First Looks and Release Date Unveiled for Netflix's 'Man on Fire' Series With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Picture Credits: Netflix

Netflix announced in early 2023 that it would adapt the first two books by author A.J. Quinell into an exciting new thriller series called Man on Fire. Fear Street’s Kyle Killen will write and produce the eight-episode series, with Steven Caple Jr. confirmed to direct. Here’s everything we know so far, including the newly revealed April 2026 release date, first-look images, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II headlining the cast.

Kyle Killen wrote and produced the series based on the novels by A.J. Quinell. Killen previously worked on the Fear Street trilogy for Netflix and the television adaptation of the video game Halo.

Chernin Entertainment, which works with Netflix under an extensive overall deal, is producing the series. Peter Chernin will serve as an executive producer alongside Jenno Topping, Bill McGoldrick, and Juan Alfonso. New Regency Productions owns the rights to IP and is represented by executive producers Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Michael Schaefer. Killen’s Chapter Eleven will also be produced, with Scott Pennington serving as an executive producer.

Steven Caple Jr. (known for Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts and Creed II) will direct episodes 1 and 2 and serve as an executive producer. Vicente Amorim (Senna), Michael Cuesta (American Assassin), and Clare Kilner (House of the Dragon) are also on the directing team. Carmen Cuba serves as the casting director for the series.

Some may already be familiar with the work of A.J. Quinell, as Man on Fire has received two film adaptations: one in 1987 with Scott Glenn and the second, more famous, in 2004, starring Denzel Washington as the lead.

Movie Denzel Scott Washington Netflix Adaptation Of Man On Fire In Development At Netflix

Denzel Washington (left) and Scott Glenn (right) both played the role of Creasy in their respective film adaptations.

What is the plot of Man on Fire?

As updated during Next on Netflix 2026, the updated official tagline for the series reads:

“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.”

One major element altered for the Netflix series is the age of Creasy’s protectee. While previous adaptations featured a younger child (such as Dakota Fanning’s Pita), the show ages the character up to a teenager named Poe Rayburn. Showrunner Kyle Killen told IGN during their exclusive reveal that this dynamic “gives you a different perspective” and “a lot of room to invent an entirely new story” while honoring the emotional core of the previous films.

Netflix was casting for numerous roles throughout the early stages of 2024, with John Creasy set to be a BIPOC. Other roles Netflix was casting for include:

Poe – Lead – Rayburn’s daughter. A teenager who is growing at a rapid pace and has an attitude that comes with it. She is the only one to witness the bombing of her family because instead of being home, she was on her way to sneak back after a night with her boyfriend.
Carmo – Hispanic – President of Brazil up for re-election. Polished with a former soldier’s energy, although there’s something fishy about him.
Soares – Hispanic – Intimidating figure who works with the president of Brazil.
Rayburn – Creasy’s mentor and rescues him from a suicide attempt. He served above Creasy in the army and feels responsible for him and views him like a son.

Here’s all the first look stills for the new series:

Who is in the cast of Man on Fire?

Yahya Head Shot Photo Credit Seye Isikalu Scaled E

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II -Picture: Seye Isikalu

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was the first major star attached to the project, with Deadline first reporting the news. He’ll play the role of John Creasy, previously played by Denzel Washington.

Speaking exclusively to IGN regarding stepping into such an iconic role, Mateen stated:

“I don’t worry about what people’s expectations are in terms of comparing myself to Denzel. I have confidence in myself, and that’s a great company to be named alongside of, but I think my process allows me to focus on what I have to focus on in order to get the job done.”

He further added that his version of Creasy is “incredibly human, incredibly flawed, but he’s got something to fight for.”

This marks his fourth major Netflix Original project following First Match in 2018, Black Mirror in 2019, and The Trial of the Chicago 7 in 2020. In addition to starring, Abdul-Mateen II will also serve as an executive producer.

As of our latest updates, we now have an expanded cast list featuring the core cast as well as additional roles and extras:

Scoot McNairy (Narcos: Mexico) as Henry Tappan.
Alice Braga (Predators) as Valeria Melo.
Bobby Cannavale (The Station Agent) as Paul Rayburn.
Paul Ben-Victor (The Wire) as Moncrief.
Billie Boullet (A Small Light) as Poe Rayburn.
Asher Alexander (No Good Deed) as David Rayburn.
Elizabeth Leiner (The Young and the Restless) as Regina Rayburn.
Billy Blanco Jr. (Rio Connection) as President Carmo.
Alex Ozerov-Meyer (The Americans) as Ivan Gusev.
Matías López (Ojos que no ven) as Robbie Rayburn.
David Will No (Dune: Part One) as Davi.
Grace Shen (The Brothers Sun) as Natalie Cook.
Martín Peralta (Somos.) as Tappen Assistant.
Calo Rodriguez (El Señor de los Cielos) as Shopkeeper.
Marc Dennis (The Dentist) as Manager 2.
Álvaro Peralta (La muerte de Indiana Jones) as Brazil Security Officer.
Mursi Haynes as Receptionist 2.
Daniela Porras (Dra. Lucía: Un Don Extraordinario) as Receptionist 6.
Juliana Spínola (BEDU: Explotar) as Bank Teller.

Pictured: Scoot McNairy, Alice Braga, Bobby Cannavale, Paul Ben-Victor, Billie Boullet, Asher Alexander, Elizabeth Leiner

What is the episode count?

Initially, there were to be eight episodes with hour-long runtimes although this was later cut down to 7.

What is the Man on Fire production status?

Development

Filming Scheduled

Filming Ongoing

Post-Production

Filming for Man on Fire began on October 15th, 2024, and concluded on February 21st, 2025. Shooting took place in Mexico, Brazil, and Italy, with the story itself taking place in Brazil.

When is Man on Fire coming to Netflix?

It’s officially confirmed! IGN exclusively revealed that Man on Fire will launch globally on Netflix on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Are you looking forward to watching Man on Fire? Let us know in the comments below!

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