In ‘Man on Fire,’ a new Creasy, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, capably takes the helm

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The new Netflix series, “Man on Fire,” which starts streaming Thursday, is the third take on A. J. Quinnell’s 1980 novel. Like the previous two adaptations – the 2004 film with Denzel Washington (set in Mexico City) and the 1987 film with Scott Glenn (set in Italy) – this version moves the story to a new location, this time Rio de Janeiro. While it shares the basic premise of a troubled bodyguard protecting a young girl, this version with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II largely reinvents the story.

Abdul-Mateen stars as John Creasy, a former CIA agent struggling with PTSD and alcoholism after a failed operation. Years later, his friend Paul Rayburn (Bobby Cannavale) tries to help him by bringing him to Rio de Janeiro, where Rayburn is providing security for a construction site during a tense presidential election. A shocking act, presented as terrorism, throws Creasy and Rayburn’s teenage daughter, Poe (Billie Boullet), into a dangerous situation where they must figure out who they can trust while Creasy seeks both answers and retribution. He doesn’t hold back.

Television

The actor will star in a new Netflix series based on the books by A.J. Quinnell, following their recent success in Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ on Disney+.

The story unfolds largely in a Rio de Janeiro favela – a hillside shantytown familiar to fans of films like “Black Orpheus” and “City of Men” (and the 2002 Brazilian TV series of the same name). Creasy and Poe find themselves there thanks to Valeria Melo (played by Alice Braga), a driver Creasy employs who provides them with a safe haven from those pursuing them.

She explains that driving isn’t just about encountering people; it’s about truly observing and understanding them.

“What else do you see?” asks Creasy.

“Someone who needs a friend.”

A team gradually forms, and I always enjoy seeing that happen in a story. Alongside the wise Valeria, there’s Livro, a street-smart kid, and Vico, a gang member who looks out for him. They’re joined by Ivan, a wealthy former friend of Creasy who craves excitement—an unlikely team brought together to tackle incredibly difficult missions, and, perhaps, become a family. Meanwhile, back in the US, Tappan and Moncrief keep watch on the events unfolding in Brazil, though their trust in those on the ground is limited.

“Man on Fire,” created by Kyle Killen, delivers simple, exciting action. It’s a classic revenge story with fairly obvious heroes and villains, though it takes a bit to figure out who’s who. The show is designed for international audiences—it focuses on characters and situations that aren’t specifically American. It’s not basic entertainment, but something a bit more flavorful and vibrant. The show’s colorful and gritty setting really enhances the intense action—thanks to excellent cinematography by Alejandro Martínez—and there’s plenty of it, though it’s often violent and disturbing. (Some torture scenes go on longer than necessary.) The actors also manage to find moments of beauty and meaning even in the show’s often plain-spoken dialogue.

I’ve been a big fan of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – he was fantastic in “Wonder Man,” really charming and funny, and his portrayal of Doctor Manhattan in “Watchmen” was iconic, visually and dramatically. But this role is different. He’s playing someone incredibly stoic; for the first fourteen minutes of the second episode, he barely cracks a smile. One of the other characters even points it out! It’s a striking contrast to the work I’m used to seeing from him. Interestingly, there’s a recurring theme about life being like chess – a simple, direct idea that feels central to the character’s journey.

Will we see a more compassionate side to the main character by the film’s end? A healthier, kinder Creasy? Poe, played brilliantly by Boullet – known for her role as Anne Frank in the Disney+ series – brings enough emotional depth for both characters. The action is great, but the emotional journey is what will really stay with you.

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2026-04-30 10:31