Netflix is continuing its strategy of expanding successful film properties into serialized stories, and the latest project on that slate is Hit Man. A new series inspired by the 2024 film is currently in development, bringing back key figures from the original while introducing a fresh creative voice behind the scenes. The move reflects the streamer’s growing interest in turning well-received movies into long-form storytelling experiences.
According to Deadline, the upcoming series will be written by Stephen Falk, best known for creating You’re the Worst. Falk will also serve as an executive producer alongside the film’s original collaborators, including Glen Powell and Richard Linklater. Both Powell and Linklater played a major role in shaping the movie, co-writing and producing it, with Linklater also directing and Powell starring in the lead role.
Expanding a Unique Premise Into a Series Format
The original Hit Man film centered on an undercover police contractor who posed as a fake hitman, adopting different identities to catch individuals attempting to hire someone for murder. The concept stood out for its blend of crime, dark comedy, and character-driven storytelling, anchored by Powell’s performance. With the series adaptation, Netflix appears to be leaning into that same premise while allowing more room to explore its layered narrative.
While specific plot details are being kept under wraps, the show is expected to follow a similar foundation, focusing on disguises, deception, and psychological tension. The episodic format could allow the story to dive deeper into individual cases, character transformations, and the moral complexities of the central role. That structure also opens the door for a broader range of stories compared to the film’s more contained runtime.
Bringing Stephen Falk on board signals a clear direction for the tone and storytelling style of the series. Falk’s previous work, particularly on You’re the Worst, has been praised for its sharp writing and character-focused narratives. His experience with balancing humor and emotional depth aligns closely with what made Hit Man resonate with audiences in the first place.
Powell and Linklater’s continued involvement as executive producers ensures that the series remains connected to the original film’s vision. Their collaboration on the movie was widely recognized, earning critical praise and awards attention. The film itself received a Golden Globe nomination for Powell and a Writers Guild of America nomination for both Powell and Linklater, reinforcing its credibility as a strong foundation for a series adaptation.
The project is being produced by AGC Television along with BarnStorm Productions, Powell’s production company. This combination of creative and production talent suggests that Netflix is positioning Hit Man as a high-profile addition to its lineup.
The Hit Man series follows a broader trend at Netflix, where successful films are being reimagined as television shows. The platform has already seen success with projects like XO, Kitty, which spun off from the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before films. Upcoming adaptations, including a series based on the Extraction franchise, further highlight this strategy.
This approach allows Netflix to capitalize on established audiences while expanding the storytelling potential of popular properties. In the case of Hit Man, the concept’s flexibility makes it particularly suited for a series format, where each episode can introduce new characters, scenarios, and twists.
