(Credits: Netflix)

Ever since Netflix confirmed that Untamed is returning for season two, fans have been absolutely losing it, mostly because the show holds that aura. When it debuted on Netflix last year, it climbed the popularity ladder more than anybody expected and already delivered one of the strongest mystery setups in its first run.

And now that it’s returning, fans are excited to know who will dazzle them this season. Luckily, the new cast has just been announced, and it has just made the next chapter feel even bigger.

The reveal instantly took over social media, especially once it became clear that the second season is not only moving to a completely new location but also bringing actors who each come with characters designed to take the story forward, and they have quite specific roles to play.

At the centre of it all is Eric Bana, returning as ISB agent Kyle Turner. Season one ended with Turner leaving Yosemite after closing one of the most difficult cases of his career, and season two picks up with him being called to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This development in the story is noteworthy because Turner is entering a landscape he does not know as well. He is surrounded by people who understand the territory better than he does.

Showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith have already said they want Turner “uncomfortable”, which perfectly explains the cast additions around him.

Leading the new faces is Shea Whigham, joining the series as Ray Burkart, who is a businessman and grieving father. He immediately clashes with Turner during the investigation into his son’s murder. Alongside him is Kelly Hu, playing Awapuhi, a woman returning home to Hawai‘i after losing her son. Her connection to the island adds another layer to this season, which will eventually contribute to the central mystery.

Two major series regulars are joining as well, starting with Moon Bloodgood, who plays Layla Hale, someone deeply rooted in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Kekoa Kekumano will be stepping in as Marcus Sawada, who is a local ranger assigned to assist Turner during the investigation. Both characters bring perspectives Turner does not have.

Let’s now talk about the recurring cast of Untamed. Myra Molloy plays Addy Hale, the youngest in the Hale family. Matthew Keoni Sato appears as Kaden Burkart, Ray’s son, fully committed to the family business. Robbie Magasiva takes on the role of Lt Ochi, the superior officer to one of the investigation’s key local figures.

We also have Branscombe Richmond playing Ikua Hale, the protective patriarch of Hale Ranch. Moronai Kanekoa portrays Ti Hale, a territorial ranch wrangler whose values collide with Addy’s choices. Joe Tippett joins as Casper Kane, a survivalist who moves from place to place. And last but not least, we have Luciane Buchanan as Ku‘ulei Pana, a Hawaii PD detective assigned to the murder case.

The season is once again in a six-episode format, with filming taking place in Hawaii rather than British Columbia, and production begins in the spring.

While Netflix has not announced a release date yet, the new cast members of Untamed alone have already given fans plenty to talk about. With a new location, new people and a new mystery, season two is about to be an absolute banger.