Review by Chadd Clubine

Man on Fire is a new Netflix series inspired by A.J. Quinnell’s Man on Fire series. All seven episodes are now available to stream. Created by Kyle Killen, the show features a cast led by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, alongside Billie Boullet, Bobby Cannavale, Alice Braga, Scott McNairy, and Paul Ben-Victor.

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.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has quietly built one of the most compelling résumés in recent years—appearing in high-profile projects without yet landing a definitive breakout moment. With Man on Fire, he steps fully into that space, showing real range as a charismatic and emotionally grounded leading man.

This series isn’t a beat-for-beat retread of the 2004 film starring Denzel Washington. Instead, it draws loose inspiration from the film while carving out its own identity. By taking a different narrative approach, the show distinguishes itself enough to feel fresh, making it a worthwhile watch even for those familiar with the earlier adaptation.

The show undeniably leans into familiar territory, from its story beats to its dialogue. Even the tone—bolstered by a sweeping, evocative score—feels designed to resonate with fans of the 2004 film. Where it really finds its footing, though, is in its direction. Bringing in Steven Caple Jr. to helm the opening episodes proves to be a smart move.

While the writing may rely on well-worn conventions, the visual storytelling is confident and engaging. Caple has already demonstrated his ability to establish tone with films like Creed II and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and that strength carries over here. With just seven episodes, Man on Fire keeps things tight and focused, cutting straight to the action and delivering a consistently high-energy experience.

Had the series stretched to a more typical eight or ten episodes, it likely would have felt padded. Instead, it keeps a tight grip on its pacing and gets straight to the point. It’s rare to see a show this committed to action without losing momentum. Longer seasons often dilute that energy, but here the storytelling stays focused, delivering set pieces and key revelations with confidence—even if some of those turns are a bit predictable.

As a longtime fan of Scoot McNairy, I was especially curious to see what he’d bring to the table. He’s the kind of actor who tends to choose projects with real potential, and pairing him with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II made this an easy watch from the start. Like his co-star, McNairy feels somewhat under-recognized given how consistently strong his work has been across a wide range of roles.

That said, the way the story unfolds can feel a bit predictable. Abdul-Mateen II’s character follows a fairly familiar hero’s journey, and some of the beats land exactly where you expect them to. Still, even for those familiar with the film, there are enough deviations and surprises sprinkled throughout to keep things engaging.

Adding a deeper layer of complexity to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s character allows him to feel just as human and relatable as the version portrayed by Denzel Washington. His PTSD could easily come across as a familiar trait for someone in his position, but it’s the way he connects with Billie Boullet’s Poe Rayburn that truly enriches the characterization. Unlike the film adaptation, the series takes a more nuanced approach to its characters and their relationships, carving out its own identity while adding emotional depth to the story.

While the action benefits from a grounded, practical feel—especially in its hand-to-hand combat—the visual effects don’t always match that level of realism. At times, the show leans into callbacks to the film that undercut the more authentic tone it’s trying to establish. One sequence involving an explosion, for example, looks noticeably artificial and stretches believability, as it depicts a moment that would almost certainly cause serious harm but ultimately leaves the character unscathed.

Overall, Man on Fire lands as a solid, entertaining series, elevated by the charisma of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. His performance goes a long way in establishing him as a compelling and capable leading man. While the show leans on familiar tropes in both its story and dialogue, it distinguishes itself enough from the film to offer a few genuine surprises along the way.

VERDICT: 3.5/5 – Pretty Good