Superman
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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"Superman"
by
Scott Edwards
&
Paul M. Wolford
Based on, the character created by Jerry Siegel and Joel
Shuster
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - DAY 1
Billons of stars caress our eyes. Several twinkling stars
reminds us someone winking at us to get our attention...or
signaling.
We TILT DOWN to see the
U.S.S. CONSTITUTION
The newest marvel in the space exploration world. In short:
NASA's wet dream.
2 INT. U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS 2
LOIS LANE, twenties, is staring out at the vast emptiness of
space. Truthfully, most men could care less about space when
they have her in their sights, a dark haired angel as she
floats.
LOIS
Lieutenant Knight, can you give me
a hand?
LIEUTENANT KNIGHT, mid-to-late twenties, is looking at a clip
board. Without looking Knight lets go of his pen, letting it
float in front of him as he pushes Lois higher up by her rear
end. Lois looks back and smiles at Knight shaking her head.
Knight looks at her with a devilish smile: what?
A VOICE is cleared. Lois and Knight look over at COLONEL
HICKS, late thirties to mid-forties, at the controls. He's
the soft spoken, badass type in the vein of Michael Biehn,
and he's not happy with Knight and Lois' conduct.
Sitting next to Hicks is LIEUTENANT EDWARDS, barley younger
then Knight and the muscle of the crew.
Knight quickly takes his hand from Lois' ass. Lois and Knight
share a quick look like busted teenagers. Knight looks back
over at Edwards who spots him with a thumbs up and a huge
smile.
HICKS
(stern)
Edwards.
Edwards promptly turns back to his controls.
HICKS (cont'd)
Okay, we are about five minutes
from entering our re-entry
trajectory so go ahead and strap in
and get your helmet on if you don't
mind, Miss. Lane.
LOIS
Yes, Colonel Hicks.
ANGLE ON - DIGITAL CAMCORDER, floating past a radar screen.
We hold on the radar. A steady BEEPING is heard as we see
several object heading towards the center of the monitor
until -- BOOM!
The cabin comes alive as it violently shakes. Alarms BLARE.
3 I/E. U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS 3
ANGLE ON - PORT SIDE, as Constitution is being barraged by a
tidal wave of meteors. Baseball size dents are forming.
Knight looks out the window.
KNIGHT
We're screwed!
WHAM!
ANGLE ON - STARBOARD WING, as a meter SLAMS into the
STARBOARD WING tearing a hole into it.
The Shuttle JOLTS.
ANGLE ON - PORT SIDE, as the meteors continue their attack on
the port finally tearing their way into the dents.
LT. CASEY and LT. VASQUEZ inspect the damage out the
starboard window.
CASEY
We have an impact on the starboard
wing!
HICKS
Everybody strap in and put your
helmets on now!
(into the com)
Houston! Houston! This is the USS
Constitution! Mayday this is the
Constitution.
Lois watches Hicks and the crew intently. She's scared but at
the same time slightly aroused with the danger.
CONTROL (O.S.)
(filtered)
Houston control, what is the
situation, Colonel?
HICKS
(over looking controls)
We've been hit! We are heavily
damaged! We're off our trajectory.
CONTROL (O.S.)
(filtered)
Can you regain control?
INSERT - NAVIGATION COORDINATES, trajectory slowly lines back
up.
HICKS
Yeah Houston, we got it!
CONTROL (O.S.)
(filtered)
Great, Constitution. Now --
BOOM!
ANGLE ON - REAR FUSELAGE, as a meteor SLAMS into it! Fuel
leaks out, freezing as it escapes.
More ALARMS BLARE, DEAFENING the crew. EMERGENCY LIGHTS FLOOD
THE COCKPIT.
EDWARDS
Shit! Rear fuselage! It's leaking!
Casey and Vasquez both bolt for their seats as...
BOOM! A second meteor hits causing another explosion!
The impact throws Casey face first into a bulkhead. Blood
flows freely into the air like a dream passing over the
interior.
WHAM! Vasquez is thrown into the cabin wall and knocked
unconscious.
The vessel begins to glow red hot and shakes violently as it
slams into the
ATMOSPHERE.
Hitting gravity, Casey and Vazquez's bodies hit the ground.
The blood drops onto the instruments and crew. Lois's face is
splattered with blood. Her face frozen in horror.
Hicks fights the controls.
HICKS
Lieutenant Knight! Secure Vasquez
now!
Knight scrambles from his seat and dives for Vasquez, but as
he does the ship rocks violently throwing him up into the
wall, BREAKING his leg. Knight SCREAMS in agony, but fights
through it.
Knight grabs Vasquez and starts to drag her on the floor. As
he turns his head he looks up at the window and sees debris
from the shuttle flying outside the window. He looks down and
sees the ceramic tiles breaking apart under him.
Hicks takes a quick glance from his instruments and sees the
carnage behind him and calmly turns back to his copilot.
HICKS (cont'd)
Edwards, get back there and help
them.
EDWARDS
Sir, you can't fly this thing by
yourself with it damaged like this!
Lois finally gathers her senses.
LOIS
I'll get them, you just fly this
thing!
HICKS
No! You stay where you are!
LOIS
If both of you don't fly this
shuttle then we are all going to
die!
HICKS
Okay but get with it!
Lois unbuckles her harness and grabs Knight by the shoulders
and pulls him to the side of his seat.
KNIGHT
Go! I'll get in myself!
LOIS
Alright!
Lois goes back for Vasquez.
ANGLE ON - LEFT RUDDER, as it's SHEARED off by the intense
heat and turbulence.
Lois is flung towards a bulkhead, but at the last moment she
is stopped. Lois quickly looks back. Knight has her by the
leg. Knight lets go, then painfully crawls back into his
chair.
Lois crawls back along the deck to Vasquez. Pulling Vasquez
behind her, she inches toward the seat as the vessel shakes
even more violently.
Finally, and with all the strength in her body Lois hauls
Vasquez into the seat and buckles her in and puts her helmet
on, and then she gets in her seat and fastens her own
harness.
EDWARDS
Sir we have lost one of our
engines, the tail section is
breaking up!
HICKS
She'll hold together, Lieutenant!
Just help me get us leveled off!
The ship eventually begins to slow and level off some,
decreasing the heat and turbulence.
HICKS (cont'd)
Are we still on course?
EDWARDS
Yes Sir, we're on the eastern
seaboard!
Edwards quickly double checks his instruments.
EDWARDS (cont'd)
We're going to have to land at
Metropolis International!
HICKS
Houston, this is Colonel Hicks, we
are going to land at Metropolis
International! Clear the airspace
and the airport for us!
CONTROL (O.S.)
(filtered)
Say again, Constitution.
HICKS
Clear the airspace at Metropolis
International! We're coming in!
CONTROL (O.S.)
(filtered)
Constitution there's not a chace
that Metropolis can be cleared in --
HICKS
We're coming into Metropolis
whether they like it or not! So
save some lives and make the call!
Hicks looks back over at his injured crew and locks eyes with
Lois. They both know they are not going to make it. Hicks
turns his concentration back to the controls.
4 EXT. SKY - DAY 4
Constitution flies beautifully, yet tragically over the
Eastern United States.
CUT TO:
5 INT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HELP DESK - DAY 5
BARB, a young, attractive southern bell in a bright blue and
red Airline Uniform smiles brightly.
BARB
Hello, I'm Barb. How may I help
you?
CLARK KENT smiles back. Clark is the all American boy with
good look and boyish charm. However, he has that look that he
will never amount to anything other then what he is now but
that's all about to change.
Clark is dressed in a brown leather jacket and blue jeans.
The best he can afford.
CLARK
Hi, Barb. May I have an application
please?
BARB
Well, you sure can, darlin'.
CLARK
Great.
Barb reaches under the help desk and pulls out an application
form.
BARB
Here ya' go.
CLARK
Thanks.
BARB
You interested in working here at
Metropolis Air?
CLARK
Well to be honest I want to be a
journalist for the Daily Planet but
they are not accepting any
applications so I'm trying to get
on wherever I can.
BARB
Yeah, things are tough. You like to
fly?
CLARK
Not really. Thanks a lot, Barb.
Take care.
BARB
You too, sweetie. Good luck.
6 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TERMINAL - CONTINUOUS6
Clark leaves the desk with a broad smile. Clark walks past a
PHONE BOOTH.
MMMRARRAAHHHHH!!!!!
AN UNHOLY STOMACH GROWL comes from within Clark's bowels
RATTLING the receiver off the hook. Clark sheepishly looks
around holding his stomach. Nobody heard. Clark looks at the
phone booth. Thinks.
7 INT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FOOD COURT - MOMENTS7
LATER
Clark heads towards a table with a tray of hamburgers and
fries. EMERGENCY TEAMS rush past Clark. He notices them but
sits down at table, without a second thought or look at the
teams.
Clark starts to take a bite from one of his hamburgers then
stops. Listens.
8 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, RUNWAY - THAT MOMENT8
A grey shadow looms over the emergency crews as they get into
position and prepare for the arrival of Constitution at the
largest airport in the world.
Rain begins to FALL.
9 INT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FOOD COURT - THAT 9
MOMENT
Clark slowly sets the hamburger down and turns his head
towards the terminal on his left. Listens.
Hundreds of cancelled flights are ANNOUNCED, overlapping one
another along with thousands of GROANS from unseen
passengers.
Smoothly, a sultry voice begins to rise into clarity. As we
see pissed off passengers walking out of the terminal with
family.
GRANT (O.S.)
(filtered)
Good Morning Metropolis.
This is Cat Grant with WGBY and the
Noon Hour News. Heavy storms are
expected today which means it's
going to be a wet one and we'll
have more on that in just a few
minutes. Today's top story is the
return of the space shuttle
Constitution and its crew of five
as they have completed their
delivery run to the new space
station, "Friendship." The crew is
scheduled to land today at Coast
Spaceport outside of Coast City
where WGBY will be on hand to bring
you live coverage of their return.
Also on board is the famous and now
first journalist in space, Lois
Lane. Ms. Lane is a field reporter
for the Daily Planet...
Clark's eyes turn to a monitor.
INSERT - TV, as the beautiful CAT GRANT anchors. Her voice
slowly drowns out the ambience sounds in the airport
suppressing them to a whisper.
Cat is being handed a piece of paper. The sultry voice turns
dead serious.
GRANT (cont'd)
This just in. It appears that the
Constitution has been struck by
meteors and has taken heavy damage.
One astronaut is reported dead and
another seriously injured. The
Constitution was knocked off course
and is making an emergency landing
at Metropolis International. We
are told that there is now danger--
An EXPLOSION of noise erupts as the airport goes nuts! Clark
watches the crowd as passengers are wasting no time getting
the hell out of Dodge. Babies cry. Kids scream. People tear
through their own luggage only to pull out their cameras and
make for the windows.
LIGHTNING STRIKES shatter our ears as the rain smashes
against the windows. Clark continues to watch the crowd. Some
deserve pity. Some deserve death.
Finally Clark sees a small child standing alone, crying.
Hidden to everyone but Clark by a suitcase. Clark turns his
head down the aisle.
A mob is running towards the child kicking objects out of
their way.
Clark looks back to the child. He's too small to see, just to
small. Damn it, Clark do something!
