The Buzz: News in Media

In its first full day of screenings Wednesday, Sony's "Hancock," starring Will Smith as a reprobate superhero, grossed $17.4 million in its 3,965 locations.

Having collected an additional $6.8 million from Tuesday night previews in 3,680 theaters, the movie's total from its first 1 1/2 days adds up to $24.2 million.

Those numbers suggest the movie could settle into the $90 million-$100 million range by the end of the holiday weekend -- easily dominating the frame though not necessarily setting any records.

By contrast, "Transformers," last year's big Fourth of July hit, opened on a Monday night with preview screenings that attracted $8.8 million and picked up $27.9 million on Tuesday, July 3. Its 1 1/2-day take amounted to $36.7 million. "Transformers," which unlike "Hancock" enjoyed the benefit of an established brand name, went on to gross $155.4 million in its first 6 1/2 days.

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