The Astonishing Real Story of ‘Hit Man’ on Netflix—Exploring Who Gary Johnson Was?

Richard Linklater’s awaited movie Hit Man is now streaming on Netflix. As the romantic action comedy unfolds, viewers might find themselves curious about whether Hit Man is based on a true story and if Gary Johnson, the fake contract killer, was a real person. The film stars Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Powell, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, portrays Gary Johnson, a psychology professor who discovers an unexpected talent for posing as a fake hitman. This talent includes theatrically imitating his suspects with humorous costumes, accents, and mannerisms. Johnson begins to assume false identities to entrap criminals for the local police. However, the situation becomes complicated when he meets a prospective client named Madison, played by Adria Arjona. Madison wants to hire Johnson to kill her husband, but instead, she ends up stealing his heart, igniting “a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities,” according to Netflix’s Tudum.

While discussing the film with the streaming service, Linklater described Hit Man as a movie about “identity and self and passion.” The director explained, “At its core, the story is about a man who gets in over his head. His intense passions lead him to deceive someone he loves and adopt a false identity. Eventually, they must face the consequences of these actions.”

In essence, the narrative portrays the complexities of human emotions and the inevitable fallout from living a lie.

Is the Netflix film “Hit Man” inspired by real events?

Netflix’s Hit Man draws inspiration from the incredible true story of Gary Johnson, a man who masqueraded as a hitman for the Houston police in the late 1980s and 1990s. This fascinating tale was first brought to light in a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth.

Richard Linklater, the filmmaker, had previously adapted another piece by Hollandsworth for his 2011 movie Bernie. However, he initially struggled to find a compelling storyline for Hit Man.

Everything changed when Linklater met Glen Powell. Their collaboration breathed new life into the project, and together, they crafted the script for Hit Man. The film premiered on Netflix on June 7, following a limited theatrical release.

“I remember Glen saying, ‘Well, what if we just don’t stick to the facts? What if we cut loose once?’” Linklater recalled to Netflix’s Tudum. In an intriguing twist of events, he and Powell chose to center their focus on a particular story from the article. This narrative revolves around Johnson’s decision to decline setting up a police sting operation to catch a woman who had hired him to kill her abuser. This pivotal decision ultimately leads to a romantic connection between the two characters.

However, Powell’s portrayal of Gary Johnson diverges significantly from his real-life counterpart in several major ways. These differences add layers to the narrative, offering viewers a nuanced perspective on the characters and their motivations.

In conclusion, while the core story remains gripping, the deviations in character portrayal between Powell’s version and the real Gary Johnson provide a richer, more complex narrative that invites deeper reflection and engagement.

Who Was The Real Gary Johnson?

The real Gary Johnson, the man who inspired Hit Man on Netflix, was an actual college professor who worked as a fake hitman for the city’s police. In 2001, Texas Monthly spotlighted Johnson, revealing his journey to becoming Houston’s most sought-after professional killer. This title was earned through his undercover investigations, which resulted in over sixty arrests.” Johnson moved to Houston in 1981, hoping to attend the University of Houston’s doctoral program in psychology. When he wasn’t admitted, he accepted a job as an investigator for the district attorney’s office. In 1989, he was recruited to work undercover as a fake hitman, a role that would change his life forever.

Johnson’s work as a fake hitman involved meeting with individuals who wanted to hire a contract killer. He would record these meetings, gathering evidence to help the police arrest the would-be criminals. His ability to adopt various personas and convincingly portray a hitman made him an invaluable asset to the police department. Over the years, Johnson’s undercover work led to the arrest of numerous criminals, making him a key figure in the fight against crime in Houston.

Despite the success of his undercover work, Johnson’s life was not without its challenges. The stress of living a double life took a toll on him, and he often struggled with the moral implications of his work. He had to balance his professional responsibilities with his personal life, all while maintaining the secrecy of his undercover role. This delicate balance is a central theme in Hit Man, as the film explores the complexities of Johnson’s life and the impact of his work on his identity and relationships.

In the film, Glen Powell’s portrayal of Gary Johnson captures the essence of the real man’s struggles and triumphs. Powell’s performance brings depth and nuance to the character, highlighting the internal conflict that Johnson faced as he navigated his dual roles. The film’s blend of humor, action, and romance provides a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

While Hit Man takes creative liberties with the true story, it remains grounded in the real-life experiences of Gary Johnson. The film’s exploration of identity, deception, and passion resonates with audiences, offering a thought-provoking look at the complexities of human nature. As viewers watch the film, they are invited to consider the ethical dilemmas faced by Johnson and the impact of his work on his sense of self.

In conclusion, Hit Man on Netflix is a captivating film that draws inspiration from the true story of Gary Johnson, a psychology professor turned fake hitman. The film’s blend of humor, action, and romance, combined with Glen Powell’s compelling performance, makes it a must-watch for fans of romantic action comedies. As viewers delve into the world of Hit Man, they are reminded of the complexities of identity and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect those they love.found his “true calling” when a 37-year-old lab tech named Kathy Scott contacted a bail bondsman and informed him that a hitman was needed to kill her husband. The police were called by the bail bondsman, and his bosses told him, “Gary, you’re our hit man.” So, whenever it was learned by the police through an informant that someone wanted to hire a hitman, Johnson was enlisted. Johnson passed away in 2022.

The informant would introduce the individual looking for a contract killer to Johnson. Equipped with a wire, Johnson had to get the person to clearly state their intention to have someone killed and then pay him for the task.

“He’s the perfect chameleon,” remarked Michael Hinton, a well-known lawyer from Houston, in an interview with Texas Monthly. “Gary is an exceptional performer who can adapt to any situation he finds himself in. He remains calm and never says the wrong thing. He somehow convinces people, regardless of their wealth or success, that he’s genuine. He deceives them every time.”

Hollandsworth described Johnson as “one of the greatest actors of his generation, so talented that he can perform on any stage and with any kind of script.”

Johnson passed away in 2022.

Hit Man is streaming on Netflix. Watch the official trailer below.