QUICKLY THE CHILD IS SNATCHED UP into the arms of its father.
Clark relaxes. WHOOSH! An EXIT door is opened up by the
crowd. A gust of wind sweeps through the court. The father
turns from the winds covering his son.
Clark looks at the man. Blue jeans, flannel shirt, streaks of
grey hair. A perfect reminder of Jonathan Kent.
Clark's eyes tighten. His fists clench till his knuckles are
white.
WHOOSH! Another gust of wind. The father turns back to the
Exit door. People that were pushing through the door stop and
turn to their neighbors: What was that?
The father looks over to Clark's table.
EMPTY.
10 EXT. METROPOLIS, SKY LINE - DAY 10
The Constitution is approaching fast towards Metropolis
International with engines breaking apart and the tail
section vibrating furiously.
11 I/E. U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, COCKPIT - DAY 11
Colonel Hicks, with his jaw clenched tight is visibly pale as
a lightning bolt races across the rain soaked nose of the
Constitution.
HICKS
Hold on everybody! It's about to
get very bad!
EDWARDS
Well, that's an improvement!
HICKS
Stow it, Edwards! Knight! Lane! Get
your heads down!
Lane and a very shaky Knight comply.
HICKS (cont'd)
(into com)
Metropolis International! This is
the Constitution! I hope you have
those emergency crews on hand!
CONTROL TOWER (O.S.)
(filtered)
EVAC crews are on station and
ready, Constitution. Good luck.
HICKS
Thanks, Metropolis!
(to Edwards)
Deploy the landing gear!
Lieutenant Edwards reaches over to do so.
SKKSKRACCCKK!
A lightning bolt SLAMS into the nose of the Constitution
RIPPING away a piece of the structure that SLAMS right into
the cockpit glass. Metal flies towards Edwards' head.
Lightning WHITES OUT the FRAME.
The white fades only to see that Edwards' neck is a BLOODY
STUMP. Next to him Hicks holds his neck as blood SPRAYS in an
arch from a large piece of glass that pierces his throat.
Gurgling with blood pouring from his neck wound and mouth,
Hicks still valiantly tries to hold the vessel steady but
eventually succumbs to the loss of blood and dies.
KNIGHT
Shit!
Lois and Knight start to unbuckle and make for the controls.
Inches from the control chairs all lights in the cockpit go
out. Constitution has died.
Knight grabs Lois and pulls her down next to him and wraps
his arms around her and the chair holding on for dear life.
Constitution bucks once then flips end over end and sails
towards the concrete below as the tail section BREAKS OFF.
12 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, RUNWAY - CONTINUOUS12
ANGLE ON - THE RUNWAY, as EVAC crews look up into the sky.
ANGLE ON - THE TAIL, as it SPEEDS TOWARDS the ground.
ANGLE ON - THE RUNWAY, as the crew hauls ass!
WHOOM! The tail SLAMS into an empty 747. The Left side BLOWS
OUT sending debris into a
TRANSFORMER.
BOOM! SPARKS FLY!
The airport and runway lights begin to flicker on and off.
13 I/E. U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, COCKPIT - THAT MOMENT 13
ANGLE ON - LOIS, as she looks out the cockpit, her face
frozen in horror.
LOIS' P.O.V. as the concrete comes RUSHING up to meet us when
a FLASH of brown flies by. Suddenly the concrete starts to
slow down.
Amazingly, the Constitution begins to right itself. Knight
and Lane exchange a brief disbelieving glance at each other.
Knight promptly passes out from the pain and shock.
LOIS
Lieutenant?
14 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, RUNWAY - THAT MOMENT14
Rescue crews and airline customers look up in amazement as
the shuttle slowly glides towards the ground.
THEY BECOME EVEN MORE AMAZED WHEN THEY SEE THE SILHOUETTE OF
A MAN UNDERNEATH THE SHUTTLE, his arms spread like Atlas
bearing the weight of the world. LIGHTNING STREAKS ACROSS THE
SKY BEHIND HIM AS RUNWAY LIGHTS FLICKER MORE RAPIDLY.
CLARK KENT neatly lands on the runway and sets the battered
shuttle down on the ground. The rain and dim lighting is too
concealing for the crowd to clearly make out his face.
AS THE STUNNED CROWD WATCHES, THE MAN RIPS THE DOOR FROM ITS
MOORING AND TOSSES IT ASIDE LIKE A PIECE OF TRASH. He enters
the shuttle as.
PHEWWWW!
All power at the airport is lost.
15 INT. U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS 15
A mystified Lois watches the hatch fly away and a tall, well
built man stands before her. He reaches out to her as she
tries to focus on his face, with the lightning bolts in the
sky behind him but this is just too much for her and she
passes out onto Knight.
16 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, RUNWAY - THAT MOMENT16
Finally emergency crews snap out of it and turn on their
flashlights and rush to aid the injured astronauts.
Clark is carrying the body of Hicks out of the shuttle and
gently lays it down on the tarmac. A nearby EMT rushes over
to the man's prone body and checks his pulse.
EMT
Damn. He's gone.
CLARK
(stunned)
His hands were still wrapped around
the controls.
EMT
Man, I don't know how you done that
but you saved the other people in
there. You're a hero. No, you're a
superhero.
CLARK
Not enough.
With that Clark turns as a mob envelopes him and starts to
claw at his clothes and face with add-libs: Heal me! God
bless you! I'll be your manager! Cure my cancer! Praise you,
Jesus!
The mob rips and tears at him like he is made of gold. Clark
looks at the mob and back to the dead bodies.
CLARK (cont'd)
(to the mob)
People are hurt, what is wrong with
you?
The crowd continues to praise Clark and try to touch him.
Clark looks back at the dead bodies one last time then flies
off.
Lois Lane awakes just long enough to watch him take flight
again.
CUT TO:
17 EXT. KENT FARM - MOMENTS LATER 17
The Kent farm covered in a gloom of grey.
Once again, as if by design, Jonathan's 1963 International
farm tractor has broken down. Jonathan lays under the tractor
and swings his hammer.
Rust and dirt and other objects fall from the internal areas
of the old tractor. Jonathan looks over at the fallen
objects: Great. That will take a week to repair.
Jonathan strikes again. The hammer bounces back. Jonathan's
knuckles are crushed against a beam. Jonathan mumbles and
swears at the tractor.
ANGLE ON - MARTHA KENT, as she walks onto the back porch
drying her hands on an apron. She nervously looks at the legs
sticking out from the red and rust ridden tractor.
MARTHA
Jonathan, are you okay out there?
JONATHAN
Yeah honey, just banged my knuckles
on this blasted old tractor!
MARTHA
Okay, Jonathan. Why don't you come
inside for a bit and rest? Lunch is
almost ready anyway and planting
season is still two months away.
CLARK (O.S.)
Better make that lunch for three,
Mom!
MARTHA
(looking to the sky)
Clark!
Martha full of joy meets her son as he lands in the back
yard. She wraps him in a formidable hug that even he would
have trouble resisting. The joy is short lived though.
MARTHA (cont'd)
Where have you been for the last
two months? You promised you would
visit.
Her playfulness ends as she finally notices the downcast look
on her only son's face.
Jonathan approaches behind Clark.
JONATHAN
What's wrong, Clark?
Clark quietly looks at his father then back at his mother:
Guide me.
18 INT. KENT FARM, KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER 18
The Kent kitchen is very typical of the Midwest. Counter
space and cabinet space is taken up by cooking supplies,
canned goods, and homemade items. Few appliances other than a
toaster and a coffee maker are to be found. Here everything
is wholesome and homemade.
It appears very warm and comfortable but today it is home to
a broken young man. Jonathan and Martha listen and look at
Clark with the love only a parent can show by a glance.
CLARK
...they died Mom. Only three of
them survived. If I had acted
sooner I could have saved two
others. I was selfish and people
are dead because of it. One of the
astronauts bled to death at the
controls. That man is the hero not
me --
MARTHA
Clark you didn't kill those people.
It was a horrible accident and
there was nothing you could do to
stop it and that reporter and the
other two astronauts would be dead
now if you hadn't saved them. Not
to mention all the people on the
ground that could have been hurt or
killed.
CLARK
I know that Mom, but I should have
gone and seen what was happening
when those emergency teams came
through the airport, but I just
shrugged my shoulders and told
myself they could deal with it.
JONATHAN
Clark that is something you are
going to have to forget. You are
going to have to accept that it
wasn't your fault and that even if
you had acted then, they might
still have died. Even you can't be
everywhere at once, Clark.
Clark looks down at the kitchen table taking it in.
RADIO
(filtered)
...you'll believe a man can fly
when you hear this story folks.
During a storm that --
Jonathan quickly turns off the radio and gently smiles at
Clark.
JONATHAN
Sorry about that, Son.
CLARK
I'll never hesitate again. I don't
think I can go back to Metropolis
right now. I don't know if I can
handle it and if someone saw my
face then I might never get any
peace.
JONATHAN
Clark, do what you think is right.
You need to relax and get your head
together.
MARTHA
You always have a place to stay
here, Clark.
CLARK
(grins)
And a tractor to fix?
Jonathan and Martha smile. Martha walks overs to the cupboard
and starts making some supper.
MARTHA
Oh, Clark don't get your father
started on that.
Too late.
JONATHAN
That blasted tractor.
CLARK
Get a new one, dad.
JONATHAN
Why? It still works.
CLARK
Dad.
JONATHAN
Well, after we fix it.
MARTHA
I think Clark would rather hear
about something else, Jonathan.
JONATHAN
And what would that be?
MARTHA
Lana.
Clark's ears perk up.
CLARK
Lana Lang? Why what's wrong?
MARTHA
Well, she's single and you're
single.
Martha turns and smiles at Clark.
MARTHA (cont'd)
That's what's wrong.
Clark smiles. Jonathan just shakes his head.
CUT TO:
19 INT. AMBULANCE - DAY 19
An overweight EMT is taking Lois' blood pressures as she
awakes with a jolt on a wheeled stretcher.
EMT
Easy, Ms. Lane. You're safe now.
JIMMY
You'll be okay, Ms. Lane.
Lois looks out the ambulance and sees, JIMMY OLSEN,
photographer for the Daily Planet waving at her.
LOIS
Jimmy. Who was that man who saved
us?
JIMMY
I don't know, Ms. Lane. The crowd
practically mobbed him and he took
off.
(imitating with his hands)
Jumped right in the air and flew
away. I wouldn't believe it if I
hadn't seen it with my own eyes,
Ms. Lane. But I believe I got a
picture of him.
LOIS
Have you called Perry yet?
JIMMY
No. I don't have a phone with me
LEX (O.S.)
I have one, Ms. Lane. You can use
it.
Peering into the Ambulance is LEX LUTHOR. Considered by the
world to be the richest man alive and one of the most
brilliant businessman in history. Luthor is in his mid-
thirties, bald, and well dressed, even if he is soaking wet.
Lex takes out his phone and hands it to her.
LOIS
Thank you, Mr. Luthor.
Lois accepts the phone with a smile and makes a call. Lex
turns back around and looks at the mess behind him as the
AIRPORT LIGHTS COME ON. Make no mistake about it, his
interest remains on Lois' conversation behind him.
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
Perry White.
LOIS
Perry, it's Lois.
