Hit Man Ending Explained: Love, Lies, and Murder

Glen Powell brings several characters to life in Hit Man, an action-comedy film now available on Netflix. The story is inspired by the real-life events of Gary Johnson, a philosophy professor who secretly worked for the New Orleans Police Department as a fake hitman.

Gary’s talent for creating new disguises leaves both his colleagues and clients impressed, and he becomes quite skilled at making his targets believe he’s the real deal. In one undercover assignment, Gary adopts the persona of Ron, a charming and confident man.

He meets Madison (played by Adria Arjona), a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Madison hires him to kill her husband, but as they interact, Gary begins to develop feelings for her.

This sets off a series of unexpected events that keep the audience in suspense, with moments that will make viewers say, “What just happened?”

A Creative Collaboration Between Powell and Director Linklater

After reading a 2001 Texas Monthly article on Gary Johnson’s life, Powell approached director Richard Linklater with the idea to bring the story to the big screen. Linklater, who had already been intrigued by the story long before Powell reached out, recalls the appeal of Johnson’s unique situation.

“It was such an intriguing character, this Gary Johnson guy who moonlights as a fake hitman. That whole world, that whole environment, is so interesting. So darkly funny, I never forgot it,” Linklater shares.

Though the film wasn’t on the forefront of his mind at the time, when Powell contacted him during the pandemic, Linklater realized the project was worth pursuing. “Let’s keep going. Let’s keep pushing this,” Linklater remembers saying.

Powell and Linklater co-wrote the script together, with the director referring to Powell as his “creative partner.” The duo took some liberties with the storyline, particularly when it came to the film’s unexpected ending.

Gary’s Transformation as Ron and the Twisted Romance

Gary Johnson, to the outside world, is just a mild-mannered philosophy professor. He spends his free time doing tech work for the police, lives alone, and has been divorced. But as he becomes Ron, the suave hitman, he starts enjoying the new identity, especially after Madison shows interest in him.

While Ron discourages Madison from killing her husband, Ray (Evan Holtzman), suggesting she should leave him instead, the two start an affair. Powell explains their connection: “When these two meet each other, they’re at very interesting crossroads in their lives where they’re feeling stuck in their identities.

They put on a version of themselves that may be a little bit false, but it’s something that they want the other to see.” The characters find joy in this false version, one that feels true to their inner desires.

Unexpected Turns in the Story

One night, after a night out, Madison’s abusive ex-husband, Ray, confronts her, and Ron intervenes, pulling a gun on him. Following this encounter, Ray looks to hire a hitman, who, unbeknownst to him, is Ron. Ron warns Madison that her life is in danger and that she needs to leave town.

However, things take a darker turn when Ray is murdered, and the police begin investigating Madison. In a shocking revelation, Madison admits to Ron that she killed Ray, which causes Ron to panic and confess that he isn’t a real hitman. His true identity as Gary is exposed.

Gary’s Police Friends Remain in the Dark

Gary’s friends in the police force, including Phil (Sanjay Rao) and Claudette (Retta), have no clue that he has been dating Madison, let alone under the guise of Ron. The only person who is aware of his double life is undercover cop Jasper (Austin Amelio), who begins to manipulate Gary.

Things take another unexpected turn when Gary, still posing as Ron, is asked to investigate Madison’s involvement in Ray’s death. While mic’d up, Gary uses his phone to send messages to Madison, alerting her that the police are listening. He helps her figure out what to say to avoid suspicion.

Just when they think they’ve escaped trouble, Jasper isn’t convinced. He returns to Madison’s home, blackmailing the couple. But the situation quickly escalates when Jasper passes out after being drugged by Madison.

Panicked by the idea of having drugged a police officer, Gary decides that he and Madison must now stick together. In a shocking move, he suffocates the unconscious Jasper with a plastic bag.

Gary and Madison’s Twisted Ending: Do They Get Away with Murder?

Yes, they do. Gary, now skilled at covering up his actions, makes it look like Jasper overdosed. The film implies that Gary and Madison continue living their lives, with no one suspecting that they murdered Ray or Jasper.

Arjona reflects on her character’s commitment to the relationship, saying, “That’s who Madison and Ron are at the end of the movie. That’s like our … ‘proposal’ in the movie. (Ron) putting that plastic bag over (Jasper’s head).” Laughing, she adds, “If you think about it, that’s (Ron) kneeling, being like, ‘Will you marry me?’”

Do Gary and Madison Stay Together?

Yes, they do. The film concludes with a flash-forward showing Gary and Madison as a married couple with children. They are regular parents, volunteering at their kids’ schools, having family dinners, and even owning a dog. Their daughter once asks them how they met, and Linklater shares his thoughts on the ending.

“What if they’re meant to be together? Like, this is a great love story and the weirdest meet-cute,” he muses. Linklater decided to give the film a more optimistic, fun twist, adding, “It just seemed more fun and unexpected. It’s a happy ending — just never mind that small body count they had to go through to get there.”