Hancock (film) Hancock (film) Hancock is a 2008 American superhero comedy film directed by Peter Berg and starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Jason Bateman. It tells the story of a vigilante superhero, John Hancock (Smith) from Los Angeles whose reckless actions routinely cost the city millions of dollars. Eventually one person he saves, Ray Embrey (Bateman), makes it his mission to change Hancock's public image for the better. The story was originally written by Vincent Ngo in 1996. It languished in "development hell" for years and had various directors attached, including Tony Scott, Michael Mann, Jonathan Mostow, and Gabriele Muccino before
Hancock (film) to prison for a time, until Los Angeles needs him properly. Hancock reluctantly agrees, struggling to fit in prison, and quickly causes trouble when he assaults two fellow inmates that refuse to leave him alone. Hancock is visited by Ray's family, encouraging him to be patient. Los Angeles' crime rate rises, and Hancock is eventually released to help, wearing a combat outfit. He foils a bank robbery orchestrated by Red Parker, Hancock slicing off his hand to prevent him from activating a detonation switch. He is praised as a hero, and becomes popular. Hancock reveals to Ray and Mary that