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
Lois, thank God you're alright.
I've been trying to get some
answers for over an hour. What the
hell happened out there?
LOIS
I don't know. The shuttle was hit
by a meteor. The shuttle. I saw a
blur as we were falling. I saw the
ground heading towards us then we
stopped. A minute later the door
was ripped off the hinges.
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
Lois, I've heard that bunch of
malarkey for the last hour on TV.
LOIS
That's what I saw Perry. Jimmy
thinks he has a picture too.
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
Never mind Lois, I believe you.
They're showing the airport
security tape on the TV right now.
LOIS
What? You can believe the TV but
not your best journalist?
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
No Lois, that's a pretty far
fetched thing to be reporting but I
believe you.
LOIS
Okay, Perry.
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
Oh, and, Lois?
LOIS
Yeah?
PERRY (O.S.)
(filtered)
Have that article on my desk before
tomorrow's issue goes to print.
LOIS
You know I will, boss.
Lois hangs up the cell phone.
LOIS (cont'd)
Mr. Luthor?
Lex turns back and takes the phone.
LEX
A flying man, Ms. Lane? Are you
sure?
LOIS
Well, I didn't quite see him fly
but he sure ripped that door off
its hinges. Thanks you for letting
me use your phone but if you want
any more information you're going
to have to pick up a copy of the
Planet tomorrow. I'm sorry, but I'm
too tired to talk about it right
now.
LEX
Of course, Miss. Lane. You rest up
now.
LOIS
Thank you, Mr. Luthor.
JIMMY
Goodbye, Mr. Luthor.
Lex forces a smile at Jimmy.
20 EXT. METROPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, RUNWAY - CONTINUOUS20
Lex turns back around and sets out to the crash site and
begins to sift through some of the wreckage. He finds deep
gouges where the hatch used to be. Five gouges on each side
to be exact.
Lex places the back of his fingers to one set of the gouges.
His fingers fit into them... barley. Lex thinks.
21 INT. U.S.S. CONSTITUTION, COCKPIT - CONTINUOUS 21
Stepping inside he discovers a world of twisted metal,
hanging electronics, and broken glass. Rescue crews are
still busy making sure that the shuttle doesn't erupt into
flames, so Lex has a moment to look around, unobserved.
Poking around the wreckage, Lex locates the black box and
tries to find a way to unlock it from its mount, but before
he can find anything, an FBI agent steps inside the shuttle.
FBI AGENT (O.S.)
What the hell are you doing in
here!?
Luthor calmly turns around as a dozen guns are cocked.
LEX
I'm Lex Luthor and I happen to own
this vessel.
The FED's lower their weapons.
FBI AGENT
I'm sorry but I'm going to have to
ask you to leave, Mr. Luthor. This
is a federal investigation and even
you are not allowed here.
LEX
Yes, agent. No problem. Just make
sure you keep me posted on what is
happening, as is part of the
agreement between my company and
the federal government. I'm sure
you can find the number.
FBI AGENT
Yes, sir. We will do just that.
Now this way if you please.
LEX
Certainly.
Lex exits the shuttle with a few agents escorting him.
22 INT. KENT FARM, CLARK'S BEDROOM - MORNING 22
A dead tired Clark lays on his bed looking up at the ceiling.
CLARK
(under his breath)
Lana Lang.
Seconds later Clark finally drifts off to sleep. We PUSH past
Clark passing a digital clock that reads:
5:00 AM
We continue to PUSH as we reach the window as the Sun begins
to rise over the Kansas fields.
CUT TO:
23 EXT. METROPOLIS, VARIOUS STREETS - MORNING 23
All across Metropolis the civilians are walking about in a
buzz. Children run out of stores with their parents, arms
spread out as if they are flying. Bus stops resemble
miniature libraries as everyone is reading a newspaper.
We PUSH in on the Daily Planet Newspaper Headline:
FLYING MAN SAVES DAMAGED SHUTTLE
Accompanied by a grainy photo of the shuttle being held aloft
by a man, whose features were indiscernible in the photo.
MATCH CUT TO:
24 INT. DAILY PLANET, PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE - MORNING 24
Daily Planet front page in the hands of PERRY WHITE. Perry
slams down the paper.
Lois and Jimmy, who loses his spine whenever Perry is around,
jumps back.
PERRY
Wonderful article, Lois! Sold out
all over the city!
And Jimmy, those were great
pictures of that shuttle wreckage
and the finger marks! And the cover
shot is your best ever, even if you
can't see his face!
JIMMY
Uh...thanks boss.
PERRY
Lois, that name you gave him is
pure genius!
(spreading out his arms)
"Superman!"
Lois, still a little banged up but looking good, cracks a
smile.
LOIS
(somberly)
Thanks, Perry.
PERRY
Don't let what happened keep you
down, Lois. You are a journalist
first. It's a damned shame that
three astronauts had to die. I
would gladly trade all our sales
today to bring 'em back, but
nothing can be done about it. You
need to stay on track, Lois. Okay?
LOIS
Yeah Perry, I will. It's just hard
to watch people die right in front
of you like that. They were all
really good people and easy to get
along with. I keep wondering why I
lived and they died.
PERRY
You can't dwell on that, Lois. You
have to accept that it was their
time and not yours. It was a
horrible thing. You can take the
rest of the day off if you want.
LOIS
No, Perry. I'm going to take an
assignment. It will help me focus
on something else.
PERRY
Okay, Lane. Your choice. I need you
to interview the surviving
astronauts. See if they saw
anything. When you get that
finished, I want you to get an
interview with Superman by the end
of the week. Understand?
LOIS
How am I supposed to interview him?
We don't even know who he is.
PERRY
I don't know. I don't care. Just do
it. It's a challenge.
LOIS
Perry, it's impossible. What am I
supposed to do, run an ad?
Perry stands up and walks over to Lois draping his arm around
her escorting Lois to the door.
PERRY
(laughs)
Sure. If you pay a dollar fifty a
word. Don't worry, Lane. I know you
can do it. You're our star
reporter. Take Jimmy with you and
get some photos of this guy.
JIMMY
Don't worry Ms. Lane, you'll find
him.
LOIS
Thanks, Jimmy.
CUT TO:
25 INT. KENT FARM, CLARK'S BEDROOM - MORNING 25
Clark is fast asleep in bed.
LANA (O.S.)
Good morning, Superman.
WHOOM! Clark sits up with a gust of wind raising his sheets,
ripping them from under the bed. Clark turns to see
LANA LANG.
Once the girl next door and every teen's dream come true now
grown into a beautiful woman.
CLARK
Lana! Oh, hey. Uh, what did you
call me?
Lana sits on the bed next to Clark as he rubs the sleep out
of his eyes.
LANA
"Superman." The Daily Planet is
calling you, "Superman."
Clark yawns and runs his fingers through some horrible bed
head.
CLARK
Really? It's catchy. I just wish it
would have came under different
circumstances.
Clark looks down at his sheets then to Lana.
CLARK (cont'd)
Uh, Lana, could you step outside so
I can get some clothes on.
LANA
Clark, it's not as if I haven't
seen you naked before.
Clark blushes madly.
CLARK
What? When?
LANA
When we went skinny dipping in the
lake.
Clark stares blankly.
LANA (cont'd)
I peeked.
Clark pulls the sheets up higher on his body Lana bursts out
in laughter at the look on Clark's face at this revelation.
LANA (cont'd)
Oh, don't act as if you didn't
peek.
CLARK
Lana! You know I wouldn't.
LANA
Uh-huh. What about that "super
vision?"
Uh-oh, busted.
CLARK
No comment.
26 INT. KENT FARM, STAIRCASE - MOMENTS LATER 26
Clark walks down the steps. The normally quiet Kent house is
a buzz with noise. Clark looks over into the...
27 INT. KENT FARM, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS 27
Jonathan is busy frying bacon, potatoes, and eggs. Martha is
underneath him pulling out a pan of fresh biscuits, and Lana
is busy setting the table.
Clark smiles in wonder at the scene and heads into the room.
JONATHAN
Morning, Clark. Sleep well?
CLARK
Yeah, I feel good.
Martha sets the biscuits down and walks over to Clark, giving
him a motherly good morning kiss on the cheek.
MARTHA
Good morning.
CLARK
Mom.
Martha goes back to help Jonathan. Clark looks over at Lana.
She looks up from setting the table, smiles. They share a
look.
DISSOLVE TO:
28 INT. KENT FARM, KITCHEN - LATER 28
The large breakfast is nearly complete with smiles all around
as everyone is letting out a hearty laugh.
Things are going great. Clark looks around at the eyes of
those he loves. This is what he wants.
CLARK
I'm staying in Smallville.
"What" comes the reply from everyone seated at the table.
CLARK (cont'd)
I'm staying here. This is my home
and the people I love are here.
Clark looks at Lana, who smiles with joy.
JONATHAN
(sighs)
Clark --
MARTHA
Jonathan. Clark is the only one who
can make that decision.
JONATHAN
Fine, I'm not saying anything, but
you know how I feel. Clark has
student loans to pay back, and he
doesn't even have a job.
CLARK
I'll find one, Dad.
JONATHAN
I hope so, Clark. Smallville is on
hard times right now. With LexCorp
pulling out it's hard to find
honest work.
CLARK
I know, but I'll find something.
29 INT. KENT FARM, CLARK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 29
Lying in bed Clark tosses and turns nervously in his sleep.
CLARK
No...no.
DISSOLVE TO:
30 EXT. KRYPTON - DUSK 30
Clark is walking in the immense plains of Krypton. Ancient,
towering cities dot the horizons bending with the curvature
of Krypton. The air is still.
A man walks beside him. Tall, broad shouldered, dark haired
and with cold blue eyes that betray a vast intelligence.
Upon his body is a dark blue formfitting uniform that is
mostly covered by flowing red robes.
In the middle of his chest, is a symbol that looks like a
shield with an odd shaped "S" in the middle of it. The border
and "S" are both red and are filled in with a bright yellow.
This man is Clark's biological father, JOR-EL.
JOR-EL
Kal-El. You must be ready. Your
time on this world draws to its
end. A great evil is brewing on
your horizon.
CLARK
What evil?
JOR-EL
A force that no one has been able
to defeat. You must be prepared.
You must be prepared to sacrifice.
CLARK
I want no part of this, Father. I
just want to stay in Smallville
with my parents and Lana.
JOR-EL
I know, son. We do not always get
what we wish in life. Do you think
your mother and I wanted to be
separated from you? We had no
choice. We did what we had to do
and we sacrificed ourselves for you
my son. You must prepare yourself
for the coming battles. It is your
destiny. If you do not face him,
then your Earth parents will die.
So will Lana. The fate of Earth and
the universe rests on your
shoulders, Kal-El.
CLARK
Why me? Why did all of this have to
happen to me? How am I supposed to
save the universe when I couldn't
even save those astronauts?
Jor-El stops walking, turns and grabs him by the shoulders.
As he does the ground begins to TREMBLE AND ENORMOUS BOLTS OF
LIGHTNING BEGIN TO RACE ACROSS THE SKIES.
JOR-EL
Kal-El, you must surrender yourself
to your destiny. It is the only
way. It is a part of you. You must
walk that path. You do not have to
mold yourself to it, bend it to
your will. Your destiny is to be a
great warrior. Nothing else. How
you accomplish that is up to you.
