Hit Man release date, cast, plot, and everything we know so far about the comedy from Glen Powell. Adria Arjona and Glen Powell sizzle in this very funny noir-comedy from Richard Linklater.
Hit Man Release Date
Hollywood has long been fascinated with the gritty and often grim narratives of life, death, crime, and the ensuing turmoil. Our fascination extends to the silver screen’s gun-toting, suave assassins or hitmen, who wield their surroundings as lethal arsenals, captivating both audiences and filmmakers. On one side, there are figures akin to John Wick, and on the other, the darker, more contemplative hired guns who muse over their deeds in voiceovers, embodying a noir aesthetic.
The allure of assassins has prompted filmmakers to explore this theme with a twist, infusing dark humor into the violent, stunt-heavy, and philosophically charged assassin genre. Films like Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges and David Leitch’s Bullet Train, as well as the HBO series Barry with Bill Hader, have effectively parodied the assassin archetype, blending killing sprees with comedy and critiquing Hollywood’s obsession with these troubled characters.
Richard Linklater’s Hit Man aims to strike a balance, presenting a noir thriller laden with action while weaving in moments of lightheartedness and dark comedy. Starring Glen Powell in a role he crafted for himself, the film delves into an undercover operation that spirals into an unforeseen romance. For those intrigued by the prospect of a fresh cinematic endeavor from one of today’s leading directors, our guide offers a comprehensive look at everything there is to know about Richard Linklater’s Hit Man.
Release Date
Hit Man is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on June 7, 2024, positioning it as a highlight of the summer movie season. The film made its debut at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2023, followed closely by its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11. The receptions at both festivals have been overwhelmingly positive, a sentiment underscored by Ross Bonaime’s review for Collider.
Netflix secured the distribution rights to Hit Man with a significant investment of $20 million, marking it as the most substantial acquisition at TIFF 2023. However, Hit Man wasn’t the only notable film Netflix picked up at the festival; the streaming giant also purchased Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, and the Elizabeth Olsen-starring drama His Three Daughters, expanding its roster of anticipated titles.
Will Hitman Get a Theatrical Release
Netflix plans to distribute Hit Man, with its release on the platform set for June 7. Ahead of its streaming debut, the film is slated for a limited theatrical run. This strategy aligns with Netflix’s established practice of offering select films a theatrical release, primarily to meet award eligibility criteria. This approach has been applied to several of Netflix’s projects, including notable titles like David Fincher’s The Killer and Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, both of which enjoyed theatrical premieres before becoming available on the streaming service.
What Is the Film About
Hit Man narrates the story of Gary Johnson, a philosophy professor deeply engrossed in the study of Kant and caring for his cats, aptly named Id and Ego, while leading a thrill-less and romance-free life. His unique expertise leads him to assist the police in undercover operations, where he unexpectedly excels as a faux hitman, thanks to his profound insights into human nature. This unexpected talent brings him to Madison, who enlists Gary’s services for a hit. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable chemistry and sets the stage for a complex relationship, driving the film’s narrative forward.
Richard Linklater ingeniously transforms what could be a typical noir setup into a captivating blend of dark comedy and philosophical inquiry. The movie emerges as an exhilarating journey that not only keeps viewers on the edge of their seats but also prompts introspection, all while maintaining Linklater’s characteristic relaxed filmmaking style. Inspired by a real-life story from Texas Monthly, Hit Man delves into the essence of performance art, presenting a richly layered plot that stands out in Linklater’s oeuvre for its intensity and complexity.
The Synopsis From The Film Makers
The official synopsis of the film from the creators read;
“Oscar-nominated director Richard Linklater’s sunlit neo-noir stars Glen Powell as strait-laced 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). 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. Co-written by Linklater and Powell and inspired by an unbelievable true story, Hit Man is a cleverly existential comedy about identity.”
Stars and Characters
In Hit Man, Glen Powell delivers what many are hailing as his breakout performance, showcasing his charisma and versatility as an actor. In this role, Powell navigates through numerous identities and a diverse wardrobe, embodying a convincingly deceptive hitman with a blend of humor and flair. The year 2023 is shaping up to be pivotal for the Top Gun: Maverick actor, with the release of the raunchy romantic comedy Anyone But You, featuring Sydney Sweeney, set for December, which is expected to catapult Powell even further into the limelight.
His history of collaborations with Richard Linklater includes roles in Fast Food Nation, Everybody Wants Some!!, and Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood. Linklater, in a Collider interview, lauded Powell as an “ideal collaborator,” drawing parallels between him and Ethan Hawke.
Adria Arjona, known for her portrayal of Bix Caleen in Andor, stars opposite Powell as Maddy Masters, the film’s female lead. Critics and audiences alike have praised her performance, noting the undeniable chemistry between her and Powell that effortlessly translates on screen—a dynamic even Linklater has enthusiastically acknowledged.
Supporting roles in the film are filled by a talented cast including Austin Amelio (from Everybody Wants Some!!), Retta (known for Parks and Recreation), comedian Sanjay Rao, Evan Holtzman (featured in Hidden Figures), Molly Bernard (of Younger fame), and Mike Markoff, each bringing their unique contributions to the film’s dynamic ensemble.
Makers of the Hit Man
In Hit Man, Glen Powell delivers what many are hailing as his breakout performance, showcasing his charisma and versatility as an actor. In this role, Powell navigates through numerous identities and a diverse wardrobe, embodying a convincingly deceptive hitman with a blend of humor and flair. The year 2023 is shaping up to be pivotal for the Top Gun: Maverick actor, with the release of the raunchy romantic comedy Anyone But You, featuring Sydney Sweeney, set for December, which is expected to catapult Powell even further into the limelight.
His history of collaborations with Richard Linklater includes roles in Fast Food Nation, Everybody Wants Some!!, and Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood. Linklater, in a Collider interview, lauded Powell as an “ideal collaborator,” drawing parallels between him and Ethan Hawke.
Adria Arjona, known for her portrayal of Bix Caleen in Andor, stars opposite Powell as Maddy Masters, the film’s female lead. Critics and audiences alike have praised her performance, noting the undeniable chemistry between her and Powell that effortlessly translates on screen—a dynamic even Linklater has enthusiastically acknowledged.
Supporting roles in the film are filled by a talented cast including Austin Amelio (from Everybody Wants Some!!), Retta (known for Parks and Recreation), comedian Sanjay Rao, Evan Holtzman (featured in Hidden Figures), Molly Bernard (of Younger fame), and Mike Markoff, each bringing their unique contributions to the film’s dynamic ensemble.
MORE RELATED POSTS
