The darkly comedic crime film Hit Man has captivated audiences since its theatrical release and is now finding a new life on Netflix. Directed by Richard Linklater and co-written with Glen Powell, who also stars in the film, Hit Man explores the life of a man who leads a double existence as a pretend contract killer. But the story isn’t just a work of fiction—it’s inspired by a real person named Gary Johnson. So who was he, and how close is the movie to the truth?
What Is Hit Man About?
A Professor by Day, Undercover by Night
In Hit Man, the plot centers on a mild-mannered college professor who secretly works with the New Orleans Police Department. His role? To pose as a contract killer, using a variety of convincing disguises and fake personas to ensnare people attempting to hire someone to commit murder.
What starts as a clever sting operation turns personal when the protagonist falls for a woman who wants her abusive husband killed. What follows is a complicated spiral of deception, romance, and dark humor.
Inspired by Real-Life Events
The premise is not as far-fetched as it sounds. The film is based on a 2001 Texas Monthly article that detailed the career of Gary Johnson, a real undercover operative who specialized in murder-for-hire stings.
Who Was Gary Johnson?
Early Life and Military Service
Gary Johnson was born in 1947 in Louisiana and raised on a farm. After serving in the Vietnam War for a year, he returned to the U.S. and transitioned into law enforcement. His career eventually took him to Houston, Texas, where he joined the district attorney’s office as a key player in undercover investigations.
The Master of Disguise
Johnson’s specialty was posing as a hitman. Over the years, he participated in more than 60 murder-for-hire stings. In each case, he wore a wire to record the interactions and gathered enough evidence to make arrests.
To protect his identity and keep his work private, Johnson told neighbors he worked in human resources. But in reality, his job was far more dangerous and psychologically taxing.
A Love for Psychology
Despite his tough job, Johnson was a man of intellect and compassion. He held a deep interest in psychology and even taught part-time at a local college. This aspect of his personality is highlighted in the film adaptation, showing the dichotomy between his public persona and secret profession.
Was Gary Johnson a Real Hitman?
Not Quite
While he was highly skilled at pretending to be a contract killer, Gary Johnson was never a real hitman. He worked strictly in law enforcement and was instrumental in dozens of successful sting operations.
However, the people who attempted to hire him were very real. These were individuals who genuinely sought to end someone’s life and were willing to pay for it. Johnson’s work ensured that they were arrested before any real harm could be done.
Multiple Identities
To stay in character during stings, Johnson adopted various aliases like Mike, Jody, and Chris. He studied the mannerisms, speech, and behaviors of actual criminals to make his impersonations as convincing as possible.
A Life of Contrasts
Quiet Living
When he wasn’t taking down would-be murderers, Johnson enjoyed a peaceful, almost mundane life. He loved gardening, took care of his two cats and some goldfish, and rarely socialized outside of his work. Friends and neighbors often had no idea what he really did for a living.
Struggles with Intimacy
Johnson was married and divorced three times. He once admitted that the emotional toll of his job made it difficult to maintain close relationships. He often had to lie about who he was, which created a wall between him and the people in his personal life.
His Legacy and Death
Gary Johnson passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on through the people he helped protect and the criminals he brought to justice. The film Hit Man is dedicated to him and serves as both an homage and a dramatized account of his unique and dangerous career.
The Making of Hit Man
Behind the Scenes
The film is helmed by Richard Linklater, the acclaimed director known for Boyhood, Dazed and Confused, and the Before trilogy. Linklater co-wrote the screenplay with actor Glen Powell, who plays Gary Johnson.
Powell, already known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Set It Up, delivers a layered performance that balances comedy, romance, and suspense. He captures both the charm and complexity of Johnson’s character.
Authentic Storytelling
Linklater and Powell were careful to honor the real-life source material while adding dramatic flair for cinematic effect. The film blends fact and fiction seamlessly, creating an engaging narrative that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish.
When and Where to Watch
Hit Man was first released in theaters in May 2024 and quickly garnered attention for its unique storyline and strong performances. Now, it’s heading to Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience.
Release Date on Netflix
You can stream Hit Man on Netflix starting Friday, June 7, 2024. Whether you’re a fan of true crime, black comedy, or gripping drama, this film has something for everyone.
Why Hit Man Stands Out
A Genre-Bending Experience
What makes Hit Man so compelling is its ability to straddle multiple genres. It’s a crime film, a dark comedy, and a romantic thriller all rolled into one. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it also doesn’t shy away from exploring the ethical and emotional complexities of its subject.
A Tribute to Unsung Heroes
At its core, the movie is a tribute to people like Gary Johnson—law enforcement officers who risk their lives to prevent violent crimes before they happen. It’s also a reminder that behind every undercover operation is a person with hopes, struggles, and a life that’s often kept in the shadows.
Final Thoughts
Gary Johnson may have lived a life under the radar, but his work made a significant impact. Through Netflix’s Hit Man, his story reaches new audiences and sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of undercover law enforcement.
So next time you tune in to Hit Man, remember—the story may be wrapped in humor and drama, but at its heart lies a real man who spent his life making the world a little bit safer.
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