Netflix faces backlash over "Man on Fire" adaptation

"Man on Fire" is considered one of Denzel Washington's best films and a prime example of action cinema. Fans of thrillers regard Tony Scott's work as a cult classic. Therefore, the information that Netflix plans to produce a series version of "Man on Fire" has met with sharp criticism from viewers.

Interestingly, on the day of its premiere, "Man on Fire" did not appeal to critics, who pointed out the film's excessive brutality and on-screen sadism. In their opinion, Tony Scott's thriller incited the basest instincts. Viewers derive an unhealthy pleasure from watching people suffer and die. Sure, they were terrible people, but still people. It was 2004 at the time. A lot has changed over the last 20 years. "Man on Fire" remains a potent film, but it no longer stands out for its brutality.

There is no doubt that viewers greatly enjoyed watching the film, as "Man on Fire" became a box office hit. Over the years, critics have changed their opinion of it. The movie with Denzel Washington has become a model of thrilling cinema and a cult film.

Tony Scott's "Man on Fire" was the second adaptation of the novel by British writer A.J. Quinnell. The first, forgotten by viewers, bore the same title and was made in 1987. The French-Italian co-production featured Hollywood actors Scott Glenn and Joe Pesci. The film was a faithful adaptation of the book. It told the fact-based story of a former Marine who moves to Italy, where he takes on the role of bodyguard for a wealthy family. When the employer's 10-year-old daughter is kidnapped and then presumably murdered, the man decides to take justice into his own hands.

As we remember, Tony Scott moved the film's action to Mexico. Where the creators of the Netflix series will place the action remains unknown. However, this week, we learned about the new man on fire. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will play John Creasy. Viewers primarily know him from his role in "Aquaman," where he was the antagonist, and the series "Watchmen" (for his supporting role in this production, he received an Emmy Award).

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is certainly not a bad actor (with an excellent performance in "The Trial of the Chicago 7"). Still, according to many fans, the series version of "Man on Fire" should not be made. "Without Denzel, it makes no sense. Why make something that is known to be much worse than the original? Washington is irreplaceable," – wrote one of the netizens. Other comments about the planned Netflix series have a similar tone.