Movies

For Eric Bana, ‘Untamed’ and its wilderness was hard to leave behind

BBG News

During his free time, Eric Bana often enjoys cruising motorcycles through secluded areas of Australia. He’s been doing this hobby since his childhood, as he resided in a semi-industrial part of Melbourne suburbs that bordered farmland. Nowadays, it serves as his peaceful escape on days off.

He shares, during the video chat, that it’s both an anxious and thrilling sensation. Being self-reliant is crucial, he adds. One should always consider the worst possible outcomes. For instance, what if I get a flat tire when it’s extremely hot (120 degrees) and there’s no water nearby? Such thoughts can keep you restless at night.

In 2019, I, as a movie enthusiast, was captivated when Bana handed me the pilot script for Netflix’s limited series “Untamed.” Portraying Kyle Turner, an agent within the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service in Yosemite – essentially a park detective – was irresistible. The allure wasn’t just the murder mystery, but the backdrop: the untamed wilderness that I hold dear.

From the get-go, I had a deep connection with Kyle,” he recalls. “It might have been due to our mutual appreciation for nature and how it influences our mental health, personal identity, and emotional growth throughout life – I instantly felt a profound affection towards Kyle.

Despite encountering challenges during the COVID pandemic and Hollywood strikes, actor Bana remained committed to the project, resulting in the premiere of the series created by Mark L. Smith (“American Primeval”) and his daughter Elle Smith on a streaming service yesterday. In this gripping show, Bana’s character delves into the mysterious death of a woman who fell from El Capitan, striking two rock climbers below. Surprisingly, this case uncovers links to two other tragic events that occurred in the rugged wilderness, at least one of which has a direct impact on the enigmatic Kyle, who is mourning the loss of his young son.

Elle Smith notes that he had a unique blend of sensitivity and strength. This quality enabled him to truly embody the character of Turner, as he’s been deeply involved with the show for such a long time and has kept it vibrant. When filming began, he effectively became Turner.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to express that “Untamed” adds another unique chapter to Bana’s non-traditional Hollywood journey. This versatile actor has graced various aspects of the entertainment industry without ever feeling the pull to reside in Los Angeles. Given his frequent overseas shoots, it was only logical for him to call Australia home when not on set. During our conversation, I had the privilege of meeting him briefly while he was in town for “Untamed” press events.

Initially known for his comedy work in his native country, this individual gained fame before the superhero genre became popular, starring as the main character in Ang Lee’s “Hulk,” a film that has since received renewed critical acclaim. He’s portrayed a villain in “Star Trek” and a protagonist directed by Steven Spielberg in the historical drama “Munich.” (Recently, there’s been increasing discussion about his role as the Mossad agent responsible for responding to the murder of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics: “As time goes by, you appreciate just how insightful some of the observations were,” he reflects.)

Lately, he delved into television acting, portraying the sociopathic character John Meehan in the first season of the anthology series “Dirty John.” Bana mentioned he rarely ponders about playing characters that contrast his previous roles, but he acknowledges that his performance as Meehan might have played a part in his attraction to the role of Kyle in “Untamed.

He made it clear that John’s personality was incredibly toxic, as if it were off the charts, he stated. Furthermore, he pointed out that Kyle, compared to John, seemed more appealing and easier for the audience to connect with.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ll share an intriguing twist in the career of an actor I admire. Prior to taking on the role of Kyle, this talented individual, along with his producing partner and director Rob Connolly, kick-started a mini-series of films down under. This was all thanks to “The Dry” and its sequel, where he portrayed another investigator grappling with a harrowing past – a role that resonated deeply within Australia’s film landscape.

Television

These days, Eric Bana finds himself pondering his actions a tad more often, given that he’s portraying a skilled manipulator in his current role.

In the eyes of creator Mark Smith, Bana proved to be the perfect choice for portraying Kyle due to his remarkable skill at expressing much through minimal dialogue.

