Where Does Untamed Take Place
Untamed is a Netflix limited series set in the Pacific Northwest, primarily in Washington state and Oregon. The story centers on the investigation of a serial killer in remote forested areas, with key scenes filmed in British Columbia, Canada, to represent the dense wilderness of the Pacific Northwest region. The series was produced by 21 Laps Entertainment, the same company behind Stranger Things, and is based on the book Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, though the TV adaptation shifts the setting to a modern-day forest crime narrative. Production companies include 21 Laps Entertainment and Mad Chance Productions, with filming locations chosen to emphasize isolation and rugged terrain typical of the Pacific Northwest. For more details on the series, you can visit the Netflix official page for Untamed Netflix Untamed Series.
The series uses real-world geography to ground its thriller plot, with forests and mountain roads that match the topography of Washington and Oregon. While the story is fictional, the setting draws from actual criminal cases in the region, adding a layer of realism. The production team selected locations in British Columbia for their ability to double as the remote Pacific Northwest wilderness, a common practice in film and television to capture the right atmosphere without revealing specific real-world crime sites. This approach helps maintain the tension and authenticity of the narrative while keeping the focus on the investigation and psychological elements of the story.
Production and Setting Details
Filming for Untamed took place in 2024 and 2025, with principal photography in British Columbia, Canada, and some studio work in Vancouver. The series is directed by Michael Dinner and Michelle MacLaren, both known for their work on high-profile dramas. The production design emphasizes the dense, misty forests and rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, using practical locations and minimal CGI to maintain a grounded, realistic look. The show is based on a book by Erik Larson, but the TV adaptation reimagines the setting as a modern forest crime thriller rather than a historical narrative. For background on the production companies, you can visit the 21 Laps Entertainment page 21 Laps Entertainment.
The series is part of a broader trend of crime thrillers set in remote, nature-heavy locations, a genre that often uses the Pacific Northwest as a stand-in for isolation and danger. The production budget and scale are typical of a Netflix limited series, with high production values and a focus on cinematic visuals. The show stars Will Ferrell and Eric Bana, bringing star power to the project and increasing its visibility in the true crime and thriller genres. The combination of real-world filming locations and a fictional story allows the series to explore themes of wilderness, crime, and investigation in a visually compelling way.
Key Facts and Figures
Untamed is a limited series with a total of six episodes, each running approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The series is rated TV-MA for mature audiences, reflecting its violent and psychological content. The show is available globally on Netflix, with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages. The book that inspired the series, Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, was a bestseller and won several awards for its historical narrative style. For more information on the source material, you can visit the publisher's page for Erik Larson Penguin Random House - Devil in the White City.
The series has been praised for its cinematography and performances, with critics noting the effective use of the Pacific Northwest setting to enhance the mood and tension. The show is part of Netflix's broader strategy of investing in high-quality limited series that can compete with traditional prestige television. The production timeline and