Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Shines in Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ Reimagining

When Denzel Washington redefined the role of John Creasy in the 2004 remake of Man on Fire—itself based on A.J. Quinnell’s 1987 bestseller—he cast a long shadow over any future interpretation. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes on that challenge in Netflix’s new seven-episode series, a gutsy adaptation that leans into his growing reputation as a leading man.

Abdul-Mateen, who first gained attention as Cadillac in Netflix’s 2016 miniseries The Get Down, has since won an Emmy for his portrayal of Doctor Manhattan in HBO’s Watchmen and led Marvel’s Wonder Man on Disney+. Now, he steps into Creasy’s boots, trading Mexico for Rio de Janeiro, where the stakes—and the color—are even higher.

While Abdul-Mateen’s Creasy follows Washington’s brooding, self-destructive blueprint, the series gives him room to refine the character over seven episodes. He also takes on his first executive producer credit, shaping the adaptation to his strengths. Unlike previous versions, this Creasy is tasked with protecting Billie Boullet’s Poe Rayburn, a teenager with far more agency than Dakota Fanning’s younger counterpart in the films.

Poe’s father, Paul (Bobby Cannavale), brings Creasy to Brazil after a failed suicide attempt, unaware of the mercenary’s pivotal role in his daughter’s life. Their bond is tested as they navigate a violent trail with no clear enemy. Creasy must suppress his depression and social anxiety, relying on his intelligence and combat skills to keep them safe in unfamiliar territory.

To survive, Creasy needs allies—and finds one in Valeria (Alice Braga), a resourceful driver paired with him by Paul. Valeria’s connections in the favelas introduce a new cast of characters, including her daughter Marina (Pamela Germano) and Livro (Jefferson Baptista), a bookish local who befriends Poe but lacks the grit to protect her. Gang violence looms large, adding layers of danger and moral complexity to the story.