Peter Berg’s “Hancock” didn’t get the greatest reviews upon its release. Critics generally said that, although it started well, the second and third acts of the movie were poorly executed, and it got too complicated with its various subplots.
The superhero movie follows the eponymous John Hancock, played by Will Smith. Hancock is an amnesiac, alcoholic, and reckless superhuman coasting through life and trying to remember his mysterious past.
Smith is aided by a great supporting cast that includes Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie Marsan. Some people give the film an easier ride these days and its cast are a major part of the reason for that.
That said, it still holds a measly 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it was undoubtedly a financial success, grossing over $624 million worldwide from a production budget of $150 million (per The Numbers).
“Hancock” was released in the United States on July 2, 2008, meaning it will turn 18 years old this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be interesting to see the cast today compared to how they looked back then? Let’s do that now…
Will Smith (John Hancock)
GettyAcademy Award-winning actor, producer, and rapper Will Smith played John Hancock in “Hancock.” Hancock is the eponymous immortal superhero (and sometimes kind of a villain) who possesses superhuman strength, speed, durability, and flight. He’s an amnesiac and alcoholic with a troubled past, but he ultimately has a happy ending in the movie.
Age when “Hancock” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Hancock”: Bad Boys (1995), Independence Day (1996), Ali (2001).
GettyAge now: 57.
Selected movie credits after “Hancock”: Focus (2015), Suicide Squad (2016), King Richard (2021).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Charlize Theron (Mary Embrey)
GettyAcademy Award-winning actress and producer Charlize Theron played Mary Embrey in “Hancock.” Mary is the female counterpart to Hancock with the same powers as him. Though she remembers him, he doesn’t remember her, and she tries to live a normal life (with her powers in secrecy) with her public relations consultant husband.
Age when “Hancock” released: 32.
Selected movie credits before “Hancock”: Mighty Joe Young (1998), Monster (2003), North Country (2005).
GettyAge now: 50.
Selected movie credits after “Hancock”: Prometheus (2012), Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Bombshell (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jason Bateman (Ray Embrey)
GettyTelevision and movie actor Jason Bateman played Ray Embrey in “Hancock.” Ray is a kind-hearted public relations consultant who is married to Mary. He attempts to improve Hancock’s flawed public image in exchange for the superhero becoming the face of his charitable brand.
Age when “Hancock” released: 39.
Selected movie credits before “Hancock”: Teen Wolf Too (1987), Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007), Juno (2007).
GettyAge now: 57.
Selected movie credits after “Hancock”: Horrible Bosses (2011), Office Christmas Party (2016), Zootopia (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jae Head (Aaron Embrey)
GettyMovie debutant Jae Head played Aaron Embrey in “Hancock.” Aaron is Ray’s young son and Mary’s stepson. He idolizes Hancock and innocently only sees the good in him.
Age when “Hancock” released: 11.
Selected movie credits before “Hancock”: N/A.
Above is a 2025 social media post by Jae Head with several recent pictures of him.
Age now: 29.
Selected movie credits after “Hancock”: The Blind Side (2009), Bravetown (2015), The Bachelors (2017).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Eddie Marsan (Kenneth “Red” Parker Jr.)
GettyEnglish actor Eddie Marsan played Kenneth “Red” Parker Jr. in “Hancock.” Red is a bank robber who Hancock successfully thwarts. He later becomes a sort of archnemesis to the superhero.
Age when “Hancock” released: 40.
Selected movie credits before “Hancock”: Gangs of New York (2002), V for Vendetta (2006), I Want Candy (2007).
GettyAge now: 57.
Selected movie credits after “Hancock”: The World’s End (2013), Deadpool 2 (2018), The Gentlemen (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
It’s great to see the core cast of “Hancock” are all still thriving. Heck, a couple of cast members have barely aged in 18 years!
“Hancock” was a fun movie that really should have got a sequel. There’s still time, though, so you never know…
