Richard Linklater takes the long view, even if ‘Hit Man,’ his idea of a summer blockbuster, won’t play in multiplexes

In a career that now encompasses 22 features, director Richard Linklater has tackled myriad subjects and worlds: high school, Orson Welles, weirdos, lovers, ballplayers, boyhood. But until he made “Hit Man,” he’d never dabbled in the dark arts of contract killing — even if his meek main character is only pretending to be an elite assassin. It’s a struggle.” Director Richard Linklater, center, on the set of “Hit Man,” with Adria Arjona and Glen Powell. Because of Linklater’s indie bona fides, some lamented that “Hit Man” was sold to Netflix, a company that often only offers cursory theatrical releases for its films. You got to look at the industry and say, ‘Why did they see this film and not think it warranted a bigger theatrical release?’ Because someone could’ve fought for that.” Asked if there were other potential buyers for “Hit Man” last fall during festival season, Linklater says, “There was some interest — they didn’t rise to the Netflix level of passion.