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Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glen Powell, has made quite an impression since its release on May 24, 2024. The film, distributed by Netflix, explores the story of Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered teacher with a covert life.
By day, he lectures on human sexuality and psychology, but by night he transforms into a fake hitman for the police. The intriguing action-comedy goes deep into the hurdles of identity and deception mixing real-life elements with cinematic flair to explore the enigmatic life of its protagonist.
Hit Man features a diverse and talented cast led by Glen Powell who brilliantly portrays Gary Johnson and alongside him, Adria Arjona co-stars as Madison Figueroa Masters.
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However, the real-life Gary Johnson whose life inspired the Netflix film passed away in 2022. He lived a quiet life post-retirement enjoying solitude with his hobbies. He was aware of the film's development but he never saw its completion because he succumbed to a fast-progressing pulmonary condition.
Where is Gary Johnson the Real-Life Fake Hit Man today?
The real Gary Johnson, the man behind Glen Powell's portrayal in Netflix’s Hit Man, lived such an extraordinary life that it could only be believed as fiction. The movie, co-written by Powell and Linklater, is loosely based on a true story, inspired by a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth.
It depicts Johnson as a part-time college professor who secretly collaborated with the police as a fake hit man where his job was to entrap potential criminals who sought his services to carry out their dark wishes.
Johnson’s life was a blend of the mundane and the extraordinary because by day he was a professor who was imparting knowledge on human sexuality and psychology, but his real thrill came from his undercover work, where he donned multiple identities to catch criminals in the act.
Gary Johnson's early career is quite interesting and marked by diverse experiences that shaped his later more unconventional role. Initially, he served as a military policeman in Vietnam for a year which likely provided him with foundational skills in law enforcement and investigations. Following his military service Johnson transitioned into civilian law enforcement as a sheriff’s deputy. The role would have further developed his investigative skills and knowledge of the legal system.
Eventually, he moved into undercover work with the Port Arthur police department. His early undercover operations involved conducting fake drug deals which was a high-stakes job that required him to adopt various personas to effectively infiltrate drug circles without raising suspicion.
The true Gary Johnson was nothing short of a chameleon, which made him perfect for his undercover roles. He was described by his peers as an excellent performer who was able to adapt to any situation, convincing a wide array of Houston’s underworld that he was the real deal. He was so effective that, over a decade, he was hired for over sixty fictitious hits, leading to numerous arrests.
While the film adds a dramatic twist with the character of Madison, portrayed by Adria Arjona, a love interest for Johnson, this subplot is purely fictional. In reality, Johnson never had such an encounter, nor did he ever engage in a romantic entanglement with a client. The character of Madison and her arc were crafted to add depth and conflict to the film.
The Netflix adaptation diverges significantly from Johnson’s actual life, especially in its portrayal of his disguises and the extent of his undercover work. While the real Johnson used subtle disguises, the movie amplified this aspect for dramatic effect. Showcasing Powell in various elaborate costumes and accents, a creative liberty that director Linklater was keen to explore.
Despite this, the essence of Gary Johnson's story remains grounded in the reality of his remarkable dual life. His ability to maintain his cover and gather evidence without ever causing harm made his work invaluable to law enforcement.
The way he balances the act between his quiet personal life and his high-stakes undercover operations forms the crux of the movie.
Johnson’s life took a quiet turn after his retirement. He remained a solitary figure who enjoyed simple pleasures like reading and gardening until his demise in 2022. He was aware of the film's development but passed away before seeing his life portrayed on the big screen.
Hit Man was made to pay tribute to Gary Johnson’s unique career and life. Exploring the life of a complex man who managed to deceive the criminal underworld for years, using his knack for disguise and manipulation to bring justice. The movie is available for streaming on Netflix.
