Netflix drops 'Man on Fire' teaser and it shows Yahya Abdul-Mateen II balancing brutality and vulnerability
In the upcoming Netflix action thriller series 'Man on Fire', Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays the character of John Creasy. The 'Candyman' star brings lethal force to a riveting trailer recently dropped by Netflix, in which he fights multiple foes all by himself.
As the teaser trailer kicks off, a voice in the background narrates Creasy's resume: "US Army Special Forces, three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan." As of this writing, Netflix has not announced an official release window for the upcoming series. However, according to a report by Tudum, 'Man on Fire' is supposed to arrive on the streaming platform sometime this year.
Creasy, however, isn't the typical super soldier, as the narrator further reveals: "His history looks impressive, but his best days are far behind him." It's quite apparent that Creasy must confront his past demons to complete his current task. With rapid flashes of brutal action, the teaser also shows Creasy at his most vulnerable.
We see him assembling pistols while being blindfolded and also consoling Poe (Billie Boullet). Kyle Killen of 'Lone Star' fame is the showrunner of 'Man of Fire,' and, in an interview with Tudum, shared his exclusive insights about Adul-Mateen II's character: "He can do everything, that’s what John Creasy needs. He can be incredibly powerful, and still communicates a lot without saying anything. He’s obviously incredible at action, but he’s also very adept at just revealing those little places where he lets you in."
In addition to Abdul-Mateen II, Billie Boullet stars as Poe Rayburn, the only witness to a devastating event that Creasy investigates throughout the show. Amidst lethal fight scenes, which involve Creasy blowing up explosives inside prison blocks, he is really trying to seek new friendships.
Steven Caple Jr. has directed the first two episodes and also served as an executive producer. Killen further mentioned, "It’s that relationship between a man and the person he’s supposed to protect, and the way that really draws out the person he’s trying to hide. In some ways, he’s very comfortable with the violence and the danger. Those are areas that he understands. It’s opening himself up to other people that makes him really vulnerable.” Towards the end of the teaser, Creasy throws a haymaker punch while his voice ominously portends, "Let me just be very clear: You’re not gonna survive this."
The series is based on author A. J. Quinnell's book series of the same name, and the official synopsis of the show 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."
