Netflix Movie 'Hit Man' Based on Undercover Professor's Story

Netflix Movie 'Hit Man' Based on Undercover Professor's StoryFormer Lone Star College-Kingwood professor inspires Netflix movieA former Lone Star College-Kingwood adjunct professor is the inspiration behind a new movie on Netflix. The movie “Hit Man,” starring Glen Powell, is loosely based on the story of Gary Johnson, a former psychology professor at LSC-Kingwood.But what his students likely did not know, is that Johnson worked undercover for the Harris County District Attorney’s office, posing as a hit man.The comedy, produced by Richard Linklater, was inspired by a Texas Monthly article about Johnson, who worked as a fake contract killer for the police.According to the article, Johnson, who was a staff investigator for the office, would use several different identities and disguises for various jobs.Prominent Houston lawyer Michael Hinton, who was one of Johnson’s supervisors, was quoted as saying, “He’s the perfect chameleon…Gary is a truly great performer who can turn into whatever he needs to be in whatever situation he finds himself. He never gets flustered, and he never says the wrong thing.”Johnson was responsible for assisting in several high-profile cases during his time undercover, including the arrest of Lynn Kilroy, whose husband was heir to a huge oil fortune.But Johnson wasn’t just successful at working for law enforcement, he was also a beloved professor.That was evidenced by the award he received from Lone Star College back in 2004, recognizing him as an eminent faculty member for his 14 years of service to the college.Johnson taught several different subjects during his time at LSC, including criminal justice and psychology.He told the Houston Chronicle, "I love working at Kingwood College; it's a beautiful place. When you have this kind of support, it's hard not to love it."Former LSC-Kingwood President Katherine Persson was also quoted praising Johnson."Gary is an extraordinarily skilled and devoted teacher who has been a perennial favorite of his students," Persson told the Chronicle. "Gary Johnson richly deserves recognition for teaching excellence in the social sciences department."Unfortunately, Johnson passed away in 2022, before the film was made, but Linklater says he was aware of the plans for the movie.The film, “Hit Man,” stars Gary Powell and Adria Arjona and is streaming on Netflix.