Glen Powell is a triple threat (if you count the producing part) in Richard Linklater‘s “Hit Man.” Powell co-wrote, produced, and stars in the upcoming feature from Linklater, reuniting the duo after “Everybody Wants Some!!”
In their new film, Powell portrays professor Gary Johnson, who moonlights as a fake hit man for the New Orleans Police Department. Preternaturally gifted at inhabiting different guises and personalities to catch hapless people hoping to bump off their enemies, Gary descends into morally dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to one of those potential criminals, a beautiful young woman named Madison (Adria Arjona), per the film’s synopsis. As Madison falls for one of Gary’s hit man personas — the mysteriously sexy Ron — their steamy affair sets off a chain reaction of play acting, deception, and escalating stakes.
Inspired by an unbelievable true story, the dramedy debuted at Venice last year before screening at the New York Film Festival and ultimately earning a Spotlight premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich wrote that while “Hit Man” misses the mark on some laughs, Powell and Linklater’s script “opts for broad charm” and highlights Powell’s performance playing a slew of false hit-man (hit…men?) personas.
Powell is a busy boy. The “Anyone but You” and “Top Gun: Maverick” star actor is reuniting with “Scream Queens” producer Ryan Murphy to make his Broadway debut. Powell was recently announced to be leading Edgar Wright’s long-awaited “The Running Man” remake as well. Powell was also recently inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame by the Austin Film Society.
“Hit Man” director Linklater is meanwhile embarking on a “Merrily We Roll Along” 20-year production that began in January 2023. He is also directing “New Wave,” which will be entirely shot in French, per the early reports. “New Wave” centers on the creation of the Nouvelle Vague movement in French cinema, specifically with the production of Jean-Luc Godard’s “Breathless.” Zoey Deutch has been cast as actress Jean Seberg.
“Hit Man” premieres May 24 in select theaters and will start streaming on Netflix June 7. Check out the trailer below.
