Harsh Vardhan
Cameras are ready to roll for Netflix’s next big action series! The filming of ‘Man on Fire’ will start in Mexico, Brazil, and Italy in October and conclude in February 2025. According to last year’s reports, the thriller series is based on the first two books in A.J. Quinnell’s ‘Creasy’ novel series and will have eight episodes in total. Kyle Killen is the writer and showrunner. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II headlines the show’s cast, which also includes Billie Boullet and Bobby Cannavale.
The plot revolves around Poe Rayburn (Boullet), who is frustrated and angry because her family moved to Brazil. But when her parents are killed in an apartment bombing, and she is the only witness, she must go on the run from terrorists using the skills her ex-Special Forces father instilled in her to survive. Abdul-Mateen II’s John Creasy is a once 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.
Killen co-developed Paramount+’s military science fiction series ‘Halo,’ which depicts the epic saga of Master Chief John-117 as he leads his Spartan team against the Covenant alien threat in a galaxy on the brink of destruction. The screenwriter is also the mastermind behind the original concept of ‘Probuzhdenie,’ a tale following Pavel Frolov’s fractured reality after a devastating car crash involving his wife and son. In addition, Killen created ‘Mind Games,’ exploring the intricate dynamics between the Edwards brothers, Clark, a brilliant yet bipolar psychologist, and Ross, a charming ex-convict, as they employ the science of human manipulation to solve their clients’ dilemmas.
Abdul-Mateen II’s recent credits include David Kane/Black Manta in DC Studios’ ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ and Will Sharp in Michael Bay’s ‘Ambulance.’ He is also known for playing Morpheus/Smith. On the other hand, Boullet portrayed Anne Frank in National Geographic/Disney+’s period drama ‘A Small Light.’
Quinnell’s ‘Man on Fire’ was first published in 1980, with four additional novels — 1992’s ‘The Perfect Kill,’ 1993’s ‘The Blue Ring,’ 1994’s ‘Black Horn,’ and 1996’s ‘Message From Hell’ — forming the ‘Creasy’ book series. The Netflix series is based on ‘Man on Fire’ and ‘The Perfect Kill.’
‘Man on Fire’ was initially brought to the screen in 1987, featuring Scott Glenn, Jade Malle, and Joe Pesci. A subsequent adaptation followed in 2004, led by Denzel Washington, alongside Dakota Fanning and Christopher Walken. Despite originating from New Regency, which was behind the 2004 movie, the upcoming Netflix series will forge its own path without any connection to the Tony Scott-helmed Washington film and will introduce a fresh face to portray John Creasy.
Mexico provided the backdrop for the 2004 version of ‘Man on Fire.’ The country is also featured in recent releases like ‘Love Lies Bleeding‘ and ‘Madame Web.’ On the other hand, Brazil is a significant filming location for ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire‘ and ‘Burning Betrayal.’ Italy previously hosted the filming of ‘The Union’ and ‘A Discovery of Witches.’
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