Netflix has put in a series order for a new series adaptation of Man on Fire. Per Variety, the adaptation has been given a straight-to-series order and will consist of eight episodes. The story is based on A.J. Quinnell's 1981 novel Man on Fire along with its 1992 follow-up, The Perfect Kill. Man of Fire was previously adapted as a feature film in 2004 starring Denzel Washington, scoring big at the box office at the time and featuring a memorable performance from the actor. Scott Glenn had previously starred in a lesser-known movie adaptation that was released in 1987.
While it comes from the same company, New Regency, the Netflix series will have no connection to the Washington film and will instead introduce a new actor in the role of John Creasy. In the new series, the story follows broken ex-mercenary John as he embarks on "a mission to avenge the death of his only friend, while protecting his fallen comrade’s daughter from the forces that destroyed her family.”
Kyle Killen, who co-created the Halo series for Paramount, is writing the new Man on Fire series and will executive produce alongside Scott Pennington for Chapter 11. Also executive producing are Chernin Entertainment's Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Bill McGoldrick, and Juan Alfonso, as well as New Regency's Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Michael Schaefer.
Man on Fire Is Getting a New Adaptation
Man on Fire with Denzel Washington was a hit at theaters, though its reviews at the time weren't quite so hot. However, fans have praised the film, commonly referring to it as underrated. Its Rotten Tomatoes score of 38% compared to the audience score of 89% proves as much. Previously, Washington reflected on what the movie means to him, and how he resonated with his character, which perhaps led to his acclaimed performance.
"I think that this film was closer to me in some ways," Washington said, via Future Movies. "We all struggle with whatever we struggle with. We all have our demons, so maybe it was easier for me to think about that as it relates to me personally, you know, and say, 'hey, I have this in common with that character or that,' we are all struggling with something in life, or trying to get better or more spiritually strong, or whatever your struggle is."
Washington continued, "This guy had a tremendous amount of guilt and depression about his job and it led him to drink and led him to this darker and darker place. I haven’t been to the depths he’d been to but, but I can relate."
We'll have to see if the new John Creasy actor will be able to relate to the character quite as well, though it's not yet clear when production will start or casting announcements will be made. No premiere date has yet been set.