You can conquer. Or you can defend.
Do not let the memory of your
Kryptonian brothers be wasted.
ANGLE ON - THE GROUND, SPLITTING OPEN several meters from
where they stand.
Clark turns and peers into the crevasse only to see a true
horror.
ANGLE ON - THE CREVASSE, lined with rock, dirt, and roots,
all surrounded by a faint green haze, are the SOULS OF
KRYPTON. A mass of emerald colored spirits all call out to
Clark.
SPIRITS
Kal-El! Kal-El!
Clark turns back to Jor-El in a panic but he is gone.
ANGLE ON - THE HORIZON, as the great cites of Krypton FALL.
THE GROUND HEAVES AND ROLLS LIKE THE OCEAN. KILOMETERS DEEP
CREVASSES SPLIT THE GROUND SPEEDING TOWARDS CLARK THEN BREAK
AWAY INCHES FROM HIM.
Clark turns back to the first crevasse. Two souls move to the
front. Jor-El and a lovely, dark-haired beauty LARA, Clark's
biological mother.
LARA
Kal-El, a similar fate awaits
Earth.
Those who are not fortunate enough
to die will be enslaved for the
rest of their lives. Do you really
want that?
CLARK
No Mother, I do not.
LARA
Then you must accept where you came
from. More importantly son, you
need to remember who you are.
A tear runs down her cheek as she reaches out to caress her
son's face.
LARA (cont'd)
What I would not do to hold you
just once more, son.
Tears stream down Clark's face as her HAND PASSES THROUGH HIS
FACE LIKE A GHOST.
JOR-EL
Your mother is right, son. You are
not Kal-El. Kal-El is a name that
we gave you, but the man that
stands before us is Clark Kent. You
must not forget that or forget who
raised you. We love you son, but we
must move on now. Go to the vessel
that brought you here and activate
the computer.
ANGLE ON - THE GROUND, as LAVA SPEWS. Smoke rushes towards
the sky as ash covers the cities in a slumber and rains down
on Clark.
JOR-EL (cont'd)
Hurry son, there is not much time.
Go!
Jor-El ana Lara turn back to the spirits.
CLARK
Father? Mother?
They both turn back to him.
CLARK (cont'd)
I love you.
JOR-EL
We know, son. We love you, too. Now
you must hurry. Time is short for
the Earth.
CLARK
Will I see you again?
JOR-EL
No, you will not. We must now join
our brothers and sisters.
CLARK
(breaking up)
No! NO! I promise I will see you
again!
JOR-EL
I hope it will be a long time from
now, for Earth's sake, my son.
Goodbye, Clark.
WHOOM! The crevasse SLAMS shut hurling Clark into...
31 EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS 31
Clark hovers in space fighting to regain control of his
motion, then turns back to face Krypton as a RED SUN beats
down on his back.
BOOM! Krypton EXPLODES! Clark throws his arms over his face
covering the blast.
32 INT. KENT FARM, CLARK'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS 32
Clark springs back on to his bed. The bed BREAKS sending
Clark BUSTING through the FLOOR to the...
33 INT. KENT FARM, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 33
CRASHING on top the sofa, SHATTERING the desk lamps near by.
ANGLE ON - MARTHA AND JONATHAN, as the run to the top of the
stairs on the second floor and look down.
MARTHA
Oh my, God! Clark!
JONATHAN
Son?!
Jonathan and Martha rush over to an uninjured but confused
Clark.
JONATHAN (cont'd)
Clark! What's going on?
CLARK
I don't know. I was having a
nightmare...I think.
MARTHA
That's some nightmare.
JONATHAN
What was it about, son?
CLARK
I don't remember all of it. But I
have a really strong feeling I need
to go back to Metropolis. The
people there are afraid to even
walk down the streets. Suicide Slum
gets worse everyday. People are
dying and here I am worried I can't
save them when the problem is I
won't save them.
MARTHA
Are you sure about this, Clark?
CLARK
Yeah, mom. I'm sure. I just don't
know how but I have to figure out
something, quick.
JONATHAN
Why son, what's going to happen?
Clark looks up at Jonathan: Something bad.
CUT TO:
34 EXT. APOKOLIPS - DAY 34
ANGLE ON, The planet Apokolips. Dante's Hell in massive form.
35 EXT. ARMAGETTO - DAY 35
The city is populated with edifices of DARKSEID, however we
never see them completely due to their massive size and the
heat waves rising from the lava.
Overwhelming power and brute force is life. Dictatorship
unparalleled. Bondmen build to the slave masters as they ride
upon ferocious dogs the size of elephants clad in armor
called, DEMON DOGS.
Overlooking the city is a castle built for a god.
36 INT. DARKSEID'S CASTLE, THRONE ROOM - DAY 36
Apokolips is being viewed on a monitor. The loyal servant,
DESAAD, a wiry and human looking madman, enters the throne
room unceremoniously and excited.
DESAAD
Sire! Sire!
ZAP! A PINK BLAST OF ENERGY NAILS Desaad in the chest sending
him flying. Desaad painfully rises to his knees, a hole burnt
in his tunic and the flesh still smoking, but he bows to his
lord, speaking in a much calmer and quiet voice. (NOTE:
Darkseid is not shown in this scene, only teases.)
DESAAD (cont'd)
Apologies, Lord Darkseid. Our spies
on Earth have sent an update and
the news may interest you my lord
if I may dare suggest what will be
worthy of your attention...
Desaad looks up in reverence as the deep resonating and calm
voice of Darkseid speaks
ANGLE ON - DARKSEID'S FINGER, tapping with mild annoyance.
DARKSEID
How so pitiful, Desaad?
DESAAD
Lord, I believe we may have found
something of Kryptonian origin on
Earth.
This catches Darkseid's attention.
DARKSEID'S P.O.V. as we rises from his throne and stride over
to Desaad.
DARKSEID
Rise lowly servant and report to
me.
DESAAD
Fragments from a Kryptonian vessel
have been discovered in a place
called Kansas. We believe the rest
of the vessel may be nearby master.
DARKSEID
Is that all?
DESAAD
No my lord, one of their primitive
space faring vessels was involved
in an accident yesterday my Lord...
DARKSEID
You presume to think this may
interest me?
DESAAD
(cowering)
Not the accident my lord, but how
total disaster was avoided. As the
vessel fell to Earth, it was
rescued by what at first appeared
to be a human.
DARKSEID
How so?
DESAAD
He could fly, sire. And he had
great strength, though nowhere near
as great as yours. He carried the
vessel safely to the Earth, my
lord.
DARKSEID
Was it not a member of the Green
Lantern Corps?
DESAAD
No, master. It wasn't human either.
One of our spies was able to scan
the creature and preliminary
results suggest that he is a
Kryptonian, though I do not recall
ever seeing a Kryptonian fly or
possess great strength, my lord.
As Darkseid speaks the holographic map shows what he speaks.
DARKSEID
Over the ages I have encountered
such Kryptonians, though I thought
there were none left.
DESAAD
(kow-towing)
Thank you for gracing me with your
infinite wisdom Lord Darkseid.
DARKSEID
Even ones as low as you deserve
occasional enlightenment, Desaad.
Desaad is genuinely thankful for this.
DESAAD
Praise Darkseid.
Darkseid pays little notice.
DARKSEID
Prepare my fleet. It's time we
introduce the humans to their new
god.
37 EXT. LANA'S HOUSE, FRONT PORCH - LATER 37
Clark pulls up in the old Dodge. Lana strolls out the front
door and meets him on the porch with a hug and a kiss on the
cheek.
CLARK
How are you doing?
LANA
Good. You?
CLARK
Good.
Clark looks like he's got the weight of the world on his
shoulder. She gets worried when she sees the look in his
eyes.
LANA
What? What's wrong, Clark.
CLARK
Lana... I'm going back to
Metropolis.
LANA
What!? Why?!
CLARK
Because they need me.
LANA
Who needs you?
CLARK
The people.
LANA
The people? What about me, Clark. I
need you. I've needed you for a
long time.
CLARK
I know, Lana.
LANA
You're so distant from me, why?
CLARK
I'm not distant.
LANA
Yes, you are.
CLARK
No, I'm not. I care about you,
Lana. I care about you more then
anything in the world.
LANA
Then why go, Clark? Why are you
leaving me?
CLARK
I'm not leaving you.
LANA
Yes, you are.
CLARK
Lana the world is tearing itself
apart. I can't let that happen.
LANA
Why? Why not? That didn't stop you
from saying anything to me or being
close to me before.
CLARK
I know and that was wrong. I
shouldn't have done that.
LANA
Then why are you doing that now?
CLARK
It's the right thing to do.
LANA
What to leave me?
CLARK
No. I don't want to leave you. I
never wanted to leave you. You're
everything to me.
LANA
Really? If you care about me you
wouldn't do this.
CLARK
Lana you can't play that card on
me. I'm trying to do the right
thing because I care about you and
if the world falls then you are
going to be affected by it. I'm
trying my best here to do the right
thing.
LANA
Clark... No. Never mind. It doesn't
matter, anyway.
CLARK
No. What is it?
LANA
Nothing.
CLARK
No, what?
LANA
No.
CLARK
Lana...please.
LANA
How can I be close to you when
you're out there?
How long am I suppose to wait on
you to make up your mind that you
want me and a family? You don't
even know what you want.
CLARK
I do know what I want.
LANA
No, you don't. First you want to be
with me then you want to be alone.
You can't be with me one night then
save the world the next and you
know how people are: They are going
to love you one moment then crucify
you the next, Clark.
CLARK
Lana, I'm sorry. I wish that I
could do something --
LANA
You can by staying.
CLARK
I can't.
LANA
Then you don't care about me.
CLARK
Lana. I can't stay and you know
that. But a time comes when you
have to do what you believe is
right, even if no one else believes
you. I can't make you change your
mind about me. If you think that I
don't care about you then you're
wrong. I just wish you could see
that I do.
With this, Lana resigns herself to what is happening and
gives Clark a hug.
LANA
I know, Clark. You just be careful.
CLARK
Come with me, Lana.
She wants to go, but won't say it.
LANA
I can't, Clark. I have a job here,
and a home.
CLARK
Yes, you can. I'm going to do an
interview with myself and turn it
in. I'm guaranteed a job with that.
You can stay with me in my
apartment.
LANA
(struggles a laugh)
Oh, that's slick, Clark.
CLARK
(smiles)
Well, are you coming or not?
LANA
I can't, Clark. I already told you.
CLARK
Lana, please. I can't do this
without you.
This affects Lana deeply as she finally burst into tears.
Clark hugs her again and holds her tight to his body.
LANA
Are you sure this is what you want,
Clark?
CLARK
Yes. More then anything.
(hesitates)
I love you.
LANA
I love you, too.
CLARK
I promise this is going to work.
Just trust me.
LANA
I want to, Clark. I want this.
CLARK
More than anything?
Lana looks up at Clark.
LANA
More than anything.
Clark leans in and softly kisses Lana's lips.
38 EXT. KENT FARM - DAY 38
Clark stands out on the open field alone. Looking out into
the distance. Behind him Jonathan and Martha approach him.
CLARK
Do you think I'm ready, dad?
