Unveiling the True Story Behind 'Hit Man'

Richard Linklater’s film "Hit Man," now streaming on Netflix, delves into the incredible true story of Gary Johnson, a psychology professor who became a fake hitman to assist the Houston police in the late 1980s and 1990s. Starring Glen Powell, who co-wrote the script, the film portrays Johnson as a master of disguise, using various costumes and accents to catch criminals. The narrative, while rooted in reality, incorporates fictional elements to heighten the drama and entertainment value.

Gary Johnson moved to Houston in 1981 aiming to join the University of Houston’s doctoral program in psychology. When he was not accepted, he took a job as an investigator for the district attorney’s office. In 1989, he stumbled upon his "true calling" when Kathy Scott, a lab technician, sought a hitman to kill her husband. The police enlisted Johnson to pose as the contract killer, leading to over sixty arrests through his undercover operations.

In "Hit Man," Powell’s portrayal of Johnson is vibrant and dynamic, showing how he used theatrical techniques to entrap suspects. The film focuses on Johnson’s entanglement with a woman named Madison, who hires him to kill her husband but ends up falling for him, leading to a whirlwind of deception and romance.

Despite its foundation in truth, the film takes creative liberties. The real Gary Johnson, while using minor disguises, never went to the exaggerated lengths shown in the movie. Additionally, Johnson did help an abuse victim, but there is no evidence of a romantic relationship as depicted in the film. The Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth, which inspired the film, highlights Johnson's adeptness at assuming different personas, making him a highly effective undercover agent.

Gary Johnson, described as a great performer capable of convincing a wide array of individuals of his authenticity, was married three times and struggled with personal relationships. He was known as a loner despite his social charm at gatherings. Johnson passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of unique undercover work.

"Hit Man" captures the essence of Johnson's story, blending fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, deception, and love. The film, while adding fictional twists, honors the extraordinary life of Gary Johnson and his contribution to law enforcement through his unconventional role as a fake hitman.