Glen Powell has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men, taking on roles in a variety of genres, from blockbuster action films to romantic comedies. However, one of his most praised performances emerged in a smaller crime thriller that uniquely blended a real-life story with a playful take on the hitman genre. Now, this R-rated film is entering an unexpected new chapter on streaming.

<em>Hit Man</em>, directed by Richard Linklater, is a 2024 crime comedy featuring Powell as Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor who moonlights as a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department. The film first premiered on Netflix in June 2024. Hit Man has now appeared on Starz’s global charts, indicating a new streaming development for a movie that initially found its audience through Netflix. Its arrival on another platform is revitalizing the film (and expanding its audience) more than two years after its original release.

Powell’s Hit Man Is Charming Its Way Onto Starz’s Global Charts

Powell stars alongside Adria Arjona, who portrays Madison, a woman who hires what she believes to be a professional killer. Gary’s usual job involves pretending to be a hitman to catch individuals attempting to hire one, but his connection with Madison complicates the operation and entangles him in a dangerous web of deception.

The film has received strong reviews for its unique premise, Powell’s performance, and the chemistry between the two leads. It currently boasts a 95% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it Powell’s highest-rated film in a leading role. Top Gun: Maverick remains the highest-rated movie on his Rotten Tomatoes profile overall, with a score of 96%.

ScreenRant has previously ranked Powell’s projects, placing Hit Man at No. 3 overall, commending the actor’s ability to adapt into various characters throughout the film, enhancing the overall creative freedom of the project. In this ranking, only Set it Up and Top Gun: Maverick rank higher than Hit Man.

The Chart Debut Marks A Surprising Twist For The Film

The transition to Starz is particularly noteworthy because Hit Man initially reached a broad audience as a Netflix release. Netflix secured distribution rights to the film in several major territories before its debut in 2024 and promoted it as an original movie. It first screened in select theaters before arriving on Netflix on June 7, 2024.

The film’s success also helped introduce more viewers to the creative collaboration between Powell and Linklater. The duo co-wrote the screenplay inspired by a Texas Monthly article about a real-life individual who assisted police operations by posing as a contract killer. The resulting film combines elements of crime, romance, comedy, and questions about identity.

The story has potential for further development beyond the film itself, with discussions of remaking Hit Man as a Netflix TV series.

For now, its appearance on Starz’s global charts signifies a new phase for a movie that has already garnered significant critical acclaim. As Powell continues to establish himself as a leading man, Hit Man stands out as one of the clearest examples of his ability to carry a project that merges high-concept thrills with character-driven storytelling.