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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Hancock

Hancock is a 2008 American superhero film directed by Peter Berg and starring Will Smith as John Hancock, a reckless superhuman with alcohol problems and amnesia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hancock is a 2008 American superhero film directed by Peter Berg. It stars Will Smith as John Hancock, a reckless superhuman with alcohol problems and amnesia. The film presents an unconventional take on the superhero genre, centred on public image, redemption, and identity.

Plot

John Hancock is a powerful superhuman with alcohol problems and amnesia. His reckless and destructive methods make him unpopular in Los Angeles. After meeting public relations expert Ray Embrey, he begins trying to repair his image while uncovering details about his past.

Production

Hancock was directed by Peter Berg from a screenplay by Vince Gilligan and Vy Vincent Ngo. It was produced in the United States and released by Sony Pictures on July 2, 2008.

Cast

Will Smith plays Hancock, Charlize Theron plays Mary Embrey, Jason Bateman plays Ray Embrey, and Eddie Marsan appears in a supporting role. The cast is central to the film’s focus on character, redemption, and relationships.

Reception and genre

The film is generally described as a blend of action, comedy, fantasy, and superhero elements. It is noted for offering a less traditional portrayal of a superhero than many earlier films in the genre.

Key facts

  • Hancock was released in 2008 and is an American superhero film.
  • Will Smith plays John Hancock, a superhuman who is reckless and disliked by the public.
  • The story follows Hancock as he tries to repair his image with help from public relations expert Ray Embrey.
  • The film was directed by Peter Berg and written by Vince Gilligan and Vy Vincent Ngo.
  • It also stars Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie Marsan.
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Canadian context

Hancock was distributed in Canada as part of the international release of a major Hollywood studio film, and it is familiar to Canadian audiences as a widely released English-language superhero movie.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hancock?
Hancock is a 2008 American superhero film about a powerful but troubled superhuman who tries to improve his public image.
Who stars in Hancock?
The film stars Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie Marsan.
Who directed Hancock?
Hancock was directed by Peter Berg.
What is Hancock about?
It follows John Hancock, a reckless superhero in Los Angeles, as he works to change how people see him and confronts his past.
When was Hancock released?
Hancock was released in the United States on July 2, 2008.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hancock_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, director, cast, and premise.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hancock
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, director, screenwriters, distributor, and synopsis.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/
    Supports: Director, cast, and plot themes.