It’s official — Hancock 2 is happening, and the world’s most reluctant superhero is back. After over a decade of silence, Will Smith is set to reprise his role as John Hancock in the long-awaited sequel, Hancock 2: The Next Chapter. Fans of the 2008 original — which combined action, drama, and dark humor — have been buzzing with excitement as Sony confirms the film is in early development, with production slated to begin in late 2026.
The first Hancock broke superhero conventions. Instead of a polished icon, we got a broken, bitter man with god-like powers and no clue how to connect to the world around him. It ended with revelations about his immortal origins and his past with Mary Embrey, played by Charlize Theron. The sequel promises to explore those themes even further — but this time, on a global scale.
Sources close to the project reveal that The Next Chapter will dive into the mythology behind Hancock’s powers. New immortal characters, ancient rivalries, and threats that predate modern civilization will surface. The film will reportedly introduce a powerful new antagonist, possibly another forgotten immortal who never chose humanity the way Hancock did.
Theron is rumored to return, with Mary’s story playing a central role. Her connection to Hancock — once romantic, now painfully distant — will be tested again as they confront a past neither can escape. Meanwhile, Hancock himself must reckon with what it means to truly be a hero in a world that’s still unsure whether to fear or celebrate him.
Behind the scenes, Sony is bringing in a fresh creative team. The tone is expected to be more emotionally intense and visually grounded, shifting away from the blockbuster formula and toward something more mature and character-driven. But don’t worry — there’ll still be plenty of high-powered, sky-shattering action.
Casting speculation is running wild. Names like John Boyega, Florence Pugh, and Pedro Pascal are circulating online as possible additions to the ensemble, though no official announcements have been made. The idea of expanding Hancock’s universe into a larger mythos has fans eager to see who’ll join the franchise.
If everything stays on schedule, Hancock 2: The Next Chapter is expected to hit theaters in Summer 2027, with a streaming release to follow. Until then, fans can only guess what new revelations — and explosions — await. One thing’s for sure: Hancock’s story isn’t finished yet.