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Who stars in 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge'? National Geographic's star-studded adventure welcomes new guests

Bear Grylls guides guests on life-changing adventures in 'Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge,' testing their limits in Scotland and Wyoming

WASHINGTON, DC: Join Bear Grylls on National Geographic for an exhilarating new season of 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge.' From the stunning peaks of Scotland to the unforgiving wilderness of Wyoming, witness a fusion of breathtaking landscapes as legendary guests, including Oscar and Grammy winners, push their limits alongside Bear.

Brace yourself for life-changing adventures, mind-bending challenges, and the thrill of a lifetime as these iconic personalities defy their comfort zones. Prepare to be captivated as legends collide in the ultimate wilderness quest of survival.

Who stars in 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge?' 

Host Bear Grylls  

With a remarkable career spanning iconic achievements, from being honored with honorary ranks in the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Marines Reserve to hosting globally renowned TV shows, including the wildly popular 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls,' the wilderness expert has captivated over 1.2 billion viewers worldwide. Despite a near-fatal skydiving incident, Bear's indomitable spirit and resilience continue to inspire as he fearlessly navigates the wilderness, defying limits and proving that even the most extraordinary challenges can be conquered. 

Rita Ora 

Get ready for a thrilling expedition as Bear Grylls guides the multi-talented singer-songwriter, actor, and designer Rita Ora through the mesmerizing Valley of Fire. Premiering on August 13 at 9/8c on National Geographic, this adventure kicks off with an adrenaline-pumping skydive from 10,000 feet, immersing them in the rugged and barren terrain. With Bear as her mentor, Rita learns vital skills such as navigation, water sourcing, and rock climbing, preparing her for the ultimate challenge of securing her extraction on day two.

 

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Troy Kotsur

Bear Grylls ventures into the breathtaking Scottish Highlands with the exceptional Academy Award-winning actor Troy Kotsur. Notably, Kotsur becomes the first deaf guest to join Bear on this remarkable adventure. Amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes, they face the unique challenge of communicating without words, forging an unbreakable bond. Together, they navigate treacherously steep mountains and untamed rivers, pushing themselves to their limits. Kotsur's remarkable achievements, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Critics' Choice Movie Award, highlight his extraordinary talent as an actor. But can he conquer the wilds as easily?

 

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Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany is known for her groundbreaking portrayal of multiple characters in the acclaimed series 'Orphan Black' and her recent role in Marvel's 'She-Hulk'. In the captivating Laramie Mountains, exclusively on National Geographic, Maslany learnt to face her fears. In her episode, Bear challenges her with daunting cliff rappels, treacherous icy cliffs, and a chilling cold shock, pushing her to conquer her inner anxieties. With a Primetime Emmy Award, two Critics' Choice Awards, and five Canadian Screen Awards, Maslany's remarkable achievements cement her status as a true powerhouse in the industry. She truly has the grit to survive against all odds.

 

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Daveed Diggs

Joining Bear in the captivating Great Basin Desert is Daveed Diggs. Diggs is known for his remarkable contributions to the experimental hip-hop group Clipping and his acclaimed performance as Marquis de Lafayette in 'Hamilton'. He dives into the challenges of the desert under Bear's guidance. Together, they delve into tracking, climbing, and surviving off the land. On day two, Diggs puts his newfound skills to the ultimate test by venturing solo to locate Bear and earn his extraction.

Cynthia Erivo

As she treks through the breathtaking Brecon Beacons Mountains, Cynthia Erivo makes her mark. She has already made her mark on the world of theater with her unforgettable portrayal in the Broadway revival of 'The Color Purple,' showcasing a powerhouse performance that earned her the prestigious 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

Bear imparts essential survival skills to Erivo, including rappelling into treacherous caves and braving a thunderous waterfall. Together, they delve into the highest mountains in Wales. Watch as Erivo puts her newfound knowledge to the test, embarking on a solo mission to reunite with Bear and reach their extraction point.

 

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Benedict Cumberbatch

Joining Bear on the captivating Isle of Skye in Scotland is Benedict Cumberbatch. The British actor is renowned for his remarkable performances and an impressive list of awards, including a BAFTA TV Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also made his mark as the iconic Marvel superhero Doctor Strange. Together with Bear, he conquers massive sea cliffs and freezing waterfalls while soaking up unique survival skills to survive the wilds.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper's expedition with Bear Grylls takes them through the rugged canyons of the Wyoming Basin. As an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, Cooper's remarkable talent has garnered him prestigious awards throughout his exceptional career. In this thrilling episode, Bear guides Cooper through towering ravines, teaching him essential mountaineering rope skills and the use of a grappling hook gun. Together, they face the harsh elements, including a treacherous winter snowstorm, putting Cooper's resilience and determination to the ultimate test.

Russell Brand

Joining Bear Grylls on an exhilarating adventure in the Hebrides Islands, Russell Brand embarks on a captivating episode that follows him down the rugged coast of a secluded Scottish isle in search of 16th-century castle ruins for shelter. As Bear teaches Russell vital survival skills, they confront a deeply buried fear that must be conquered to reach their extraction point. With an impressive array of accolades, including three British Comedy Awards for Best Newcomer, Best Live Stand-Up, and Outstanding Contribution to Comedy, Russell Brand finds himself facing new challenges on the island.

 

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'Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge' will premiere on July 9th at 9 pm ET on National Geographic.