Netflix has secured the highly anticipated film “Hit Man,” directed Richard Linklater and co-written and starring Glen Powell. The film, which received positive reviews following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, tells the story of a psychology professor who also works as an undercover hitman for the New Orleans police. When he goes against protocol to help a desperate woman escape her abusive boyfriend, he finds himself falling for her and teetering on the edge of becoming a criminal himself.
The plot of “Hit Man” is based on a true-crime article from 2001 Skip Hollandsworth, who previously collaborated with Linklater on the film “Bernie.”
Linklater and Powell have previously worked together on projects such as “Everybody Wants Some!!” and Netflix’s “Apollo 10 1/2.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Linklater praised Powell’s creativity and intelligence, highlighting their engaging discussions about the story and its details.
The film was produced Mike Blizzard, Linklater, Powell, Jason Bateman, and Michael Costigan. Executive producers include AGC’s Stuart Ford, Cinetic Media’s John Sloss, and Texas Monthly’s Scott Brown, among others.
Unlike many other films at the Venice Film Festival, “Hit Man” did not have an interim agreement, which prevented stars from attending the premiere or participating in press events. This lack of agreement made it more appealing to streaming services, as it meant they were not bound union requirements for actors’ compensation.
Netflix’s acquisition of “Hit Man” adds to their growing list of notable deals, including the recent acquisition of Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” at the Toronto International Film Festival.
As the strikes in Hollywood continue, sales and negotiations for film projects have been slow due to the ongoing stalemate between the two sides. However, “Hit Man” stands out with its star power, acclaimed director, and absence of binding terms that have been turned down the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