JONATHAN
It doesn't matter what I think,
Clark. This is your decision.
MARTHA
Is this what you want, Clark?
Clark thinks for a moment.
CLARK
Yes. It's what I was born to do.
Those people out there need me.
JONATHAN
Then you have your answer, son.
MARTHA
Clark. I've always known this day
would come and I've been working on
something for you. It's taken me
years to make it.
CLARK
Mom, you don't have to make me
anything.
MARTHA
No, Clark. This is something that
you'll need.
Martha hands Clark a LARGE BOX. Clark takes the gift box and
lifts off the top. As he looks inside he smiles.
39 EXT. KENT FARM - MOMENTS LATER 39
LOW ANGLE - GROUND, as a pair of RED BOOTS walk into FRAME.
As we TRACK with the boots we PULL BACK to see the classic
image of SUPERMAN walking across the field.
OVERHEAD SHOT - as SUPERMAN FILES TOWARDS US.
SMASH CUT TO:
40 EXT. METROPOLIS, VARIOUS STREETS - DAY 40
The streets of Metropolis are busy with the typical traffic
jams and occasional accidents. People march up and down both
sides of the street.
41 EXT. METROPOLIS, NEWSTAND - DAY 41
The Daily Planet covers a typical Newsstand crowded with
business people buying every copy they can get their hands
on.
On the front page is another blurry picture of the flying man
rescuing the shuttle. The headline reads:
WHERE IS SUPERMAN?
A BUSINESSMAN engrossed in the article and not paying
attention to where he is going, steps out into the street. A
beat up taxi LOCKS UP ITS BRAKES to avoid hitting him.
Out of nowhere a FLASH OF RED AND BLUE scoops him up into the
air and out of the way of the oncoming cab.
An instant later the man is standing on the opposite side of
the street. He and the other pedestrians look to the sky
confused.
CUT TO:
42 EXT. SUICIDE SLUM, STREET - NIGHT 42
People dive for cover as an old beat up black sedan drives by
and a MULTITUDE OF AUTOMATIC WEAPONS FIRE RINGS out RIPPING
INTO a dilapidated apartment building. SCREAMS echo from
inside.
The thugs round the corner. Suddenly a blue and red streak
SLAMS into the side of the vehicle and SCOOPS IT UP INTO THE
AIR.
CUT TO:
43 EXT. METROPOLIS, POLICE PRECINCT 23 - NIGHT 43
WHOOM! The Sedan DROPS from the sky into the Parking Lot.
Immediately they are surrounded by ARMED OFFICERS. The thugs
pay little attention to the cops as they unbelievingly scan
the skies.
CUT TO:
44 INT. CITY HALL, SILVA'S OFFICE - MORNING 44
MAYOR JOEL SILVA, a man in his sixties and showing every bit
of it, puts the latest edition of the Daily Planet down as he
takes a long drag from his freshly lit cigar. He sits back in
his chair contemplating the headlines, the chair groans under
his weight.
His aide, BRIMLEY, shields his eyes from the morning rays
shining into the window.
MAYOR SILVA
Unbelievable! A man who can fly,
lift cars and stops crime! We could
only be so lucky in this city.
Right now I would be willing to do
almost anything just to make the
crime rate level off. The police
are overworked as it is. Without
LexCorp bailing us out we would
have to lay those men off, Brimley.
Brimley looks down at his RED TIE and straightens it.
BRIMLEY
It is intriguing though sir, and
would be most welcome considering
the state of affairs in the city.
MAYOR SILVA
Here, listen to what Lois Lane
wrote.
(reading)
"Multiple accounts of the flying
vigilante continue to be reported.
Eyewitnesses report a blue and red
streak can be seen before crimes in
progress are inexplicably halted by
this super man."
BRIMLEY
Yes sir, very intriguing, but we
have an appointment with your
doctor to attend.
MAYOR SILVA
Yes, yes, just don't tell him I was
smoking again.
Silva removes a bottle of cologne from a desk drawer and
sprays it on his grey suit.
BRIMLEY
No sir, I won't this time, but you
must really give those smelly
things up. They are going to be the
death of you.
MAYOR SILVA
Ha! Not in this city, Brimley. Get
my bodyguards ready and let's get
going.
45 INT. SEDAN - DAY 45
Across the street from city hall sits two black sedans.
Inside the first car, several men, all wearing black leather
gloves, load magazines into their automatic rifles and cock
them.
Each one rechecks their weapon, slide on bulletproof vests
over their T-shirts, and zip them up. The driver turns around
to address the men when they finish.
DRIVER
We make this one count. Remember,
Silva has at least eight bodyguards
and his limo is armored. If he
makes it into the limo we use the
new hardware we lifted from
LexCorp. Got it?
THUG 1
This'll be the last doctor visit he
ever makes.
The Thug pats an odd weapon slung over his shoulder. The rest
nod in agreement.
DRIVER
Okay, get your masks on and let's
do this.
46 EXT. CITY HALL - CONTINUOUS 46
EIGHT LARGE AND ARMED BODY GUARDS step out onto the sidewalk
and survey the streets. Each one dressed in a black suit and
wearing sunglasses. They scan the immediate rooftops. No
immediate danger. The Lead Body Guard motions for the Mayor
and his aide to walk out the front doors of City Hall.
As the Mayor and his aide step out onto the street, six men
quickly exit from two sedans parked down the opposite street.
Without hesitation, Silva and Brimley BOLT for the limo as
the BODYGUARDS SPIN AND BEGIN TO DRAW THEIR PISTOLS.
Too slow. A hail of GUNFIRE ERUPTS from the assassin's M-16.
The back of a guard's head EXPLODES as a round scores,
sending his lifeless body toppling to the street.
Brimley gets behind the car and starts crawling down the
street, blood streaming from his leg.
Another bodyguard is KNOCKED TO THE GROUND. He tries to stand
back up, clutching his thigh, but ANOTHER ROUND of fire tears
into his body armor JERKING HIM BACK ONTO THE STREET, holding
his chest.
Another bodyguards manages to HIT one of the mafia goons in
the arm, sending him reeling back into one of the other men.
The Mayor makes it into the limo unharmed and motions for the
driver to get out of there. The Mayor looks out the front
windshield to see a man drop his M-16 and raise what appears
to be a TEAR GAS LAUNCHER. The Mayor ducks for cover.
The man across the street pulls the trigger and the round
SLAMS into the grill of the bulletproof limousine. The
vehicle LEAPS STRAIGHT INTO THE AIR, FIRE ERUPTING AS THE GAS
TANKS RUPTURE.
The driver inside is RIPPED TO SHREDS AND THE BODYGUARDS ARE
BLOWN TO PIECES by the round. THE FRONT WINDOWS AND DOORS OF
CITY HALL SHATTER AS SHRAPNEL RIPS INTO THE BUILDING.
Brimley just manages to dive around the corner as the vehicle
FLIPS OVER LANDING UPSIDE DOWN.
IN THE LIMO
The Mayor is injured; burned and shrapnel stuck in his
shoulder. He tries to open the door, but the body of the
vehicle is bent and the doors are jammed. The Mayor looks at
the roof: caved in and crawling out of the shattered windows
is futile.
Desperately the Mayor kicks at the door but to no avail.
Smoke begins choking him and fire begins creeping towards
him.
ON THE STREET
the mafia members celebrate and climb back into their cars.
IN THE SEDAN
The Driver turns around and high fives the man with the high
caliber weapon.
DRIVER
Okay, let's get out of he --
The driver breaks off in mid sentence as he gazes out the
back window of the car.
THUG 1
(turning)
What is it?
IN THE LIMO
The Mayor's eyes and lungs burn as he continues kicking on
the door. The FIRE has reached his legs. The Mayor starts to
huddle away from it. SUDDENLY A COLD WIND BLOWS THROUGH THE
VEHICLE, EXTINGUISHING THE FLAMES AND BLOWING THE SMOKE OUT.
The Mayor's eyes widen as he wraps his arms around himself in
the sudden freezing cold. His breath can be seen as he pants
heavily.
Suddenly, the floorboard of the limo RIPS open and two strong
hands reach in and gently hoist the injured Mayor from the
wreckage and eases him to the ground.
SUPERMAN (O.S.)
Are you okay?!
The Mayor tries to answer, but continues to cough as he looks
up. Superman towers over him. Superman bends over to check on
the mayor, turning his back to the men in the vans.
IN THE VAN
Jaws are dropped in disbelief.
THUG 1
How the hell did he do that!?
DRIVER
I don't know but the mayor is still
kicking and we got to take him down
now!
The men jump out the Sedan and begin firing at Superman.
ANGLE ON - SUPERMAN, with a look of annoyance on his face.
GUNFIRE RIPS INTO HIS BACK, TEARING HOLES IN HIS CAPE, BUT
NOT EVEN SCRATCHING HIS UNIFORM OR HIS BODY. He quickly
shields the mayor with his body and moves him safely behind
the still frozen wreckage of the limo.
Superman then leaps into the air and flies towards the thugs,
GUNFIRE RICOCHETING OFF OF HIS BODY. He lands and grabs the
first thug by the neck and SMASHES HIM THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW
as if he were tossing trash into a dumpster.
Another OPENS up FULL AUTO as SUPERMAN'S HAND SHOOTS OUT,
FASTER THAN WE CAN SEE, AND CRUSHES THE WEAPON'S MAGAZINE.
The pressure cooks off the rounds in the magazine, but they
fire harmlessly inside his hand. With a FLICK OF HIS FINGER
to his forehead, the man is rendered UNCONSCIOUS and
collapses in a heap.
Another tries to change tactics and swings his rifle like a
ball bat and HITS Superman across the back of the head
SHATTERING THE STOCK INTO A MILLION PIECES. As if lazily
waving off an annoying insect Superman BACKHAND the man
sending him FLYING SEVERAL FEET THROUGH THE AIR LANDING ON
THE HOOD OF THE LEAD CAR.
At this point the remaining men drop their weapons and get on
their knees and place their hands behind their heads.
Unfortunately, Superman has lost track of the man with the
artillery weapon, who is calmly lining up a shot from behind.
The mafia men scatter. Superman spins around just as the HIGH
POWERED SHELL SLAMS INTO HIS CHEST AND EXPLODES.
SUPERMAN IS KNOCKED THROUGH THE WALL OF A JEWELRY STORE
CRASHING INTO A DISPLAY CASE. A HAIL OF SHRAPNEL SCATTERS
OVER THE AREA KILLING THE MAN WITH THE ARTILLERY PIECE AND
INJURING SEVERAL MORE OF THE WOULD BE ASSASSINS.
47 INT. JEWELRY STORE - CONTINUOUS 47
Terrified customers and employees have scattered and ran for
the doors. Slightly dazed, Superman sits up and brushes the
dust from his body. The uniform shows not even one hole or
burn mark.
An ELDERLY MAN walks over and offers a hand to the once
overconfident hero.
ELDERLY MAN
Are you okay, son?
SUPERMAN
Yeah, I'm alright, wasn't quite
ready for that one.
Superman takes the offered hand and stands up. The Elderly
Man and Superman stare at the whole in the wall and watch the
mafia members still capable of moving get into a sedan and
drive off.
ELDERLY MAN
(good natured)
Well, I guess not.
