Hancock

Hancock is a rough around the edges superhero who saves lives but leaves carnage behind, and the public has grown weary of his methods. A sharp witted public relations operative is hired to repair his image and reinvigorate his mission. The consultant pushes Hancock to face the harm he causes and to consider a more accountable role in society. As their uneasy partnership grows, Hancock finds that repairing a reputation may require real change rather than clever spin, and he starts to ask what kind of hero he wants to be. Along the way, new connections complicate his path toward redemption. Meanwhile Hancock meets a mysterious ally who complicates his choices and future. Stakes rise without losing the wit anyway.

Directed by Peter Berg, Hancock rests on characters created by Vince Gilligan and Vincent Ngo, giving a contemporary spin to a flawed hero. Berg handles action while balancing humor and moments that hint at a deeper cost to vigilantism today.

The film grossed hundreds of millions worldwide, reflecting strong audience turnout, solid merchandising, and Will Smith's continued box office pull across international markets. This worldwide response underscored Smith's cross cultural appeal. Audiences also responded to the movie's unexpected heart.

Hancock sparked conversations about flawed heroes and the limits of superhero spectacle. The public relations angle echoed real world celebrity culture, with the movie highlighting how reputation can matter as much as raw power. Will Smith and Charlize Theron left a memorable dynamic, and it helped cement his dramatic arc.

Reception was mixed with praise for its energy and cast but criticism of tonal unevenness. The film's themes revolve around redemption, responsibility, and what makes a true hero beyond flashy powers. The balance of humor and grit also marked a shift in how studios approach antihero storytelling in budgeted films.