Interest in the James Gunn Superman box office has renewed attention to past superhero films, with Hancock—starring Will Smith—having surprisingly outperformed Gunn’s latest reboot at the global box office. Released in 2008, Hancock grossed more worldwide than recent hits and is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, fueling speculation around a potential sequel and new cast discussions.
Hancock’s Box Office Triumph Remains Unmatched by Recent Superman
When Hancock debuted in 2008, it generated $630 million worldwide on a budget of $150 million, a substantial return that exceeded the performance of James Gunn’s recent Superman reboot. The film entered theaters during a notably competitive summer for superhero movies, sharing screens with both The Dark Knight and Iron Man. Despite this, Hancock stood out, attracting large audiences eager for a different take on the genre. Compared to other films from that era, such as John Wick and Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy, which inspired quick sequels despite earning much less, Hancock never received a franchise follow-up.
Enduring Popularity Sparks Sequel Hopes and New Viewership
According to global streaming tracker FlixPatrol, Hancock recently surged into the ranks of HBO Max’s most-watched movies. While Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” led the charts, Hancock’s renewed presence reflects continued interest. This revival comes as Will Smith hinted last year that movement on a sequel is underway, with Zendaya reportedly in talks for a possible role. With more than a decade having passed since Hancock’s original release and an entirely new generation of viewers, Sony would need to reintroduce the story, especially as new audiences discover Hancock through home video platforms.
Critical Reception of Hancock and Cast Trajectories
Upon release, Hancock divided critics and currently holds a 42% score on Rotten Tomatoes. As noted by one consensus,
Though it begins with promise, Hancock suffers from a flimsy narrative and poor execution.
Will Smith maintained a strong partnership with Sony in the following years, returning for two Bad Boys blockbusters and the successful Men in Black 3. Co-star Charlize Theron went on to appear in Netflix’s “The Old Guard” and its sequel, both of which expanded her superhero portfolio. Jason Bateman, who played a pivotal supporting role, has since earned acclaim for starring in the hit series Ozark and lending his voice to the Zootopia franchise. Jae Head rounded out the cast as Aaron, adding youthful energy to the story.
Hancock’s Storyline and Relevance Today
Hancock tells the story of a reluctant superhero, portrayed by Will Smith, whose reckless actions cause significant collateral damage. His journey takes a turn when Ray, played by Jason Bateman, helps improve his public reputation. Charlize Theron’s character, Mary, introduces unique stakes as another immortal, creating complicated dynamics that set Hancock apart from conventional superhero films.
With a resurgence in streaming numbers and ongoing discussions involving stars like Zendaya, the groundwork is being laid for a potential sequel more than 15 years after the original film’s heyday. Hancock’s legacy as a distinctive entry in the genre, alongside the renewed spotlight on the James Gunn Superman box office, suggests the appetite for unconventional superheroes remains strong. Fans, both old and new, are closely watching for official updates regarding Hancock’s return to the big screen.
