Yahya Abdul-Mateen II knows his 'Man on Fire' is a 'dangerous' risk: 'I've got thick skin'

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Smiles come easily for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II these days, especially when describing what it’s like to be on “the train.”“I’m incredibly blessed,” he says.“Life is good.”Since winning a supporting actor Emmy in 2020 for HBO’s “Watchmen,” Abdul-Mateen has been on a nonstop roll with multiple projects.

His year kicked off on a high note with Disney+’s hit Marvel series “Wonder Man,” which was quickly renewed for a second season.His future slate includes Apple’s sci-fi thriller “Liminal” and the civil rights drama “By Any Means” with Mark Wahlberg.But when asked if his upcoming Netflix drama “Man on Fire” could represent a risky gamble, the smile transforms into a full-throated laugh.“Is that right?” Abdul-Mateen says, his chuckle filling a small room in one of the streamer’s Hollywood offices.The seven-episode drama is the latest adaptation of A.J.

Quinnell’s first two novels about former French Foreign Legion soldier John Creasy.The most well-known version — 2004’s “Man on Fire” — repurposes Creasy as a burned-out counterterrorism agent who goes on the warpath after a young girl under his care is kidnapped.That popular film starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning stands as one of the most solid showcases of Washington’s edgy, magnetic screen presence, and director Tony Scott’s flashy, kinetic intensity.“I love, love, love, love that movie,” says Abdul-Mateen.

“I love the performances of Denzel and Dakota.They were a team.

There’s a beautiful simplicity to their performances and their story.”He acknowledges that a new “Man on Fire” may be met with furrowed brows by fans of the film, admitting his own initial skepticism about taking on a vehicle so strongly identified with Washington.“Sure, there was a responsible level of trepidation,” Abdul-Mateen says.“That’s respect — respect for mys...