SUPERMAN
Yeah, thanks for the help.
Superman flies through the hole.
48 I/E. SEDAN - DAY 48
The mafia are scared to death as they haul ass down the road.
Seconds later Superman SLAMS his fists into the hood of the
car from above. The front of the car collapses under the
force, and the tires and windshield EXPLODE as the car starts
to jackknife forward.
Superman casually rises up in the air a few more feet and
steadies the vehicle with one hand on the rear quarter, and
lets it FALL back to the ground upright.
The men inside start to get out and make a run for it, but
stop as Superman RIPS the door off of the sedan. They all
stare up at him in amazement and fear as he raises his index
finger and shakes it at them: "No, no, no."
49 EXT. CITY HALL - DAY 49
Superman flies the sedan back to City Hall and sets it down.
TURPIN
Hey, blueboy! Hands up!
Turpin demands, drawing his weapon and training it on
Superman and the assassins, as he quickly exits the police
cruiser, and ducks behind the door for cover.
Superman casually obliges as do the assassins, who start to
slowly get out of the car. Other cruisers arrive and soon the
entire block is under police supervision, with EMT's
attending to the wounded.
The mayor is on a stretcher, slightly burned and breathing
oxygen, but speaks to Turpin.
MAYOR SILVA
Superman is not to be arrested.
TURPIN
Sir?
MAYOR SILVA
He saved me and my aide from those
assassins. I want him deputized
this instant. He is to be given
every bit of cooperation that he
needs.
TURPIN
With all due respect, Mr. Mayor I
think you should wait until we know
who this guy really is.
MAYOR SILVA
I gave you an order Inspector
Turpin. If you want to discuss this
further, see me in the hospital.
(to Superman)
Thank you, Superman. I hope you can
help Turpin catch those who are
responsible for this.
SUPERMAN
I will do my best, sir.
The mayor is loaded into an Ambulance.
MAYOR SILVA
You do that son and thank you
again.
Turpin does not look particularly pleased at this situation,
but makes an effort nonetheless and sticks out his hand.
TURPIN
Inspector Dan Turpin, MPD.
SUPERMAN
(shaking hands)
Uh...Superman.
TURPIN
Is that a code name or can I get
your real name?
SUPERMAN
It's Superman.
TURPIN
(sighs)
Come on rookie. Let's show you how
real cops handle a crime scene.
Turpin shakes his head incredulously at the prospect of
having to work with an untrained man, who was anything but
normal.
TURPIN (cont'd)
Okay, let's check out the weapon
they hit the limo with.
Turpin bends down, and with a handkerchief, gingerly picks up
the artillery weapon. He studies it for a few moments, and
figures out how to break it down, and examines the remaining
shell. Turpin lets out a long whistle.
TURPIN (cont'd)
This is new. I haven't seen
anything like this before, must be
a military weapon.
SUPERMAN
It's a pretty powerful shell. It
knocked me through that building.
My chest feels a little tight now.
TURPIN
You took one of these in the chest?
SUPERMAN
Yes, it caught me off guard and
knocked me through that jewelry
store.
TURPIN
You're serious? Man if you're
telling the truth I really hope you
are on our side.
SUPERMAN
Trust me.
TURPIN
Don't worry; I'll give you a fair
shake.
Turpin starts to hand the weapon over to Superman, who
doesn't accept it and just stares at it.
TURPIN (cont'd)
Well, are you going to look at it
or not?
SUPERMAN
It's a LexCorp design.
TURPIN
How the hell do you know that?
SUPERMAN
(points)
Because it's written on the side of
gun.
TURPIN
Oh, for a minute I thought you
could see through things.
SUPERMAN
Uh, I can see through things, too.
TURPIN
(not believing)
What? Like an X-ray?
SUPERMAN
Yes, I'm serious.
TURPIN
Prove it.
SUPERMAN
You have a pacemaker.
TURPIN
Oh, shit! You weren't kidding?
SUPERMAN
No, I wasn't.
TURPIN
That's impressive but just remember
they're are other people with
abilities on this planet.
SUPERMAN
(curiously)
What do you mean?
Turpin looks over at a parked cruiser with Driver handcuffed
next to an officer.
TURPIN
I'll tell you later. Let's talk to
this guy.
Turpin and Superman walk over to a police cruiser as an
officer yanks the getaway driver from the lead car out.
DRIVER
Hey, watch it, man. I don't approve
of police brutality.
SUPERMAN
How did you get LexCorp weapons?
The Driver looks at Superman then SPITS at his feet. Superman
steps back, surprised. Turpin grabs the man by the throat and
slams him into the cruiser, knocking the breath from the
assassin.
Superman looks on slightly disapproving of the display.
TURPIN
Listen pal, this guy here ain't no
regular cop. You know he can mash
you to pulp and make it real
painful. So I suggest you spill it,
or he is going to spill you all
over the street!
The arrogant man smiles at Turpin, not affected at all by the
threat. Superman catches the assassin's eyes, and for a
little emphasis, he flashes his heat vision briefly, causing
his eyes to GLOW.
The driver looks down then starts to shrink back against the
cruiser. Superman and Turpin both follow his gaze and see an
ever increasing wet spot forming on the man's pants. Superman
and Turpin both look back up at the man and shake their
heads.
TURPIN (cont'd)
Now talk, before he gets irritated.
CUT TO:
50 EXT. LEXCORP - DAY 50
LexCorp towers like an ancient god over the city.
51 INT. LEXCORP, LEX'S OFFICE - DAY 51
Lex Luthor SLAMS his hand down hard on his expensive desk.
The interior of the office alone would run in the millions.
Across from Luthor sits some bad men in suits and ties. A
slight smile across their faces.
LEX
I have told you for the last time
to stay out of my warehouses! The
CDR project is a military contract
and I do not deal in arming
criminals!
FRANK
Look who's talkin'.
LEX
Listen to me. I let you operate in
Metropolis on a very conditional
agreement with your boss that you
would curtail some of your violence
in exchange for your services.
Stealing LexCorp property is not
part of the agreement, and neither
is killing people, especially with
LexCorp designed weapons.
ALEX
Listen man, you promised us you
could get the Mayor to let up on
us. You didn't come through and the
boss decided to take care of Silva
himself.
LEX
(imperiously)
I am not going to debate this. I
have my fingers deep into the
infrastructure of Metropolis, and
unlike you, I'm doing it for the
good of the city, not just personal
gain.
ALEX
Hell, you profit from this more
than we do.
LEX
Well, I can't pour money into this
bankrupt city and not get something
back.
Lex pauses for a moment, clearly becoming more agitated,
before exploding into a barely controlled rage which takes
the suits by surprise.
LEX (cont'd)
I am through talking about this!
Our deal is off! You tell your boss
that I will no longer allow him to
do business in Metropolis! I own
Metropolis, and no one is going to
ruin this city while I live!
FRANK
Are you sure about that, Luthor?
LEX
Yes. Now get out and never return
to my office again.
FRANK
Well, if that's the way you want
it.
Simultaneously, the five men reach for concealed pistols. Lex
dives behind his bullet proof desk and draws an H&K MP5 sub
machine-gun from a hidden drawer.
Pistol rounds RICOCHET off the desk and bulletproof glass
windows and SMASHING into the walls and ceiling sending
clouds of dust and debris everywhere.
Using the desk for cover Lex holds his arm over the desk and
pulls the trigger. The SAFETY is on.
LEX
Damn!
The men fire several more rounds trying to flank Luthor as
they cover the desk with their pistols.
ANGLE ON - LEX, as the safety is jammed.
Frank starts to step around the desk and stops. His eyes
widen.
ANGLE ON - SUPERMAN, hovering outside the window.
ALEX
Who the hell is that?
FRANK
I don't know, but he ain't getting
in here. That glass is bulletproof
just like everything else in here.
Superman's eyes begin to GLOW an intense ruby red color and
similar colored beams STRIKE the glass, causing it to MELT
away in just seconds. Superman glides through the new hole.
SUPERMAN
Stop now and drop your weapons and
I will do you no harm.
ALEX
(raising his gun)
Screw you!
Superman steps forward as several shells BOUNCE harmlessly
off of his chest. Frank loses his nerve and throws down his
gun, surrendering. The other thugs quickly do the same.
ON LEX
As he finally turns off the safety.
LEX
Ha!
Lex leaps up on his desk and with a BATTLE CRY SPRAYS BULLETS
around the room...
and misses EVERYONE but Superman.
Lex stares dumbfounded at Superman for a LONG BEAT as the
remains of expensive vases and pictures fall to the ground.
Finally --
SUPERMAN
Lex Luthor, my name is --
BAM! Luthor SHOOTS at round at Superman's chest. Superman
looks down at his chest in disbelief then back at Luthor.
SUPERMAN (cont'd)
What are you doing?
LEX
(with a smile)
Sorry, I had to make sure. Who are
you?
Superman shakes his head.
SUPERMAN
My name is Superman.
LEX
And your reason for being here?
SUPERMAN
I'm here to bring you in for
questioning.
LEX
I thought you were here to save me,
now you want to arrest me. On what
charge?
SUPERMAN
Aiding and abetting known
criminals, and the illegal
distribution of weapons without the
proper permits.
Luthor bursts out into a brief moment of laughter. Superman
smiles. Luthor signals Superman to give him one minute.
Superman looks down at the suits who return the look.
Luthor reaches inside his jacket pocket for a cell phone and
flips it open.
LEX
How much and where?
SUPERMAN
Excuse me?
LEX
How much money do you want and
where do you want it? A briefcase?
A Swiss bank account? Can't do a
French bank account. Saddam ruined
it for everyone.
SUPERMAN
I'm sorry but I can't do that.
LEX
Sure you can, everyone has their
price, and it looks like you are in
serious need of a fashion
consultant. To be honest it looks
like your mother made that outfit
for you.
Police SIRENS begin wailing as Superman turns red in the face
but holds his temper and steps forward to seize Luthor.
CUT TO:
52 EXT. METROPOLIS, POLICE PRECINCT 23 - MOMENTS LATER 52
Superman lands gracefully in front of the Metropolis Police
Precinct as the Police pull up with Luthor in the squad car.
Superman opens the door for Luthor then gives Lex a slight
nudge towards the door as dozens of officers gather around
and follow the two men inside.
53 INT. METROPOLIS, POLICE PRECINCT 23 - DAY 53
Inside, the building is in worse shape than it is on the
outside. The central Precinct in Metropolis looks like it
belongs in Suicide Slum.
Dan Turpin and POLICE COMMISSIONER GORDON JAMES, African
American and the best dressed man in the precinct, are
arguing with Lois at the front desk.
GORDON
I am sorry Miss Lane, but you
cannot be present during the
questioning process.
LOIS
Well, can I at least get an
interview with you afterwards? I
have known for quite some time that
Luthor was involved in some shady
business, but never could find
adequate proof.
GORDON
Miss Lane, I'm a busy man and right
now I don't have time for this. You
can ask me questions during the
press conference scheduled for this
afternoon but I am not going to
give any exclusives on the
assassination attempt or answer any
questions on why we are questioning
Lex Luthor.
LOIS
So Luthor is connected. How so?
GORDON
How I wish your police scanner
would break. No further comment,
Miss. Lane.
