Year: 2008
Runtime: 92 min
Language: English
Director: Peter Berg
A reluctant and often destructive superhero, Hancock finds his reputation and methods challenged when he saves a public relations executive. Recognizing his need for a change in image, the executive offers to help Hancock improve his public perception. As Hancock works with the PR specialist, he begins to confront personal issues and vulnerabilities, ultimately learning the importance of responsibility and connection.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Hancock (2008), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
John Hancock, played by Will Smith, is a troubled superhero with extraordinary abilities, including flight, invulnerability, and immortality. Unfortunately, his battle with alcoholism leads him to unintentionally cause extensive property damage in Los Angeles while thwarting criminals, resulting in public disdain and ridicule. Ignoring multiple court summons related to his wreckage, Hancock’s life takes an unexpected turn when he saves public relations expert Ray Embrey, portrayed by Jason Bateman, from an oncoming train. Although his heroic act causes further chaos, Ray is grateful and proposes to help improve Hancock’s tarnished image.
Reluctantly accepting Ray’s offer, Hancock agrees to serve jail time for his legal issues so they can demonstrate to the city how vital he truly is. As crime rates surge during his incarceration, the Chief of Police reaches out to him. Reinvigorated with a new costume designed by Ray, Hancock steps in during a bank robbery, showcasing his heroic prowess by rescuing a police officer and decisively defeating the gang’s leader, Red Parker, played by Eddie Marsan.
Following this triumphant return, Hancock finds himself dining with Ray and his wife Mary, portrayed by Charlize Theron, where he reveals fragments of his past, including the origin of his name stemming from a request eighty years ago. As the night unfolds, Hancock makes a shocking discovery about Mary—she, too, shares superhuman abilities. When he threatens to expose her, she reluctantly tells him that they are the last of a powerful race, destined to be paired for eternity.
As their bond deepens, Hancock learns he is losing his powers due to their proximity. A precarious turn of events sees Hancock seriously wounded while intervening in a liquor store robbery. At the hospital, Mary clarifies the mystical connection they share, explaining their history and the circumstances surrounding Hancock’s amnesia from their last encounter. However, their reunion spirals into chaos when Red Parker strikes again, culminating in a brutal showdown that leaves Mary injured.
To save her, Hancock flees, knowing their separation is necessary for her to recover her powers. Eventually, he finds himself in New York City, donning the superhero mantle once more, while Ray and Mary discuss their ironic historical references. In a show of gratitude, Hancock leaves his mark by painting Ray’s All-Heart logo on the moon, prompting a meaningful phone call to Ray. The story concludes with Hancock responding to a hostage situation, ready to confront yet another criminal, seemingly prepared to unleash his pent-up rage.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:30
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