The Unbelievable True Story Behind ‘Hit Man’ On Netflix—Who Was Gary Johnson?

 

The world of cinema often draws inspiration from real-life events, and Netflix's latest offering, Hit Man, is no exception. Directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glen Powell, this romantic action comedy introduces viewers to the extraordinary life of Gary Johnson. As you delve into the film, you may find yourself wondering: is Hit Man based on a true story? Did Gary Johnson really exist as a fake contract killer? Here’s the intriguing true story behind the man who inspired this Netflix sensation.

The Movie and Its Premise

Hit Man follows Gary Johnson, played by Glen Powell, a psychology professor who stumbles upon a hidden talent for posing as a fake hitman. Johnson theatrically adopts various disguises, accents, and mannerisms to ensnare criminals for the local police. However, his life takes a complex turn when he meets Madison, a prospective client who wishes to hire him to kill her husband. Instead of committing the crime, Johnson finds himself falling for her, leading to a tangled web of deception and mixed identities.

Richard Linklater, the film's director, describes Hit Man as a story about "identity and self and passion." On a plot level, it’s about a man who becomes deeply entangled in his own deceptions, leading to unforeseen emotional entanglements. But how much of this story is rooted in reality?

Is Hit Man Based on a True Story?

Indeed, Hit Man on Netflix is loosely based on the true story of Gary Johnson, a man who posed as a contract killer for the Houston police during the late 1980s and 1990s. The film draws from a 2001 Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth, which chronicled Johnson's unique and dangerous career.

The Real Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson’s journey to becoming a fake hitman began in 1981 when he moved to Houston, aiming to join the University of Houston’s doctoral programme in psychology. When he wasn't admitted, Johnson took a job as an investigator for the district attorney’s office. In 1989, his unconventional career took off when a lab technician named Kathy Scott sought a hitman to kill her husband. The police, upon learning about her request, enlisted Johnson to pose as the killer.

Whenever the police received a tip-off about someone looking to hire a hitman, Johnson was called into action. Wired for sound, his task was to get the suspect to explicitly state their intent and pay for the hit. This undercover work led to over sixty arrests, making Johnson a highly sought-after professional killer in the eyes of the criminal underworld.

A Master of Disguise

Johnson’s effectiveness lay in his ability to become a chameleon. He could adapt his personality and appearance to suit the needs of any given situation, convincing a wide range of people that he was a genuine contract killer. Prominent Houston lawyer Michael Hinton once remarked, "Gary is a truly great performer who can turn into whatever he needs to be in whatever situation he finds himself. He never gets flustered, and he never says the wrong thing."

However, the real Gary Johnson didn’t use elaborate disguises to the extent portrayed in the film. While he did employ slight alterations to his appearance, the dramatic and humorous costumes seen in Hit Man are a product of creative license, with Glen Powell and Richard Linklater pushing these aspects to the max for cinematic effect.

Fact vs. Fiction: Love and Loneliness

One of the most compelling elements of Hit Man is the romantic subplot involving Johnson and Madison. While the film portrays Johnson developing a romantic connection with a woman he was supposed to kill, the real-life counterpart of this storyline is less dramatic. Johnson did help an abuse victim escape her situation, but there is no evidence of a romantic relationship between them.

In reality, Johnson’s personal life was more complicated and less cinematic. He was married three times and described as "a loner" by his second wife. Despite his friendly demeanor at social gatherings, he preferred solitude. This contrast between his public persona and private life adds a layer of depth to his character that the film only briefly touches upon.

Bringing the Story to Screen

The journey to adapting Gary Johnson's story into a film wasn’t straightforward. Richard Linklater first encountered the tale through Hollandsworth's Texas Monthly article. He was intrigued by Johnson’s dual life but struggled to find a central narrative arc. This challenge was overcome when he teamed up with Glen Powell. Together, they reimagined Johnson’s story, adding elements of romance and comedy to create a compelling and entertaining film.

One pivotal change from reality was the decision to let go of strict adherence to the facts. Linklater recalled Powell suggesting, "What if we just don’t stick to the facts? What if we cut loose once?" This creative freedom allowed them to craft a narrative that, while based on true events, also explores broader themes of identity and deception.

Conclusion

Hit Man on Netflix offers a fascinating blend of fact and fiction, bringing the incredible story of Gary Johnson to a global audience. While the film takes creative liberties, the essence of Johnson’s extraordinary life as a fake hitman working for the Houston police remains intact. His ability to seamlessly blend into various roles and his contributions to law enforcement's undercover operations make his story both unbelievable and captivating.

As you watch Hit Man, remember that behind the humour and romance lies a true story of a man whose unique skills and daring undercover work left a lasting impact on those he helped bring to justice. The film not only entertains but also pays homage to the real Gary Johnson, a master of disguise and deception whose life was stranger than fiction.