Hit Man is a 2023 American action comedy film co-produced and directed by Richard Linklater and starring Glen Powell, both of whom wrote the screenplay based on the 2001 Texas Monthly magazine article of the same name by Skip Hollandsworth. It also stars Adria Arjona. In the film, an undercover Houston police officer poses as a reliable hitman as he tries to save a woman in need.
Hit Man premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2023.
Premise
An undercover Houston police officer poses as a reliable hitman to arrest those trying to hire him until he tries to save a woman in need.
Cast
Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, college professor and tech guy turned undercover mole Adria Arjona as Maddy Masters, Gary's love-interest Austin Amelio as Jasper, an undercover cop Retta as a police officer Gary works for Sanjay Rao as a police officer Gary works for Evan Holtzman as Ray Masters, Maddy's husband Molly Bernard Mike Markoff
Production
Before the 2022 Cannes Film Market, Hit Man was announced as a new film for sale internationally. The screenplay was based on "Hit Man", a Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth, and written by Richard Linklater and Glen Powell, who would also direct and star, respectively. Adria Arjona would also star. AGC Studios reported strong sales for international distribution at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. Powell was joined by Austin Amelio, Retta, and Molly Bernard in October 2022.
Filming began in New Orleans in October 2022, and production was completed that November.
Release
Hit Man debuted in September 2023. The 80th Venice International Film Festival had its world premiere on September 5, followed shortly afterward by its North American premiere on September 11 at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film for $20 million at TIFF, making it the largest film deal of the festival and of 2023. There are plans for a theatrical release as well.
Reception
References
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<ref name="Ovation">{ { cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/hit-man-ovation-venice-premiere-richard-linklater-1235537021/|title=Richard Linklaters Hit Man Gets Enthusiastic 6-Minute Ovation At Venice Film Festival Premiere |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation }}</ref>