Glen Powell’s meteoric rise in Hollywood has been nothing short of fascinating, and the news of Hit Man getting a series adaptation on Netflix feels like the next logical—yet thrilling—step in his career. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Powell has managed to pivot from blockbuster roles like Top Gun: Maverick to a quirky crime comedy that’s now spawning a franchise. It’s a testament to his versatility as an actor and producer, but it also raises a deeper question: Can lightning strike twice? The film’s success was undeniable—debuting at #1 on Netflix globally and racking up 1.5 billion minutes watched in its first week—but translating that into a sustainable series is a whole different ballgame.
One thing that immediately stands out is the creative team behind the series. Stephen Falk, known for You’re the Worst, is at the helm, and his penchant for dark humor and character-driven narratives could be a perfect fit for Hit Man. What many people don’t realize is that the film’s charm wasn’t just in its plot but in its tone—a delicate balance of absurdity and heart. If the series can maintain that, it could become a cult favorite. But here’s the kicker: the film’s success was partly due to its tight, 90-minute runtime. Stretching that into a series risks diluting what made it special. From my perspective, the challenge will be to expand the world without losing its essence.
What this really suggests is that Netflix is betting big on Powell’s star power. The streamer paid $20 million for the film, which seemed like a gamble at the time, but it paid off handsomely. Now, they’re doubling down by turning it into a series. This isn’t just about Hit Man—it’s about Netflix positioning itself as the home for Powell’s future projects. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a strategic move in the streaming wars, where platforms are increasingly reliant on franchises to retain subscribers.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the character of Gary Johnson, the professor-turned-fake-hit-man. Powell’s portrayal was a masterclass in charm and nuance, but the series will need to give him new layers to explore. The film’s romance subplot was a highlight, but can that dynamic sustain over multiple seasons? Personally, I’d love to see the series delve into the moral ambiguities of Gary’s double life. What does it mean to pretend to be a killer, even if it’s for the ‘right’ reasons? This raises a deeper question about identity and the masks we wear—both literally and metaphorically.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Hit Man fits into the broader trend of dark comedies gaining traction on streaming platforms. Shows like Barry and The Righteous Gemstones have proven there’s an appetite for humor that’s both smart and unsettling. Hit Man could carve out its own niche in this space, but it’ll need to avoid the trap of becoming too formulaic. In my opinion, the key will be to keep the stakes personal—Gary’s internal conflicts should drive the narrative, not just the disguises and capers.
If you take a step back and think about it, this series could also be a litmus test for Powell’s ability to carry a franchise. He’s proven he can shine in ensemble casts, but leading a series requires a different kind of endurance. What this really suggests is that Powell is ready to step into the role of a Hollywood heavyweight—not just as an actor, but as a producer and creative force.
In conclusion, the Hit Man series has the potential to be more than just a cash grab. It could be a platform for Powell to showcase his range, for Falk to flex his creative muscles, and for Netflix to solidify its dominance in the streaming landscape. But it’s also a risky endeavor—one that could either elevate the original film or leave it in the shadow of its predecessor. Personally, I’m cautiously optimistic. If anyone can pull this off, it’s Powell and his team. But as we’ve seen time and again in Hollywood, even the most promising projects can falter. Only time will tell if Hit Man the series can live up to the hype of Hit Man the film.
