Box office fireworks for 'Hancock'

Sony film nets $17.1 million Thursday

By STUART OLDHAM

Will Smith and Jason Bateman star in Sony's summer actioner, 'Hancock.'

Despite being poorly reviewed, Will Smith and 'Hancock' reigned again at the box office Thursday, netting $17.1 million from 3,965 theatres, down 2% from Wednesday ($17.4 million).  

The Sony/Columbia tentpole has earned $41.3 million to date and is poised to surpass the $100 million domestic mark by Sunday.

Still, the 'Hancock' figures aren't 'super' compared to other Will Smith openings and with the recent box office success of 'Wall-E,' Sony is expecting smaller Fourth of July numbers than originally projected.