Netflix’s new movie “Hit Man” has sparked curiosity about its origins. Starring Glen Powell, the film is a romantic comedy that redefines the concept of a hit man. Powell plays Gary Johnson, an undercover police officer who posed as a fake assassin to catch people attempting to hire killers. The movie, co-written by Powell and directed by Richard Linklater, is based on a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth.
Gary Johnson, the real-life inspiration for the character, was a psychology professor who worked undercover for the Houston police. He would meet with individuals looking to hire a hit man, record their confessions, and help law enforcement arrest them. Johnson’s ability to adopt various personas made him highly effective in his role.
In the film, Johnson’s life takes a turn when he meets Madison Masters, played by Adria Arjona. She asks him to kill her abusive husband, but instead, Johnson advises her to leave her spouse. The two develop a romantic relationship, which complicates Johnson’s undercover work. However, this romantic subplot is fictional. The real Johnson did not have a romantic relationship with any of his “clients.”
Johnson’s real-life exploits were impressive. He was known for his ability to adopt different identities, from sophisticated country-club members to rough bikers. His peers considered him a master of disguise and deception. He helped arrest over 70 people seeking contract killers, earning him the nickname “the Laurence Olivier of the field.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Johnson’s story is his encounter with a woman who wanted her abusive boyfriend dead. Instead of setting up a sting, Johnson helped her find social services and a therapist. This act of compassion is mirrored in the film, although the romantic angle is purely fictional.
The movie also takes creative liberties with Johnson’s character. In reality, Johnson was a soft-spoken loner who enjoyed reading and spending time with his cats. He was married three times and was described as a man who could easily switch between his undercover persona and his real self.
In the film, Johnson’s relationship with Madison leads to a dramatic climax involving murder and deception. However, the real Johnson never killed anyone. He was a Vietnam War veteran and an animal-loving Buddhist who passed away in 2022 before the movie started shooting.
Director Richard Linklater was drawn to Johnson’s story because it challenged the myth of the hit man. He wanted to explore the idea that hit men are a pop culture delusion, created by movies and media. Linklater and Powell decided to focus on one particular story from Hollandsworth’s article, where Johnson helps an abuse victim instead of arresting her.
Linklater and Powell’s collaboration brought the story to life, with Powell earning his first screenwriting credit. They built the film around the mystery client and explored the complexities of identity and deception. The movie’s ending, where Johnson and Madison live happily ever after, is a fictional twist that adds to the film’s romantic comedy genre.
While “Hit Man” takes creative liberties, it remains rooted in the fascinating true story of Gary Johnson. His unique role as a fake hit man for the Houston police is a testament to his skills and dedication. The film captures the essence of his undercover work while adding a layer of romance and drama for cinematic effect.
For those intrigued by the real Gary Johnson, his story is a blend of fact and fiction, brought to life by Glen Powell’s performance and Richard Linklater’s direction. “Hit Man” is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to delve into the world of a man who blurred the lines between reality and deception.