LOIS
If it ever does, I got two more as
backup.
At that moment the trio finally notice the gathered crowd and
the two men in the center of the hallway, Superman and
Luthor.
Turpin nods at Superman then grins smugly at Luthor.
TURPIN
Well, well, look what we got here.
Looks like ol' Lex finally got
busted.
LEX
It's nice to see you again too,
Inspector Turpin.
Gordon steps forward and grasps Superman's hand and shakes it
enthusiastically, grinning a broad, almost blinding white
smile.
James glares over at Lois.
GORDON
(to Superman)
This way please.
James leads Superman, Turpin and Luthor down the hall. Lois
tries once more to get in but gets the door closed on in her
face.
54 INT. INTERRAGATION ROOM - DAY 54
Lex is lead around the table and set at the head of it while
James continues the ass kissing.
GORDON
It's a pleasure to finally meet
you, Superman. My name is Gordon
James and I'm the Commissioner of
the Metropolis Police Department.
SUPERMAN
It's a pleasure to meet you too,
Commissioner.
James walks over instinctively to the window blinds and
closes them the very second Lois' face pops into frame. The
wall is KICKED IMMEDIATELY.
GORDON
You have really been giving the
criminals of this city something to
be afraid of for once.
SUPERMAN
I'm not here to terrorize anyone
sir, just to do what is right.
GORDON
Excellent answer. Ever think of
running for a political office?
SUPERMAN
I'm not a politician. I'm just here
to help with the investigation.
TURPIN
Oh, after what those mafia guys
told us after the hit on the mayor,
I'm afraid we have plenty of
questions for old baldly over here.
LEX
(nodding to Turpin's gut)
Yes, I'm sure you do Inspector
Turpin. In fact, I am fully
prepared to answer any and all diet
and fitness questions you in
particular may have.
TURPIN
Oh, it's going to one of those
nights isn't it?
LEX
Well, that would be fun and all
Inspector, but my lawyer will be
present before I answer any
questions or engage in any
extracurricular activities.
Understand?
TURPIN
Why of course your majesty. How
improper of me to suggest
otherwise.
Turpin mock bows. Gordon shakes his head and turns to
Superman.
GORDON
Before you go out there, a quick
word about Miss. Lane.
SUPERMAN
Yes?
GORDON
Don't mind her. She has been on our
heels ever since she was hired at
the Daily Planet. She's a great
reporter, that's why I put up with
her. I respect her integrity and
dedication. We need more people
like that in this city. What you
did for the Mayor today was
spectacular and another example of
what I am talking about. Speaking
of the Mayor, he wants to have a
celebration in your honor as soon
as he is out of the hospital. What
do you say to that?
SUPERMAN
I'm sorry but I don't think that
would be fair. People don't pay
taxes so one man can be celebrated
for doing something that was
absolutely no danger to himself.
GORDON
Ahhh...a working class hero. The
people of this city will eat that
up. You don't mind if I reiterate
what you have said here to the
press do you?
SUPERMAN
You can, but only if you do it for
a friend of mine.
GORDON
Who would that be?
SUPERMAN
Clark Kent.
GORDON
Kent? Does he work for the Planet?
SUPERMAN
No, but I have it on good authority
that he will be very soon.
GORDON
I'll make sure to make some time
for him if he stops by. Once again,
it was a pleasure meeting you, but
I have some business to attend to.
Good day.
SUPERMAN
You too.
Gordon opens the door.
55 INT. POLICE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 55
Superman steps through the door as James closes it, trapping
him with Lois.
LOIS
Hello Superman, I'm Lois Lane,
reporter for the Daily Planet. Do
you mind if I ask you a few
questions?
SUPERMAN
I'm sorry, Miss. Lane. I don't
really have time. I need to get
back out in the city.
LOIS
Yes I understand, but this will
only take a moment.
SUPERMAN
I'm sorry Miss. Lane, but I have
already given an interview to a
reporter this morning and I don't
have time to do another one.
LOIS
What? Who? It wasn't that bimbo Cat
Grant was it? I swear, all you need
is blonde hair and a big set of --
SUPERMAN
No, Miss. Lane. I haven't spoken to
Ms. Grant. A reporter I saved from
a near car accident today.
In the interest of full disclosure
he's also a close friend.
LOIS
What? What's his name?
SUPERMAN
His name is Clark Kent. Now if you
will excuse me I have work to do.
He turns and leaves with out another word, leaving Lois Lane
fuming.
CUT TO:
56 INT. DAILY PLANET, HALLWAY - EVENING 56
The CLASSIC IMAGE OF Clark Kent stares at us while he
straightens his tie and steps out of the elevator into the
hallway. Clark looks to his left and approaches the
SECRETARY.
He stops at her desk and waits for a moment. She doesn't
appear to notice him as she twirls an ink pen and stares out
a nearby window. After another moment Clark finally clears
his throat, catching her attention.
CLARK
Excuse me miss? Hi, my name is
Clark Kent and I have a six o'clock
interview with Mr. White.
The secretary gives him a doubtful look before paging Perry.
PLANET SECRETARY
Mr. White, there is a Clark Kent
here for a job interview.
PERRY
(filtered)
Have him wait outside my office,
I'm busy. I'll call for him when
I'm ready.
PLANET SECRETARY
Yes, Mr. White.
(to Clark)
Well you heard the man, have a
seat.
The Secretary gestures towards the row of chairs on the wall
opposite of her desk.
Clark turns to sit down, but manages to knock over a potted
tree, spilling dirt all over the floor. He quickly kneels
down and begins scooping up the dirt into his hand and
putting it back in the pot.
CLARK
I'm sorry Miss, I didn't see it
behind me.
The Secretary opens the desk drawer and pulls out dust
buster.
PLANET SECRETARY
(giggling)
How could you miss it, Mr. Kent?
Clark takes the dust buster and quickly cleans up the spill
and hands it back to her.
CLARK
Sorry.
PLANET SECRETARY
No problem, Mr. Kent.
Clark turns back to the chair and for a brief glimpse we see
the real Clark smile.
57 INT. SUBWAY, FOURTH CAR - DAY 57
Lois Lane siting alone, and pissed off, takes out her cell
phone from her purse and calls Perry through a direct line.
INTERCUT AS NEEDED:
PERRY
Yes, Lois.
LOIS
Perry I tried to get an interview
with Superman.
PERRY
What do you mean tried? Why didn't
you get it?
LOIS
He said he already gave an
exclusive to a reporter named Clark
Kent. Have you ever heard of him?
PERRY
Kent?
LOIS
Yes.
PERRY
Clark Kent?
LOIS
Yeah.
Perry leans out and looks at Clark sitting on the bench like
a schoolboy.
PERRY
Yeah, we just hired him.
LOIS
What?
PERRY
Gotta go, Lois. Stay on Luthor.
LOIS
Perry --
CLICK!
Lois lets out and closed mouth SCREAM in frustration and
throws her cell phone against the wall. Her fellow riders
look at her like she is a mad woman.
58 INT. DAILY PLANET, PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE - THAT MOMENT 58
Perry leans out door.
PERRY
Kent?
CLARK
Yes?
Perry smiles widely.
59 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY 59
Lex has a huge smile on his face as his lawyer, MR. CAMPBELL,
sits next to him. Turpin has been chain smoking for a good
two hours and isn't about to stop as the smoke billows under
the lights.
The Commissioner stares in disdain at Luthor. Turpin and the
Commissioner stare directly at Campbell's and Luthor's eyes
when they talk. Lex's and Campbell's eyes stay straight
ahead.
MR. CAMPBELL
We need to go no further than the
Fourteenth Amendment gentleman and
I use that term loosely when
referring to an ape like you, Mr.
Turpin. Mr. Luthor was arrested
without warrant.
TURPIN
Is that so?
MR. CAMPBELL
Yes. Who was the officer who
brought Mr. Luthor in?
TURPIN
Superman. He was deputized by the
mayor this morning.
MR. CAMPBELL
Do you have any papers to verify
that? Is Superman on the payroll?
Does he get benefits? Does he have
a social security number?
TURPIN
Well, no --
MR. CAMPBELL
Well then we have a problem
Grandpa. Unless we see some legal
and binding documentation that
Superman is an employee of the
Metropolis Police Department, and
furthermore, that he can legally
work in the United States, then you
either release Mr. Luthor, or I am
going to tie up Metropolis in legal
action that will be so long and
expensive, that it will bust your
balls back to the stone age
gentleman.
TURPIN
(rising from his seat)
I think I have heard just about
enough of your crap, Campbell!
MR. CAMPBELL
Don't touch me, Turpin!
Turpin jumps out of his chair and starts after Campbell.
Campbell almost begins to run circles around the table. They
quickly stop.
MR. CAMPBELL (cont'd)
I'll sue you and take everything
you have!
TURPIN
Well, you can have her: everyone
else has!
Lex smiles and leans toward Gordon.
LEX
It seems you are stuck between a
rock and a hard place, Gordon.
Listen, I'm not going to sit here
and try to convince you I had
nothing to do with the
assassination. I have had some
dealings with those men before but
I didn't sell those weapons to
them. You know that is not my
style. Your men jumped the gun and
you put to much trust into
Superman. You have no idea where he
is, who he is, or if he can be
trusted. The evidence that he and
Turpin presented is, at best,
flimsy and will never hold up in
any Metropolis court. Is that
weapon our design? Yes, but you
have no proof that we sold those
guns. If you check your files, you
will see that we reported a break
in and stolen property on the
fifteenth of last month. If I was
selling weapons to them, why would
they want to kill me? Think about
it, Gordon. I know you want me
busted, but until you get some
solid evidence, you may want to
back off before you find yourself
unemployed. Seriously, I wasn't
even read my rights.
GORDON
You only need that if you're being
placed under police custody then
you would be interrogated. This
isn't an interrogation: this is a
questioning. You're free to go
whenever you please.
LEX
If this isn't an interrogation then
why is my lawyer, Mr. Campbell
here?
GORDON
You called your lawyer, Mr. Luthor.
Not us.
Gordon and Turpin exchange smiles at beating Luthor at his
own game.
CUT TO:
60 EXT. METROPOLIS, VARIOUS STREETS - MORNING 60
The Daily Planet issue covering the attempted assassination
of Mayor Silva, and the first and only interview with
Superman, is sold out across the city as people demand copies
at various newsstands.
61 INT. DAILY PLANET, PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE - MORNING 61
Clark sits in Perry's office looking out the window as Perry,
celebrating, offers him a cigar. Lois sits next to Clark
feeling very unappreciated.
CLARK
No thanks, Mr. Perry, I don't
smoke.
PERRY
Good for you, Kent. That interview
has blown every paper and news
channel out of the water. You're a
celebrity!
CLARK
Wow, Mr. Perry. I don't know what
to think of that.
LOIS
Oh, please it's just one story.
PERRY
(to Lois)
Don't forget his exclusive with the
Police Commissioner Lois.
(turning back to Clark)
She's right, though Kent. They
won't know your name next week. I
made some calls and it appears that
Lex Luthor was released last night,
apparently he was never under
arrest as the rumors went. So I
want you to go to LexCorp and
interview Luthor.
CLARK
Yes, Mr. Perry.
LOIS
What? Wait a minute Perry you're
sending this guy to interview
Luthor?
