Netflix’s upcoming ‘Man on Fire’ series has found its John Creasy and Poe in Yahya Abdul Mateen II and newly added Billie Boullett.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will take on the role of John Creasy, a character previously brought to life by Denzel Washington in the 2004 film. Creasy is a former Special Forces Mercenary grappling with severe PTSD. His journey toward redemption is violently interrupted as he is thrust back into the harsh realities of his past life. Abdul-Mateen II is also serving as an executive producer.
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Joining him is newly cast British actress Billie Boullet, known for her role of Anne Frank in “A Small Light.” Boullet will play Poe Rayburn, a character loosely based on the young girl from Quinnell’s novel. Poe’s life takes a dramatic turn following a move to Brazil and a subsequent tragic event, forcing her to ally with Creasy in a fight for survival. Dakota Fanning portrayed the role as Pita in the 2004 film.
The series also added Steven Caple Jr. on to direct the first two episodes of the eight episode first season and serve as an executive producer. Kyle Killen, recognized for his work on “Halo” and “Awake,” is the writer, executive producer, and showrunner.
“Man on Fire” is based on Quinnell’s novels “Man on Fire” (1980) and “The Perfect Kill” (1992). The production team includes executive producers Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Natalie Lehmann for New Regency Productions, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and Tracey Cook for Chernin Entertainment, and Scott Pennington and Kyle Killen for Chapter Eleven. Additional executive producers are Steven Caple Jr., Ed McDonnell, Michael Polaire, and Stacy Perskie for RedRum.
Billie Boullet’s involvement follows her Critics Choice nomination for “A Small Light.” She will also appear in the sci-fi thriller “World-Breaker” with Luke Evans and Milla Jovovich.
Stay tuned as the cast continues to be announced.