The True Story of the Undercover Investigator Who Inspired Netflix’s ‘Hit Man’
Netflix’s latest release, Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glen Powell, has quickly captured the attention of audiences with its intriguing blend of romance, comedy, and crime.
As viewers watch the film, many wonder about the real-life inspiration behind the character. There was indeed a real person named Gary Johnson who pretended to be a contract killer, and his true story is just as interesting as the movie.
Gary Johnson was a psychology professor turned undercover operative for the Houston police during the late 1980s and 1990s. His unique role involved posing as a contract killer to ensnare individuals looking to hire a hitman.
This unconventional job made Johnson “the most sought-after professional killer in Houston,” according to a 2001 article in Texas Monthly by Skip Hollandsworth.
His journey into this unusual line of work began in 1981 when he moved to Houston to pursue a doctoral program in psychology but ended up working as an investigator for the district attorney’s office after being denied admission.
Johnson’s transition from academia to undercover work took a dramatic turn in 1989 when he was called upon to pose as a hitman to catch a woman attempting to have her husband killed.
From then on, whenever the police received a tip about someone seeking a hitman, Johnson would step in, using his psychological expertise and acting skills to gather crucial evidence. His remarkable ability to adapt to any situation made him highly effective in his role, enabling him to secure over 70 arrests during his career.
This adaptability is vividly portrayed in Hit Man, where Glen Powell’s character, also named Gary Johnson, adopts various personas to trap his marks. While the real Johnson used minor disguises, Powell’s portrayal takes this to theatrical extremes, adding a layer of comedy to the film. This creative liberty highlights Johnson’s chameleon-like nature, which was essential to his success in ensnaring would-be criminals.
While Hit Man stays true to the essence of Johnson’s story, it introduces a romantic subplot that diverges from reality.
In the film, Johnson becomes romantically involved with a woman named Madison, who initially seeks his services to kill her abusive husband. This relationship adds a romantic comedy twist, but in reality, there is no evidence that Johnson had such an entanglement with any of his targets. The real Gary Johnson did help an abuse victim escape her situation without setting her up for a crime, but there was no romantic involvement.
The film’s mix of crime story and romantic comedy is not just fun but also makes you think.
Richard Linklater, who likes to blend different styles, uses Johnson’s story to look at identity and self-discovery. The movie combines the excitement of trickery with the complexities of human relationships, making it memorable in many ways.
Gary Johnson’s story shows his amazing acting skills and strong commitment to justice. Even though he seemed quiet and humble, he helped take dangerous people off the streets. He lived a simple life, loved by those who knew him as a polite man who enjoyed his cats and garden. But behind this calm appearance, he was capable of incredible undercover work.
Johnson died in 2022 and never got to see the film about his life. “Hit Man” honors his unique work in law enforcement and highlights the thin line between reality and fiction. With its exciting story and great performances, the film tells a fun and thrilling true crime tale, ensuring Gary Johnson’s legacy continues.