Netflix’s Untamed has quickly become one of the most talked-about mystery thrillers of the season—and at the heart of its emotional core is Ezra Franky’s stunning performance as Lucy, a resilient young woman living off the grid with a past shrouded in trauma.
Ezra joined Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to reflect on the journey of portraying Lucy, the emotional gravity of her arc, and how the role is changing her life. Below are some of the most impactful moments from our conversation.
On Life Since Untamed Premiered
“It’s been great. It’s very exciting. I’m navigating a whole new world,” Ezra shared. “The fan reaction has been amazing—super positive. I love reading reviews and seeing all the theories people have. Everyone’s been so insightful.”
How She Landed the Role
“It came through my agent as just a regular audition. I was super busy that week, so I submitted my demo first,” she explained. “They came back and said they wanted me to tape, and the rest is history. Everything was done over Zoom and self-tapes.”
Becoming Lucy
The character description caught Ezra's attention immediately: “An Indigenous girl living off the land, off the grid. It was intriguing.” But it was Lucy’s tragic arc that left a lasting impression. “She never really has a good time throughout the series. But the few positive scenes I did get to play—I really cherished them.”
On Emotional Preparation
Ezra approached Lucy’s layered emotional journey with care. “It was a work in progress the entire time. You know how the story ends and how it begins. You need compassion for both versions of Lucy while staying present in the moment.”
Lucy’s Final Scene
Lucy’s final choice was one of both heartbreak and empowerment. “It was her reclaiming the narrative. It wasn’t about giving up—it was a choice made with peace. Sarah Dawn Pledge, who plays Lucy’s mom, was on set even when she wasn’t on camera for those scenes, and her presence made a huge difference.”
Working with Legends
Sharing the screen with Eric Bana and Sam Neill was a surreal experience for Ezra. “They didn’t give direct advice, but watching them work—how they carried themselves—was the best guidance. They showed up as they were, and that’s something I took with me.”
Filming in Nature
Though some of the show was shot in Yosemite, most filming took place in British Columbia and Vancouver Island. “Being in the trees and surrounded by nature felt grounding—especially for Lucy’s character. It was beautiful and unforgettable.”
Stunts & Physical Preparation
Ezra did her own stunt training before heading into the wilderness. “I worked with this incredible coordinator, Allen, who’s been part of some major projects. I soaked up every story she told. We trained in studio first to prepare for the unpredictability of nature.”
Alternate Endings?
There were no real alternate endings considered. “We knew Lucy’s ending from the beginning. That was part of her pull. There were moments we filmed that didn’t make the final cut, but they helped me build who she was.”
A Breakout Moment
When asked if this was her breakout role, Ezra didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. It’s the longest I’ve ever been on set. It was a massive part of my growth.”
What She Hopes Viewers Take Away
“Hopefully some high blood pressure!” Ezra laughed. “But really, appreciation for nature, the relationships, the friction between characters… and a look into lives you might never witness otherwise. That’s the magic of storytelling.”
What’s Next
“I’m riding the wave right now—reading scripts, auditioning, and working on music too. I’m trying to stay as creatively busy as possible.”
You can find Ezra on Instagram (@ezrafranky) and on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to follow her journey beyond Untamed.