Yahya Abdul-Mateen II steps into a major action role as John Creasy in Netflix’s new series adaptation of Man on Fire. The streaming service just released the first official look at the actor in the part made famous by Denzel Washington in the 2004 film. The series will stream later in 2026.
A First Look at the New John Creasy
The first look image shows Yahya Abdul-Mateen II holding a gun, looking intense and ready for action. He is playing the main character, John Creasy. Creasy is a former Special Forces mercenary. He now struggles with extreme PTSD and is trying to start a new life. His plans change when he finds himself back in a dangerous situation.
This is a new version of the story from A.J. Quinnell’s 1980 book. Denzel Washington played Creasy in the well-known 2004 movie. A 1987 film version starred Scott Glenn. The Netflix show will give more time to explore the character and story across a full series.
What the Netflix Series Story Is About
The series follows John Creasy. He was once a skilled mercenary who could survive anything. Now, he is plagued by intense PTSD and personal demons. He wants to overcome his past and find redemption. Before he can settle into a new life, he is pulled back into a fight.
The official description says Creasy “finds himself back in the fire, fighting harder than ever”. The story is set in Brazil. Creasy is hired as a bodyguard for a wealthy family worried about kidnappings. He forms a bond with their young daughter. When violence finds them, he must use his old skills to protect her.
“Once a high-functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary, known for surviving even the most desolate of situations, Creasy is now plagued with intense PTSD. Determined to overcome his personal demons, he sets out on a path to redemption. But, before he can adjust to this new life, he finds himself back in the fire, fighting harder than ever.”
Cast and Characters for the New Adaptation
The series features a strong supporting cast alongside Abdul-Mateen II. Billie Boullet plays Poe Rayburn. Poe is a young person moving to Brazil with her family. After a tragic event, she becomes the sole witness and finds Creasy is her only ally.
Alice Braga plays Valeria Melo, a professional driver with connections to a local gang. Creasy hires her, and she helps him protect Poe and go after terrorists.
Bobby Cannavale guest stars as Paul Rayburn, a former Special Forces soldier who is charming and protective. Scoot McNairy has a recurring guest role as Henry Tappan, a calculating CIA field agent working in Brazil. Paul Ben-Victor is also in the cast.
People Making the Man on Fire Series
The series has experienced people behind the camera. Kyle Killen is the writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Killen previously worked on Fear Street and Halo.
Steven Caple Jr. directs the first two episodes and is an executive producer. Caple is known for directing Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. His involvement suggests the series will have a strong visual style and action scenes.
Executive producers also include Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Natalie Lehmann for New Regency Productions. New Regency controls the rights to the story and made the 2004 film. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Tracey Cook for Chernin Entertainment are also executive producers. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an executive producer on the series as well.
Development and Production Timeline
Netflix first announced the Man on Fire series in March 2023. The project confirmed Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for the lead role in June 2024. Filming started in October 2024 and finished in early 2025.
Production took place in several countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Italy. Filming in real locations should make the show’s settings feel authentic. The series is planned for eight episodes or seven episodes, with reports varying.
The first look image was released as part of Netflix’s preview of its 2026 television slate. This confirms the series is a priority for the streaming service in the coming year.
The Legacy of Man on Fire Adaptations
This new series joins previous adaptations of A.J. Quinnell’s book. The first film was an Italian thriller in 1987, starring Scott Glenn as Christian Creasy. The more famous adaptation is the 2004 film directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning.
The 2004 film was a financial success. It has gained a strong fan following over the years. The Netflix series aims to bring a fresh take to the story for a new audience. It has the chance to explore the character’s depth and the larger story across multiple episodes.
Quinnell wrote five books about Creasy, starting with Man on Fire in 1980. Sequels include The Perfect Kill, The Blue Ring, Black Horn, and Message From Hell. The Netflix series is based on the first two books, Man on Fire and The Perfect Kill. This leaves room for more seasons if the first one is successful.
Also Read:
What We Know About the 2026 Release
Netflix has confirmed Man on Fire will premiere sometime in 2026. An exact release date or month has not been announced yet. The show is part of Netflix’s lineup of new and returning series for the year.
When it is released, the series will be available to stream globally on Netflix. For viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, it will be accessible at the same time as part of Netflix’s worldwide launch for original series.
Also Read: 11.22.63 Finale Recap and Ending Explained: Jake’s Choice and the One Last Dance
