Netflix released all seven episodes of Man on Fire on April 30, 2026, bringing a fresh take on A.J. Quinnell’s classic book series. The show follows John Creasy, a former Special Forces mercenary fighting severe PTSD, who gets pulled back into a world of violence to protect the teenage daughter of a murdered colleague.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who won an Emmy for HBO’s Watchmen, takes over the lead role that Denzel Washington made famous in the 2004 film. The series builds a full team around Creasy, showing him learn to accept help from others instead of working alone.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Steps Into Denzel Washington’s Shoes as John Creasy
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays John Creasy, a broken former elite mercenary known for surviving impossible situations. The character struggles with deep trauma and alcohol problems after a failed mission in Mexico killed his team.
Showrunner Kyle Killen said Abdul-Mateen was the only choice for the role because of his wide acting range. “It’s not that I saw one thing and said, ‘That’s John Creasy.’ It’s that I saw his range, and realized, ‘That’s what John Creasy needs,’” Killen explained.
“His trauma is such that he’s afraid to make friends. Creasy has no problems helping someone else, but when it comes to saying yes, allowing himself to be helped, then that’s when we see him really, really struggle.” – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on playing John Creasy
Abdul-Mateen arrives fresh from playing the lead in Marvel’s Wonder Man series. His other credits include Candyman, The Matrix Resurrections (as Morpheus), both Aquaman films (as villain Black Manta), Us, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Ambulance.
Billie Boullet Plays Poe Rayburn, the Teenager Creasy Must Protect
Billie Boullet plays Poe Rayburn, a teenager forced into hiding in Brazil after she witnesses a terrible crime. Poe is the daughter of Creasy’s murdered colleague, and Creasy risks everything to keep her safe.
The 21-year-old actress was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for playing Anne Frank in the Hulu series A Small Light. She also appeared in the BBC series The Worst Witch.
Abdul-Mateen praised his young co-star’s work ethic on set. “Billie is just so smart. She asked all of the right questions, the challenging questions, and so she was an excellent scene partner. We just trusted each other,” he said.
Bobby Cannavale and Scoot McNairy Join as Creasy’s CIA Allies
Bobby Cannavale plays Paul Rayburn, an old CIA operative friend who invites Creasy to stay with his family in Brazil. Rayburn tries to pull Creasy back into the real world by believing in him when no one else does.
Cannavale won a Primetime Emmy for playing gangster Gyp Rosetti on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. His other work includes Vinyl, Spy, Ant-Man, Chef, Mr. Robot, Homecoming, Blue Jasmine, MaXXXine, and Nine Perfect Strangers.
Scoot McNairy plays Henry Tappen, the Deputy Director of the CIA and another one of Creasy’s former colleagues. Tappen gets pulled into Creasy’s personal war very quickly.
“He’s such a smart and adaptable actor. He really wanted to understand what made this person tick. He’s looking at geopolitical consequences, not individual harms.” – Kyle Killen on Scoot McNairy’s approach to playing Tappen
McNairy won a Screen Actors Guild Award with the cast of Argo. His credits include Halt and Catch Fire, Killing Them Softly, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Speak No Evil, Nightbitch, True Detective, and A Complete Unknown.
Alice Braga Brings Authenticity as Cab Driver Valeria Melo
Brazilian actress Alice Braga plays Valeria Melo, a Rio cab driver who knows the city better than anyone. She becomes a key helper for Creasy, guiding him through the dangerous streets as she tries to leave the country with her own daughter.
Braga’s Brazilian background helped the production stay true to local culture. “She was always advocating for authenticity, saying, ‘OK, we’ve got to say it like this because this is how it would land more to the Brazilian fans,’” Abdul-Mateen explained. “I think a lot of the things that we were able to get right were due to having her be a part of the team.”
Braga originally tried out for a different part before getting the role of Valeria. Her past work includes City of God, I Am Legend (with Will Smith), The Suicide Squad, The New Mutants, Predators, and the Netflix series Queen of the South.
The Supporting Cast Fills Out Creasy’s World in Brazil
Thomás Aquino plays Prado Soares, the right-hand man to Brazil’s president and a potential employer Rayburn sets up for Creasy. Aquino appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film The Secret Agent.
Alex Ozerov-Meyer plays Ivan, an old colleague who joins Creasy’s mission in Brazil. He has appeared in The Americans, Orphan Black, Slasher, Another Life, and Brilliant Minds.
Jefferson Baptista plays Livro, a young man from the favelas who becomes friends with Poe while she hides from her enemies. This is his first major television role after appearing in Supernova, Hot Line, and Never Give Up.
Iago Xavier plays Vico, a street-smart and dangerous gang leader who controls a favela in Rio. He made his film debut in Motel Destino, and Man on Fire marks his first TV series.
Paul Ben-Victor plays Moncrief, another character in Creasy’s world. Viewers know him from The Wire, True Detective, and The Irishman.
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Other Cast Members Complete the Man on Fire World
The series includes several other actors filling out the story:
- Billy Blanco Jr. (Rio Connection, Rich in Love) as President João Carmo, Brazil’s controversial leader
- Bruno Suzano (Faith in the Impossible, Love Spell) as Beto, Livro’s abusive older brother
- Pâmela Germano (The Battle of Maria Antônia) as Marina Melo, Valeria’s daughter who gets caught up in her mother’s dangerous situation with Creasy
- Rei Black (Nosso Sonho) as Duda, the head of the favela gang
Early viewers have praised Abdul-Mateen’s performance. One fan wrote online, “I’m only 2 episodes in. I could binge-watch this one. Between Marvel’s Wonder Man and now the Man On Fire series, this dude is really showing off his acting chops in 2026.”
All seven episodes of Man on Fire are now streaming on Netflix worldwide.
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