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Shallow Nation

July 7th, 2008 at 7:59 am

Will Smith’s “Hancock” $107.3 Million Is Third Biggest Fourth of July Opening Ever

Hancock movie poster

The numbers are in and Will Smith’s “Hancock” is a box office triumph.

The world’s biggest star just got bigger.

Sony’s Will Smith starrer “Hancock” debuted to an estimated $107.3 million from 3,965 runs over 5½ days to become the third-biggest Fourth of July opener of all time after “Transformers” and “Spider-Man 2.” Of “Hancock’s” total tally, an estimated $66 million was grossed over the weekend.

Will Smith as Hancock

Overseas, “Hancock” grossed an estimated $78.5 million as it began rolling out in major markets.

Pic is the eighth Smith film in a row to open at No. 1 domestically, as well as his fifth — and most successful — Fourth of July outing. Film’s performance is widely viewed as a testament to Smith’s box office allure, considering that “Hancock” drew generally dismal reviews. Nor did “Hancock” have the same degree of broad appeal that other Fourth of July tentpoles have enjoyed.

Will Smith as Hancock

Last year, “Transformers” opened to $155.4 million over 6½ days, including a weekend haul of $70.5 million. “Spider-Man 2” made $152.3 million over 5½ days in 2004, with $88.1 million coming over the weekend itself.

The record-breaking opening of “Transformers” made year-over-year comparisons tough. Weekend was down 5%-6% over last year, ending a record-breaking sesh at the domestic box office, which saw business surge in June.

Source: ‘Hancock’ a holiday box office hero

Hancock is in theaters now. For more on the movie visit the official Web sites:

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