They say that you learn something new every day, at least that’s what someone will tell you when surprised by a fact they didn’t know. So imagine my surprise when I learned that somehow a Netflix reboot of Man on Fire had escaped my notice, with Wonder Man star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II taking up the role of John Creasy.
The footage freshly released by Netflix proves that the detonator of vengeance is in the right hands. Throwing some fuel on that claim is the fact that Man on Fire’s supporting roster also includes Billie Boullet, Bobby Cannavale, Alice Braga and Scoot McNairy. Plus, Steven Caple Jr. (director of Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts and Creed II) serves as an executive producer – as well as the helmer of the first two episodes.
As for the show’s official logline, here’s the synopsis provided along with this new trailer:
Based on A.J. Quinnell’s book series, Man on Fire tells the story of John Creasy. 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.
Score one more surprise, as I hadn’t a clue that Man on Fire was based on a series of books. That fact actually addresses a question that I had asked (and answered) for myself when it comes to the finale of Tony Scott and Denzel Washington’s 2004 variant; and how in the world it could lend itself to a streaming series.
Man On Fire’s Netflix Series Has An Answer For The 2004 Movie’s Ending
As it turns out, that fittingly tragic ending was a bit different in the 1980 source novel. Now I’m not sure how faithful showrunner Kyle Killen’s Man on Fire series will be to that tome, so just in case I’m going to issue a spoiler warning for the next paragraph.
Clearly the big issue that comes up with Man on Fire is the fact that Denzel Washington’s Creasy is fatally shot at the end of its second cinematic adaptation. Dying of his wounds, just after he delivers Dakota Fanning’s Pita back to her parents, it’s a bittersweet ending that carries a lot of weight. That differs from the book, which only presumed John Creasy died, but actually saw him surviving to kick even more ass across four more novels.
Man on Fire debuts on Netflix April 30th, with a seven-episode run to light the fuse. Coincidentally, you can also watch the Tony Scott/Denzel Washington movie on that same platform as prep. As for the latest and greatest updates in the world of TV, I wish we had more time to chat about that very subject. But you can always tune your browser to the THS TV News archives, whenever you have the need to know what’s coming to a living room near you!
That Hashtag Show
