Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the actor known for his role as Black Manta in the sequelAquaman and the Lost Kingdom, is currently shooting theNetflix action series,Man on Fire. Nevertheless, there was a bit of a setback on set, and the actor has sustained an injury.
According toa report by Deadline, Mateen was injured during the shooting of the series, forcing the crew to temporarily halt production while he fully heals his hand. However, it’s not something major, as production is set to resume next Monday. The Netflix action thriller is currently shooting in Mexico City, and while everyone will be back in a couple of days, Mateen will take a few more days to return. Per Deadline, he’ll have to finish his scenes before December 20, the last day of shooting.
Man on Fireis a new adaptation of the book of the same name. Mateen is both in front and behind the camera as he is also participating as executive producer on the show about a bodyguard who goes on a violent spree after a young child gets kidnapped. There’s still no confirmation as to what parts of the story will be inspired by the original 1980 novel or by Tony Scott’s 2004 adaptation.
What has been confirmed is that the series will span the first two books in the series by A. J. Quinnell,Man on FireandThe Perfect Kill. The miniseries (for now) will consist of eight episodes inusual Netflix fashion.
‘Man on Fire’ Features the Return of One of Denzel Washington’s Most Important Characters
Mateen will play John Creasy in the TV adaptation of Quinnell’s books. In the originalMan on Firemovie, Denzel Washington plays a former CIA agent who has some substance abuse issues. After a failed attempt to end his life, Creasy finds some comfort and solace when taking a gig as a bodyguard for a small child.
When Pita gets kidnapped, Creasy is instantly accused of the crime. Luckily, his allies help him hide, and Creasy decides to take matters into his own hands. He starts hunting down the kidnappers, who eventually witness the wrath of a broken man whose only comfort was in taking care of Pita.
20 Years Later, Critics Now Know They Were Wrong About Man on Fire
Despite solid box office and the presence of Denzel Washington, Man on Fire was slammed by critics for its excessive violence & grim vigilantism.
The original production ofMan on Firefeatured Denzel Washington in one of his best and most physical performances. The film made over $130 million at the box office from a $70 million budget, and while it wasn’t acclaimed by critics back then (it still holds a 38% Rotten score on Rotten Tomatoes), the film saw its cult status grow over the years. Many criticized the film’s excessive violence, but it was a good reflection of Creasy’s unstable spirit fighting fire with fire.
Nevertheless, it never would have worked without Washington’s grounded performance as Creasy, a morally complicated man whose decision to fully avenge Pita’s kidnapping is not about right or wrong, but about a final objective. We’re pretty sureMateen will be inspiredby Hollywood’s legend and try to do something equally compelling with the character.
