A new Netflix series adaptation of the 2004 action thriller Man on Fire is now available to stream in full, and early viewers are calling it a must-watch. The seven-part show stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Billie Boullet in the lead roles, taking over from Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning who starred in the original film.
A Series Everyone Is Talking About
Luke Ecclestone, known online as Eccy Reviews, has declared that the show is 'everyone is going to be talking about'. In a TikTok clip, he predicted it would 'easily be number one trending'. The series draws from the 2004 film of the same name, which featured Denzel Washington as troubled ex-CIA operative John W. Creasy and Dakota Fanning as nine-year-old kidnap victim Guadalupe 'Lupita' Ramos.
'Everybody has been talking about this show for a while,' Luke remarked. 'Everyone knows about the film and this is a brand new seven-part series.'
Plot and Setting
Similar to the original, the programme charts the journey of mercenary Creasy, now played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who must safeguard a young girl named Poe Rayburn, portrayed by Billie Boullet. The story is set in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Luke described it as 'high octane, full of action and a really great show'.
While he admitted the film remains 'leagues above' the television adaptation, Luke branded it a 'great watch over the weekend' and thoroughly gripping.
Official Synopsis
Netflix's synopsis for Man on Fire reads: 'Man on Fire follows John Creasy, who was once a high-functioning and skilled Special Forces Mercenary known for surviving even the most desolate situations. However, John is now battling extreme PTSD and personal demons. As he attempts a fresh start, he'll find himself back in the (metaphorical) fire and fighting harder than ever.'
Developed by Kyle Killen, the series currently boasts an IMDb score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 2,500 reviews.
Fan Reactions
Responding to Luke's video, one TikTok user confessed: 'I'll give it a watch, but I don't think the film can ever be beaten - had me crying ugly tears.' A second viewer praised: 'On episode five - loving it.' A third remarked: 'It has me gripped, sweaty palms, the lot.' Meanwhile, a fourth TikTok user declared: 'It's amazing, I binged the whole lot in one go.'
Man on Fire is adapted from A.J. Quinnell's book series, which launched with a 1980 novel of the same name.
