Will Smith’s 2008 superhero film Hancock is set to leave Netflix on January 1, 2024, marking the end of its current streaming availability. This departure has sparked renewed interest in the film, which explores the complexities of a flawed superhero struggling to redeem his public image.
Overview of Hancock
Directed by Peter Berg, Hancock presents a unique take on the superhero genre. Will Smith stars as John Hancock, a powerful figure whose reckless actions and alcohol abuse have tarnished his reputation. Despite his numerous heroic acts, including saving lives across Los Angeles, Hancock is largely disliked due to the collateral damage left in his wake.
The plot takes a significant turn when Hancock saves public relations consultant Ray Embrey, portrayed by Jason Bateman, from an oncoming train. Grateful for his life, Ray becomes determined to help Hancock restore his reputation as a credible hero, which leads to deeper involvement with Ray’s family. The film also features Charlize Theron as Mary Embrey, Jae Head as Aaron Embrey, and Eddie Marsan as Kenneth Parker Jr.
Box Office Success and Critical Reception
Hancock achieved significant commercial success, grossing approximately $629.4 million worldwide against a production budget of around $150 million. According to Box Office Mojo, the film earned over $227 million domestically and more than $401 million internationally.
Despite its financial achievements, the film’s critical reception was mixed, holding a score of 42% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.4 rating on IMDB. Notably, Will Smith received a BET Award for his performance, highlighting his impact in the role.
As the film prepares to exit Netflix, viewers have a limited window to experience or revisit Hancock’s unique blend of action and character-driven storytelling. The film’s departure serves as a reminder of the changing landscape of streaming content and the fleeting nature of film availability on platforms like Netflix.