At 1:49 PM +07 on Friday, August 1, 2025, exciting news has electrified fans of Netflix’s hit thriller series as production for Untamed 2 officially kicks off, with filming now underway in New York. The announcement confirms a fresh case set against a new urban backdrop, bringing back key members of the original cast to continue the gripping saga of National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent Kyle Turner. This development, following the overwhelming success of the first season, promises to expand the show’s scope, blending the wilderness narrative with the concrete jungle, and has sparked widespread anticipation among viewers eager for the next chapter of Turner’s journey.

The Launch of a New Chapter

The confirmation came late on July 31, when Netflix released a statement via its official X account, announcing that Untamed 2 had entered production. Filming began on July 29 in various locations across New York City, marking a significant shift from the Canadian wilderness that stood in for Yosemite National Park in the first season. Showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith revealed that the new season will introduce a case rooted in an urban national park, with Central Park as a central setting, offering a stark contrast to the rugged landscapes of the original series. This move aligns with their earlier hints at exploring diverse American locales, a vision that gained traction after Untamed’s debut on July 17, 2025, racked up 26.1 million views in its second week.

The decision to film in New York was driven by logistical and creative factors. While the first season utilized British Columbia’s stunning vistas, the urban environment of New York provides a fresh canvas for a case that promises to delve into the complexities of city life intersecting with federal park jurisdiction. Eric Bana, who stars as Kyle Turner, expressed enthusiasm, stating in a press release, “New York’s energy is a perfect challenge for Kyle—nothing like Yosemite’s silence.” The production team has secured permits for iconic spots like Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace and the Battery Park waterfront, with plans to shoot night scenes in Times Square, adding a dramatic urban pulse to the thriller.

Returning Cast and New Faces

Eric Bana is confirmed to reprise his role as Kyle Turner, the haunted ISB agent whose personal demons fuel his investigative prowess. His return was a foregone conclusion given his executive producer role and the character’s popularity, with fans praising his raw portrayal in the first season’s resolution of the Yosemite drug ring and his son’s murder. Lily Santiago will also return as Naya Vasquez, the rookie ranger whose growth from city cop to wilderness investigator won over audiences. Santiago hinted at her excitement on X, posting, “New York, new case, same Naya—ready to dig deeper,” a tease that has fueled speculation about her character’s evolution.

While the core duo is set, the fate of other season one cast members remains unclear. Sam Neill’s Paul Souter, who met a tragic end in the first season’s finale, will not return, nor is Rosemarie DeWitt’s Jill Bodwin expected, given her character’s closure with Turner. However, showrunner Mark L. Smith teased to Tudum, “We’re exploring ways to bring back some familiar faces in new roles—maybe a colleague or two from Turner’s past.” Wilson Bethel’s Shane Maguire and William Smillie’s Bruce Milch are possibilities, though their involvement hinges on the new case’s demands. New cast members are anticipated, with rumors swirling about a high-profile actor joining to portray a New York-based antagonist, though no names have been confirmed.

A New Case in the Urban Wild

The plot for Untamed 2 centers on a mysterious disappearance in Central Park, where a park ranger vanishes amid reports of illegal activity tied to the city’s underground networks. Unlike the Yosemite case, which unraveled a drug operation and personal tragedy, this investigation will explore urban crime intersecting with federal parkland, a theme Elle Smith described as “a collision of nature and human chaos.” The case is expected to involve a trafficking ring exploiting the park’s dense foliage, with Turner and Vasquez navigating a landscape unfamiliar to their wilderness expertise.

Filming in New York introduces unique challenges and opportunities. The production team has partnered with the National Park Service and New York City Parks Department to ensure authenticity, with scenes shot during off-hours to minimize disruption. A standout sequence involves a chase through the Ramble, Central Park’s wooded heart, where Turner’s tactical skills will be tested against city threats. The urban setting also allows for a deeper exploration of Turner’s emotional state, with Mark L. Smith noting, “New York will push Kyle out of his comfort zone, forcing him to confront new layers of his past.”

A History of Success and Adaptation

Untamed’s first season, premiered on July 17, 2025, became a global sensation, topping Netflix’s English-language TV list with 24.6 million views in its debut week and 26.1 million the following week. Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, from June to September 2024, the series leveraged the region’s rugged terrain to stand in for Yosemite, earning praise for its visuals despite mixed reviews on its narrative depth—Slate called it “a tourist hit,” while IndieWire gave it a C- for familiarity. The renewal on July 29, 2025, reflects Netflix’s confidence, spurred by fan demand and the show’s potential as an anthology series.

The shift to New York aligns with the showrunners’ vision of a park-centric narrative, a concept Elle Smith outlined in a TV Insider interview: “Each park is a character, and New York’s parks offer a different wildness.” This adaptability mirrors Bana’s own journey, who told Variety he relished the outdoor shoot and now embraces the urban challenge. The production’s one-year cycle suggests a potential July 2026 release, though delays due to New York’s permitting process could push it to late 2026.

Public Reaction and Industry Buzz

The announcement has ignited social media, with #Untamed2NY trending at 18 million views by August 1. Fans are ecstatic, with one X post exclaiming, “Turner in NYC—can’t wait for the chaos!” Critics, however, question the urban pivot, with some arguing it dilutes the wilderness theme, though others see it as a bold reinvention. Industry insiders predict a casting announcement soon, with names like Daniel Craig or Olivia Wilde floated as potential additions, though unconfirmed.

Local New Yorkers have mixed feelings. A Central Park regular, Maria Gonzalez, 34, told The New York Times, “It’s cool to see our park on screen, but I hope they don’t mess it up.” The production has boosted local interest, with tourism boards promoting “Untamed filming spots” tours. Meanwhile, Netflix’s stock saw a slight uptick, reflecting investor optimism about the franchise’s expansion.

The Human Impact and Future Stakes

For the cast, the New York shoot marks a personal and professional shift. Bana, who found solace in the Canadian wilderness, now faces New York’s intensity, a challenge he’s embraced. Santiago’s return promises a deeper Naya arc, with her X tease suggesting a maternal drive tied to her son’s safety in the city. The crew, expanded to handle urban logistics, includes New York-based talent, fostering local jobs amid the $15 million budget.

The stakes are high for Netflix. A successful Untamed 2 could cement the series as a flagship thriller, potentially spawning more seasons across U.S. parks. Failure to adapt the narrative to New York risks alienating fans, but the showrunners’ track record—Mark L. Smith’s work on The Revenant and Elle Smith’s debut—offers confidence. The July 29 renewal, a rapid decision post-season one, underscores this gamble.

A New Frontier or a Risky Move?

As filming progresses on August 1, 2025, Untamed 2 stands at a crossroads. The New York setting and returning cast promise a thrilling evolution, with Central Park’s urban wildness set to test Turner and Vasquez in unprecedented ways. Whether it thrives as a new frontier or stumbles as a risky departure, the series ensures its place in the spotlight, with fans and critics alike awaiting the next twist in Kyle Turner’s untamed journey.