Behind the Scenes of Hancock

Will Smith in Hancock costume, standing in front of a green screen. Special effects team visible in the background.

Special Effects Magic

The groundbreaking special effects in Hancock were a result of countless hours of hard work and innovation. The team used a combination of practical effects and cutting-edge CGI to bring John Hancock's superhuman abilities to life. From flying sequences to destructive landings, every scene was meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless blend of reality and fantasy.

Stunt double performing a high-flying action sequence, attached to wires with crew members controlling the rig.

Daring Stunts

The action-packed scenes in Hancock required a team of skilled stunt performers and coordinators. While Will Smith performed many of his own stunts, the more dangerous sequences were executed by professionals. The film's stunt team worked tirelessly to choreograph and perform jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers, high-speed chases, and bone-crushing impacts that left audiences on the edge of their seats.

Makeup artists applying prosthetics and special effects makeup to create Hancock's weathered and invulnerable appearance.

Makeup and Prosthetics

The transformation of Will Smith into the gritty, disheveled superhero Hancock was no small feat. A team of talented makeup artists worked for hours each day to create Hancock's weathered appearance and to apply the subtle prosthetics that enhanced his superhuman look. The attention to detail in the makeup department helped to sell the character's invulnerability and centuries-old backstory.

Did You Know?

  • Over 600 visual effects shots were created for Hancock.
  • The film's climactic battle scene took nearly three weeks to shoot.
  • A custom rig was built to simulate Hancock's flying abilities, allowing Will Smith to perform mid-air stunts safely.
  • The costume design went through numerous iterations to find the perfect balance between superhero and everyday wear.