Mark comments that he seemed incredibly expressive, not just through words but also through his eyes and facial expressions,” or “According to Mark, he was remarkably communicative without needing to speak, which proved crucial for this individual who prefers solitude and avoids interaction with people. He primarily enjoys spending time alone in nature.

Since Bananahad joined the team early, the Smiths were able to craft subsequent scripts with him specifically in mind. One preference Banana expressed was having as much screen time on a horse as possible. In the series, Kyle opted for a horse over motorized vehicles, allowing him greater access to the less-explored regions of the park. By the end, it turned out that Banana grew quite fond of his equine companion.

“I desperately wanted to smuggle him on the plane and take him home,” he says.

Mark Smith and his partner Elle came up with the idea for the series upon receiving articles about the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch. Although they were unfamiliar with this particular world, they found themselves intrigued by the unique occupation that blends aspects of an FBI agent and a park ranger. Bana had previously visited Yosemite as a solo traveler many years ago, but unfortunately didn’t get another chance before filming began in British Columbia.

Despite this, he conversed with park rangers and ISB staff to gain an understanding of the extent to which their jobs could sometimes become challenging or unconventional.

He notes that combining various substances and assembling individuals with diverse histories and privileges within their respective environments can lead to quite intriguing results.

From his own experiences, Bana has come to realize that an allure towards the great outdoors stems from the fact that potential perils are often nearby. To put it another way in Australia, he notes, “you’re always on the lookout for something that wants to get you, whether it walks on two legs, four legs, or even eight legs.

In the filming location of “Untamed,” he was exceptionally excited to encounter a bear, but his excitement turned into disappointment as the bear never made an appearance.

There was someone in charge of both our and the bears’ safety on set, who we referred to as ‘the bear guy’. He enforced strict guidelines regarding food and other matters. I yearned for a favorable interaction with a bear, but unfortunately, none appeared during my time there.

As a follower, I can confirm that, unfortunately for me, I didn’t get to witness the bear like everyone else did. Instead, it seemed as though I had an unusually unfortunate streak when it came to encountering bears – let’s just say I had some pretty terrible ‘bear luck’.

In my critique, I’d say: Despite the scarcity of bear encounters on set, Eric Bana’s ardent affection for the great outdoors significantly contributed to the overall filming process. Unlike some actors who retreat to their trailers, Eric was always found seated outside, engaging in lively conversations and fostering a convivial atmosphere among the crew.

In simpler terms, Elle Smith stated, “We faced a challenging environment during our shoot. Having our main actor brave enough to scale the rocks contributes significantly to setting the movie’s mood. It also boosts the confidence of the entire team, knowing they can handle similar challenges.

Bana found his surroundings captivating, to the point where he preferred them over the cold, sterile atmosphere of a film set.

Speaking of it, heading to work in a studio after a similar experience feels creatively draining,” he notes. “There’s something magical about a camera emerging from its case as the sun rises and retreating when the sun sets. It carries an energy, a rhythm to it.

To prepare for his next project, “Apex” – a forthcoming movie co-starring Charlize Theron, where they portray rock climbers – he immersed himself anew in the necessary skills to avoid appearing foolish.

Similarly to how Bana adapts his shooting schedule based on the weather, he is equally patient in his professional life. This trait is one of the factors that allowed him to wait for the opportunity to be a part of “Untamed.

He notes that after being involved in this field for some time, he understands the importance of adapting to changes (ebbs and flows) and taking things at a steady pace. However, when one discovers something they are truly passionate about, they should make an effort to safeguard it.

In a similar vein, it’s a statement that could apply to the wonders of nature as well. Bana fervently wishes that “Untamed,” despite its depiction of grim actions and hidden mysteries, inspires viewers to embark on their own explorations.

He expresses his hope that individuals find pleasure in experiencing that specific environment, and if circumstances were ideal, they would be inspired to venture out and discover similar places on their own.

He certainly will be.

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2025-07-17 13:31

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