All Glen Powell Aliases in ‘Hit Man’ Explained
In Richard Linklater’s latest film ‘Hit Man,’ Glen Powell takes on the role of a counterfeit assassin, showcasing a series of clever disguises to approach his targets. Based on a true story detailed in a Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth, the movie follows the exploits of Gary Johnson, who collaborated with law enforcement in sting operations to apprehend individuals seeking contract killers.
Powell, who also co-wrote the script with Linklater, brings his comedic talent to the forefront in this intriguing departure for the director known for hits like ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Dazed and Confused.’ Amidst mounting anticipation, the trailer unveils Powell’s antics as he juggles multiple personas while navigating the complexities of his unusual profession.
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Here are all Glen Powell’s aliases in ‘Hit Man’ explained.
Mystery
In the ‘Hit Man’ trailer, Gary Johnson’s enigmatic character briefly surfaces, delivering a single line with a peculiar sing-song tone: “This is serious.” Despite his fleeting appearance, he exudes an aura of mystery, prompting speculation about his role. With his calm demeanour and resemblance to iconic assassins like Anton Chigurh from ‘No Country For Old Men,’ he embodies the archetype of a monetizing psychotic killer.
Much like ‘the Russian,’ he seems tailored for handling those who seek the extraordinary. Early reviews of the film commend Glen Powell’s performance, suggesting it could propel him further into stardom following recent successes like ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Anyone But You.’
Mr. Nice Guy
Gary Johnson understands the importance of people skills in his profession as an assassin. Adopting a friendly and charming persona, he reassures clients by wearing a polo shirt, speaking confidently and smiling frequently. This tactic, commonly seen in movies and TV shows, aims to alleviate the stress of hiring a contract killer.
In contrast to his other aliases like ‘the Russian,’ which maintain emotional distance, Gary’s approach is to put clients at ease. Movies like ‘In Bruges,’ ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘James Bond’ depict assassins with emotional depth, reflecting the strategy of making the ordeal seem normal.
In the trailer, Gary’s “nice guy” persona leads to the suspect’s arrest after a seemingly casual meeting at a diner, showcasing the effectiveness of his approach.
The Russian
Gary Johnson adopts diverse personas, ranging from relatable and empathetic killers to outlandish and eccentric figures. His success as a counterfeit hitman lies not in total realism, but in embodying various perceptions of what a hitman should be. For those influenced by clichéd depictions from movies, he embraces stereotypes, such as one alias donning all-black attire and speaking with a thick Russian accent.
This character mirrors SPECTRE agents from Cold War-era films targeting James Bond, or more contemporary versions pursuing John Wick worldwide. Rooted in Cold War propaganda portraying Soviets as cold and unfeeling, this archetype attracts individuals who fancy themselves as characters in a spy thriller, particularly in locales like Houston.
Man in a Suit
Gary Johnson, a real-life figure, adapts various personas to navigate his professional encounters, as highlighted by Skip Hollandsworth. In affluent Houston neighbourhoods, he assumes the guise of a sharp, high-priced assassin, as depicted in the ‘Hit Man’ trailer with tailored attire and slicked-back hair.
This persona embodies the cold, calculated killer archetype, akin to Agent 47 from the ‘Hitman’ games, albeit with a full head of hair reminiscent of Patrick Bateman. It signifies a world of clandestine dealings among the elite, adding intrigue to Johnson’s multifaceted identity.
Boone
In the trailer for ‘Hit Man,’ Gary Johnson’s aliases remain mostly unnamed, except for one: Boone. Boone spotted through his shirt, seems like a mechanic, though it’s not confirmed. Gary fully embodies each character, donning wigs, fake teeth and makeup. This dedication reflects his commitment to disappearing into roles like a skilled actor.
Law enforcement officials liken Gary to Laurence Olivier, describing him as incredibly convincing. He tailors each alias to suit his targets, like portraying Boone to win the trust of a wealthy-looking woman he meets in her car.
Country Man
In ‘Hit Man,’ Glen Powell showcases his versatility by embodying various aliases, including a fun-loving country boy reminiscent of the tough-guy persona described by the real Gary Johnson. This character, possibly inspired by Johnson’s early alias Mike Caine, exudes confidence and charisma, despite differing from the typical macho biker image.
Powell’s involvement in starring and scripting the film alongside director Richard Linklater underscores his creative freedom to explore different roles. The country-boy persona, characterized by reflective sunglasses and a laid-back attitude, highlights Powell’s comedic range and the diverse nature of his character roster.
Prince Charming
Among Gary Johnson’s various personas, the one that grabs the spotlight is his smooth-talking charmer, captivating Maddy Masters, played by Adria Arjona. According to Skip Hollandsworth’s article, Johnson notes a preference divide between men, who lean towards tough-guy hitmen and women, who favour empathetic characters.
This persona, embodying Glen Powell’s charisma and attractiveness, caters to the latter, paving the way for the film’s romantic subplot.
Adria Arjona, known for her standout performances in TV series like ‘Andor’ and ‘Good Omens,’ steps into a leading role in ‘Hit Man,’ a move expected to broaden her audience reach. Her character possibly draws inspiration from a real-life incident mentioned by Johnson in the Texas Monthly article, involving a woman contemplating murder as a means to escape her abusive relationship—an encounter prompting Johnson to offer help rather than incarceration.
