Netflix Review – Man on Fire (2026)

      Will Hume reviews Netflix’s Man on Fire…

      If you’re in search of a lead for a TV series to step into the iconic role played by Denzel Washington, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is a strong contender. He has already successfully headlined a well-received miniseries this year with Marvel’s Wonder Man, and previously garnered acclaim for his role as Dr. Manhattan in the Emmy-winning HBO series Watchmen. Yahya embodies several subtle traits from Denzel’s earlier performance—such as nuances in expression, head tilts, and pauses in his speech. While he may be less physically imposing, he portrays a younger version of the character.

      The material was adapted before the 2004 version, originally in 1987 with Scott Glenn in the lead role. To keep the content fresh, Netflix opted to shift to a different medium, although it seems the straightforward visual style would not differ significantly. The series lacks the intense, raw energy of Tony Scott's earlier film adaptation and doesn’t attempt to replicate it, contrasting with the excellent and inspired video game Max Payne 3, which shares the same storyline and Brazilian locale. The original book and film were set in Italy, while the remake takes place in Mexico. The TV series begins in Mexico before transitioning to Brazil. Coincidence? I think not.

      Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II, Transformers 7) directed the initial two episodes and tends to follow in the wake of more accomplished directors. He connects the storyline without much embellishment, but the pacing begins to lag towards the close of episode 2.

      Kyle Killen, the series creator, plays it safe this time following his unsuccessful adaptation of Halo. Here, he pens all seven episodes, with the first four loosely based on the titular novel and the last three addressing its sequel, The Perfect Kill. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Brazil, the show takes full advantage of on-location filming. He has also assembled a strong supporting cast, including notable performances from Bobby Cannavale, Scoot McNairy, Paul Ben Victor, and Alice Braga.

      Billie Boullett, resembling a young Rachel Weisz, doesn't stand out in her role as the daughter that Creasy is tasked with protecting, especially compared to Dakota Fanning’s portrayal in previous adaptations. This isn’t entirely her fault, as her character is blandly written, making it difficult to engage with her or her relationship with Creasy. I wouldn't be surprised if the writers relied on ChatGPT to generate a description of a rebellious teenage daughter. Named Poe, she is a bit older than in earlier adaptations and has an established family friend's bond with Creasy, which seems designed to spare time that would have otherwise been devoted to developing their relationship, an integral aspect of this revenge narrative.

      Fortunately, Man on Fire avoids being the inferior Netflix production it could have been. However, it lacks the direction and conviction of its predecessor, although it features a solid cast, well-executed action, and authentic settings, making the series more accessible. It is not overreliant on digital effects or poorly executed green screens like many contemporary films and shows. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who has matured as an actor over the years, possesses enough charisma to hold together the somewhat shallow material. I would recommend the series to action fans with a Netflix subscription, though I wouldn’t say it’s a great show.

      Will Hume