Hit Man: Netflix Turns Glen Powell's Rom-Com into a TV Series
Powell and acclaimed director Richard Linklater are on board as producers
From film to series: Netflix is planning a series adaptation based on Richard Linklater's "Hit Man", according to Deadline. The film, starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, was released as recently as 2024 – and certainly won over many fans with its charm. What is already known about the Netflix project?
Both Powell and director Linklater are on board as producers. The two had co-written the screenplay for the film. This time, however, creative responsibility lies with someone else: Stephen Falk, series creator of the comedy "You're the Worst" and one of the writers of the long-running Showtime series "Weeds."
Here's what Hit Man is about
"Hit Man" stands out thanks to its unusual mix of romantic comedy and neo-noir crime thriller elements. The premise is as original as it is entertaining: Mild-mannered professor Gary Johnson works part-time with the New Orleans Police Department, assisting an undercover sting operation designed to catch people attempting to hire contract killers.
When his colleague Jasper is unexpectedly sidelined, Gary is forced to step in and pose as a hitman himself. To his surprise, he discovers a remarkable talent for creating entirely different personas to fool potential clients. Things become far more complicated, however, when Gary – while posing as the mysterious hitman Ron – develops feelings for Madison, a woman seeking help to escape her abusive husband.
What can we expect from the series?
At this stage, it remains unclear how closely the Netflix series will follow the film's storyline. One possibility is that the show expands the procedural elements of the premise, with Gary taking on a new case every episode while adopting a different identity and disguise each time.
It will also be interesting to see which actors are cast for the two main characters. Much of the film's success was driven by the chemistry between Powell and Arjona, making casting one of the biggest challenges for the adaptation. It is not yet known when the Netflix series will premiere. If you want to catch up on the movie or plan to rewatch it in the meantime: You can of course stream the film on Netflix.
The True Story Behind Hit Man
Even though "Hit Man" seems like an absurd invention at times, the basic idea is actually based on a real person. The real Gary Johnson worked for the Houston Police Department for many years and assisted in investigations by posing as a hitman. His ability to take on a wide variety of roles and convict suspects made him an extraordinary figure in American criminal history. The film takes this unusual premise but, of course, takes some narrative liberties.
Glen Powell: From Supporting Actor to Hollywood Star
For Glen Powell, "Hit Man" marked another highlight of his career. The actor first became known to a wide audience through supporting roles in films such as "The Expendables 3" and "Hidden Figures." However, he truly made his breakthrough with the blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick" alongside Tom Cruise, in which he played the pilot Hangman.
This was followed by leading roles in the romantic comedy "Anyone But You" and the disaster film "Twisters." Most recently, he also appeared in the remake of "The Running Man." With his charisma and comedic talent, Powell is now one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
Adria Arjona Continues Her Hollywood Breakthrough
Adria Arjona has also established herself as a versatile actress in recent years. Television audiences may recognize her from the second season of "True Detective," "Good Omens," and the acclaimed "Star Wars" series "Andor," among others. On the film side, she has appeared in Michael Bay's action blockbuster "6 Underground," the crime thriller "Triple Frontier," the superhero film "Morbius," and "Blink Twice".
With "Hit Man," Arjona has particularly proven herself as a leading actress in major film productions. She will soon be seen alongside "Sinners" star Michael B. Jordan in the remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair."
Richard Linklater and his most famous films
Behind the film is also one of the most renowned directors in American independent cinema. Richard Linklater is best known for the "Before" trilogy starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, consisting of "Before Sunrise," "Before Sunset," and "Before Midnight." His other successes include the cult comedy "Dazed and Confused," the musical "School of Rock" starring Jack Black, and the award-winning coming-of-age drama "Boyhood," which was filmed over a period of several years. Most recently, Linklater directed "Blue Moon" starring Ethan Hawke. He has a reputation for bringing particularly authentic characters and interpersonal relationships to the screen.
It remains to be seen whether the planned Netflix series can capture the film's charm. However, with its exciting source material, the involvement of Richard Linklater and Glen Powell behind the scenes, and an experienced series creator at the helm, the project has a strong foundation for retelling the story to a new audience.