Renowned director Richard Linklater has addressed the prospects of a sequel to his recent Netflix hit, “Hit Man,” with a candid and cautious tone. The black comedy, which swiftly ascended to the top spot in Netflix’s Top 10 Movies in the U.K., has garnered attention for its unique storyline and stellar performances.
“Hit Man” follows the journey of Gary Johnson, portrayed by Glen Powell, a psychology professor who unexpectedly finds himself entangled in the world of murder-for-hire conspiracies. As Johnson assists the New Orleans Police Department in capturing criminals, he discovers an unforeseen talent for assuming the role of a faux hitman, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Linklater responded to queries regarding the possibility of a sequel to “Hit Man” with pragmatic reservation. He remarked, “It’s a little too new. No one’s even seen this movie yet, so I don’t know. Yeah, who knows, but nothing jumped out. We felt like we told this story. But, you know, who knows?”
The director’s cautious stance on the matter is not without reason, as several significant obstacles loom on the horizon for a potential sequel. Firstly, despite the film’s positive reception and commendable reviews following its theatrical release, its success on the streaming platform will be pivotal in determining its sequel prospects.
Moreover, the scheduling constraints posed by Glen Powell’s burgeoning career present a substantial challenge. Powell, hailed as one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, has seen a meteoric rise in his trajectory, securing prominent roles in blockbuster films like “Top Gun: Maverick” and the upcoming “Huntington.” With his commitments extending to future projects like “Top Gun 3,” the feasibility of Powell’s involvement in a “Hit Man” sequel remains uncertain.
However, perhaps the most significant hurdle lies in the narrative finality of “Hit Man” itself. While the film seamlessly blends dark comedy with romance, the conclusive resolution of its central romantic arc leaves little room for continuation. Any potential sequel would face the daunting task of replicating the narrative depth and emotional resonance of its predecessor without undermining the closure achieved in the original storyline.
While speculation surrounding a “Hit Man” sequel persists, Linklater’s cautious approach to the subject appears prudent. As audiences await the verdict on the film’s streaming success and Powell’s future commitments unfold, the possibility of revisiting the world of “Hit Man” remains shrouded in uncertainty. For now, fans of the film can only watch and wait, with the hope that any future instalment will live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
