTAMED on Netflix and prepare to be swept away into the wild.
