Glen Powell's been really busy since he took on the role of Lt. Jake "Hangman" Seresin in 2022's blockbuster, "Top Gun: Maverick." He's been in three feature films since and the most recent one just might take him up a few notches in the lead actor department.

"Hit Man" premiered at the Venice International Film Festival last year, began a theatrical run in May and is now available on Netflix.

This is a different kind of hitman movie, in that it's not exactly about leading a hitman life, it's not sleek, sexy, particularly violent, grim or glamorous as stereotypically portrayed. It's actually based on a Texas Monthly article on one Gary Johnson — someone who poses as a hitman to ensnare would be murder masterminds.

The film's version of Gary Johnson (Powell) teaches philosophy and psychology at the University of New Orleans, wears glasses and 'jorts,' has two cats (as does the real Gary) and drives a Honda Civic.

Gary's apparitions as a (fake) hitman have him sporting neck tattoos and setting up clay pigeons, wearing a thick leather overcoat and speaking in an Eastern European accent or having his hair neatly combed down the middle and comporting himself like an Englishman. Here is someone who will take care of your rivals, wives, husbands, business partners, anyone making life miserable for you.

When Gary takes on the role of smooth, casual, savvy 'Ron,' he meets and falls for prospective client Maddy (Adria Arjona) who wants her husband out of the picture. Suddenly the lines blur between the roles of police asset, hit man and the real Gary.

Glen Powell co-wrote the screenplay with director Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused," "Before Sunrise," "School of Rock").

"Hit Man" is marketed as an action-comedy. I think of it as a love story — where two people can bring out the bravest, craziest, sweetest parts of themselves all at the same time.

We can look out for Mr. Powell next month in "Twisters" — yup, there's a follow up to that 1996 movie about tornado chasers. It also stars Kiernan Shipka (Sabrina), Anthony Ramos (Hamilton) and David Corenswet (the next Superman).

He's also set to star in the remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger starrer, "The Running Man" with Edgar Wright ("Shaun of the Dead," "Baby Driver," "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World") on board as director.

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