Glen Powell, the charismatic actor who stole the show in the blockbuster ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ as ‘Hangman,’ is quickly becoming a name to watch in Hollywood. With three leading roles releasing this year, Powell’s star is on the rise, showcasing his versatility across genres and captivating audiences with his dynamic performances.
Powell’s latest venture takes him into the quirky world of Richard Linklater’s crime comedy ‘Hitman.’ In the film, Powell plays Gary, a college lecturer who moonlights as a fake hitman, becoming surprisingly adept at the role. He’s hired to help entrap various killers, but his compassion for a client, Madison, leads to unexpected and thrilling twists. ‘Hitman’ premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival to critical acclaim, with Powell’s performance drawing particular praise. Notably, Powell wasn’t just an actor on this project; he also co-wrote and produced the film, demonstrating his keen interest in the creative process and collaborative spirit.
The genesis of ‘Hitman’ lies in Powell’s own fascination with a real-life story. While quarantined during the pandemic, he shared an article from ‘Texas Monthly’ with Linklater, detailing the life of Gary Johnson, a man who spent three decades posing as a fake hitman. The article sparked a creative flame in both men, with Powell actively advocating for the film adaptation.
Linklater, known for his meticulous research and passion, was drawn to Powell’s enthusiasm and invited him to co-write the screenplay. Powell dives into the film’s thematic core: “Rick and I focused on the theme of exploring identity in this story. In the early days of the pandemic, many people were questioning their place in the world, feeling stuck. Their careers, living situations, and relationships were all changing. Through our research, we realized that Gary’s ability to inhabit the roles of various hitmen was a way of fulfilling the fantasies of those he encountered. When we meet someone, we often present the most appealing version of ourselves. This deeply connects to the universal question of identity.”
Powell’s transformative performances in ‘Hitman’ are undoubtedly one of its most captivating aspects. “The character of Madison ignited our imaginations. In the article, Gary encounters a woman who wanted to kill her husband, but he convinces her that she’s a good person and couldn’t do that. We were intrigued by the potential consequences of that encounter and created the character of Madison as a result.”
The connection between Powell and Linklater, both Texan natives, extends beyond their professional collaboration. They have known each other since Powell was a child actor, having worked together on films like ‘Fast Food Nation’ (2006) and ‘Everybody Wants Some!!’ (2016). Their friendship has matured into a deep respect and appreciation for each other’s creative talents. This bond is reflected in the Texas filmmaking community, where a strong sense of camaraderie thrives. Powell has also collaborated with fellow Texan filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Hawke, showcasing a shared dedication to unique storytelling.
Reflecting on their collaborative spirit, Powell emphasizes, “What we’re trying to do and are proud of is to pursue originality. That’s one of the things that defines Rick. He doesn’t spend much time in Hollywood, and as a result, his purity, artistic vision, and honesty remain intact. We made this film almost like an independent project, creating the film we wanted to make. That’s why it doesn’t fit neatly into any genre.”
