Renowned American filmmaker Richard Linklater releases his latest film, “Hit Man,” on Netflix on Friday. Known for a diverse portfolio including "Boyhood" and "Dazed and Confused," Linklater delves into new territory with this comedy-thriller-love story about contract killing.
“Hit Man” stars Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered academic who assists law enforcement by posing as an assassin in New Orleans. The film features his transformative alter ego, "Ron", as Gary becomes romantically entangled with Maddy, played by Adria Arjona, who solicits his services to kill her ex-husband. The screenplay, co-written by Linklater and Powell, is adapted from a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth. Johnson, the real-life inspiration, passed away in 2022.
Celebrated for its engaging narrative and strong performances, "Hit Man" has earned positive reviews, including acclaim from its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Despite the film's Netflix release strategy downplaying its theatrical presence, Linklater remains content with his creative independence. His projects continue to reflect his commitment to diverse storytelling and authentic character portrayals.