PERRY
Of course. He got the interview
with Superman that my top reporter
didn't and since Luthor got taken
in by Superman it's only natural
that the man who interviewed
Superman should interview Luthor as
well.
LOIS
I read his interview with Superman.
It was far from a first class
interview and they were all
softball questions.
CLARK
Lois I think --
LOIS
Shut up, Kansas.
CLARK
Smallville.
LOIS
What?!
CLARK
Nothing.
PERRY
Okay, maybe Clark's interview was a
little weak but my god Lois he got
the numbers that you never did.
CLARK
My questions were not --
PERRY
Quiet, Kent!
LOIS
Maybe I didn't get the interview
with Superman, Perry but I kept
this paper alive when it was going
downhill and you know it.
PERRY
That was three years ago, Lois.
Three years. And the last article
you wrote before the space shuttle
was so horrible that before I
deleted it from my computer I
printed it out and wiped my ass
with it!
LOIS
You know what. I'm not going to let
this country hick or anyone else
take my place at this newspaper.
I'm the best here and you and
everyone else in that newsroom
knows it. I'll get you a story,
Perry.
(to Clark)
Have fun with the Luthor interview,
Smallville.
Lois storms out of the office and SLAMS the door shut. Clark
sits silently in the chair.
PERRY
Kent.
CLARK
Yes, Mr. White?
PERRY
What are you sitting around here
for?! Go get the interview!
CLARK
(jumping to his feet)
Yes, Mr. White.
Clark runs towards the door -- BOOM -- runs face first into
it.
PERRY
Open the damn door, Kent!
Clark holds his nose and opens the door and leaves the
office.
CUT TO:
62 INT. LEXCORP, HALLWAY - MORNING 62
Clark approaches the RECEPTIONIST, MS. VALE. He decides to
try and drop the goofy Clark Kent act and try to make an
impression on the woman.
CLARK
Hello, I'm Clark Kent. I'm here to
see Lex.
MISS. VALE
Who?
Clark leans his elbow on the desk and flashes a smile.
CLARK
Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily
Planet.
She not impressed and begins to check Lex's appointments.
MISS. VALE
I'm sorry Mr. Kent but Mr. Luthor
isn't expecting you. You will have
to make an appointment.
Clark starts to object when an intercom buzzes at her desk.
LEX
(filtered)
Send Clark up, Miss. Vale.
MISS. VALE
Yes, Mr. Luthor.
63 INT. LEXCORP, LEX'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 63
Lex's office is as pristine as ever. Not a single trace of a
bullet hole or broken glass or dust can be found.
Lex is seated at his desk reading a copy of the latest
edition of the Daily Planet when there is a KNOCK on the
door.
LEX
Come in, Clark!
Lex lays the paper on his desk as Clark steps forward.
LEX (cont'd)
Good morning, Clark. The last time
we talked you were a sophomore at
Met U. How long ago was that? Five,
six years?
Lex stands up and shakes Clark's hand.
CLARK
Something like that, Lex. How have
you been?
LEX
Well other than having my life
almost extinguished for the second
time this year, I'm doing pretty
well. I just finished reading your
article on Superman. It makes for
an interesting read.
CLARK
Yes it was a very interesting
interview. Speaking of interviews
that's why I am here. I was
wondering if I could get a one on
one with you?
LEX
Tell you what, Kent. In the
interest of old friendships, I'll
give you an exclusive interview on
one condition.
CLARK
What is that?
LEX
That you answer two questions for
me.
CLARK
Okay, shoot.
LEX
First off, where does Superman
live?
CLARK
I don't know that.
LEX
Are you sure you don't Clark?
CLARK
Yes, I'm sure. Was that your second
question?
LEX
I never mentioned anything about
how many follow up questions there
would be now did I? My second
question is: where did you go after
you graduated from Metropolis
University?
CLARK
I traveled.
LEX
Really? Where? And most
importantly, where did you get the
money to do so?
Clark's mind races, think of something Clark.
CLARK
I backpacked Europe for about three
years and was really fortunate that
I met a lot of good honest people.
LEX
So you mean to tell me that you
spent three years in Europe and
went no where else?
CLARK
Yes, Lex. I could barely afford to
get to Europe and almost didn't
make it back to the U.S.
LEX
Are you sure?
CLARK
Yes.
LEX
Then you were never in the area
during the Yangtze floods two years
ago when the river's course was
somehow diverted? What about the
survivors stories from the
earthquakes in Tokyo.
CLARK
No, Lex, I wasn't. I don't know
what you're getting at.
LEX
I'm getting at this --
Lex tosses a folder onto the desk. Clark picks the folder up
and opens.
INSERT: Black and white photos of Clark in various places
around the world. Clark's hair is a little longer and has a
serious five day shadow working for him in some pictures.
Clark's body tenses as he understands where this is leading
to. Lex picks up two photos and studies them.
INSERT: One picture of Clark and one of Superman taken over
the last week.
LEX (cont'd)
I'm talking about who you are,
Clark.
CLARK
Lex, I don't know what you are
talking about.
LEX
Clark you can stop it now. I'm not
like these Metropolis morons.
(swapping the photos)
Glasses on, glasses off. Glasses on
glasses off, it's the same damn
guy.
Clark is speechless then quickly puts on a smile.
CLARK
What do you want, Lex? This is
getting old. I am not Superman. I
can't fly or run fast and I don't
have superhuman strength. You have
seen me hurt before.
LEX
Yes I have but you were much
younger then. As for what I want. I
need an apology first off for
bringing me in.
CLARK
For what? Lex, I am not Superman. I
just came here for an interview and
if I'm not going to get that then I
have other things to do.
LEX
Fine, Clark. If you won't work for
me then you are against me.
CLARK
Lex! Listen to me! I am not
Superman. Do I get the interview or
not?
Lex looks deep into Clark's eyes, Lex wants to believe.
LEX
No, Clark. I am not doing an
interview with you. I believe Miss.
Lane will be getting that interview
instead. Now get out of my office,
Clark.
CLARK
Fine Lex, but you're wrong.
As Clark reaches the front door it opens. A large brute of a
man stands before us... KALIBAK. He is easily seven feet tall
and has to weigh near five hundred pounds.
KALIBAK
Good day, sir.
CLARK
Good day to you, too.
(extending his hand)
Clark Kent.
Kalibak takes Clark's hand which now looks like a child's
hand in Kalibak's and shakes it.
KALIBAK
Ah. The man who wrote that
wonderful Superman article. It's a
pleasure to meet you.
CLARK
You too, Mr...?
KALIBAK
Kalibak.
Lex clears his throat in the background as Campbell squirms
out from behind Kalibak and nods briefly at Clark.
KALIBAK (cont'd)
I hate to rush off but I have an
important meeting with Mr. Luthor.
CLARK
I understand.
Clark steps aside and allows Kalibak to enter the room.
KALIBAK
You have a good day, Mr. Kent.
CLARK
Thank you. You too, sir.
Clark heads out of the office and shuts the door. Kalibak
walks towards Lex with purpose and a complete change in
demeanor.
LEX
(closing folder)
Greetings, Kalibak.
KALIBAK
Dispense with the pleasantries dog.
What is the meaning of this
meeting?
LEX
Superman.
KALIBAK
Ahhhhh. The Kryptonian. I have much
interest in this man.
LEX
Excuse me, what did you call him?
KALIBAK
Kryptonian. I will not repeat
myself again. What is it that you
want, Luthor?
LEX
He's a hero. The people of this
city love him and so does most of
the rest of the world. They believe
he's the most powerful man in
Metropolis. I'm the powerful man in
Metropolis but Superman arrested me
and has tarnished my good name and
image and I want him dead. I want
all of those responsible for
ruining my name taken care of. I
want Commissioner James eliminated.
He's intent on bringing me down.
Inspector Turpin has been a thorn
in my side for years, start with
him. Lois Lane has been trying to
expose me for years and I allowed
her to continue. No more. I want
them all dead within a week. Do you
understand, Kalibak?
KALIBAK
Yes, Luthor. I'm glad to see that
you have finally grown a back bone.
Opponents should always be
eliminated. You have wasted to much
time with these fools. My standard
fee is one million dollars per
head, but with the time frame you
requested, it is double. Also it
will require resources to prepare
my assassins this quickly. I want
access to all of your agents. I
need intelligence. The ones who
were working for me before
were...disappointing.
LEX
I'll make it three. Just get it
done.
KALIBAK
Including the Agents?
LEX
Full access, though, I am intrigued
as to why.
KALIBAK
Something bigger than you Luthor. I
assume you will divulge the
information from your agents soon
enough.
LEX
(smiling)
Of course.
CUT TO:
64 INT. COMMISSIONER JAMES' OFFICE - NIGHT 64
Commissioner James switches off his computer and leans back
in his worn out office chair and lets out a big sigh. He
stands up and cracks his neck. James walks over and grabs his
jacket and puts it on, then switches the light off and
reaches for the door knob.
He pauses at an odd clicking sound coming form the window.
James smiles and walks over and pulled the blinds up. As the
blinds come up he jumps back with a frightened expression.
THE WINDOW EXPLODES! A SHOWER OF GLASS AND BRICK SMASH INTO
THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, SENDING JAMES AND HIS DESK FLYING
ACROSS THE ROOM.
James rolls over, in a daze. A loud THUMP of feet echo. James
scrambles for what was left of his desk and pulls his pistol
from a hidden drawer. James stumbles to his feet and aims the
pistol at the oncoming silhouette.
A gigantic feature approaches, the city lights pouring into
the hole and giving the shape a demonic appearance. It stops
a few feet in front of him and GROWLS. For a split-second
James hesitates.
The creature GROWLS again and starts to take a step forward,
as it does a squad of POLICE OFFICERS STORM into the
shattered office.
The beast whirls at the new threat, its features briefly lit
up by the flashlights attached to the officer's weapons. It
doesn't make a sound as it leaps towards the men. GUNFIRE
breaks the silence as the squad is broken apart like bowling
pins.
SCREAMS are cut short in an instant. Weapons are rendered
useless but they never stop FIRING. Gordon FIRES several
rounds into the creature's back as it BREAKS the spine of the
last officer.
The creature lets the limp body drop to the floor before it
spins around lightning fast and grabs James by the neck,
lifting him from the floor. James struggles to free himself
but can't even pull a finger from his neck. He raises his
weapon to the creatures face and FIRES his last round to no
effect.
The creature pulls him close before uttering a single word.
KALIBAK
Kalibak.
Kalibak SNAPS his neck like a twig.
65 EXT. METROPOLIS, SKY LINE - LATER 65
Superman flies high above the city and spots the damaged
Office wall. Superman quickly swoops down.
66 INT. COMMISSIONER JAMES' OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 66
Superman drifts into the hole on the side of the Metropolis
City Building. He takes in the crime scene with a gasp. He
scans the edges of the hole with his supervision.
He scans the bodies of the men one at a time looking for
signs of life. Each one is mangled. Superman gasps as he
finds Commissioner James lying behind his ruined desk, his
neck broken.
Superman goes back to scanning the remaining bodies. He
stops at one man whose spine was broken, but was relatively
intact compared to most of the other bodies.
INSERT: X-RAY VISION of the officer's heart still beating.
SWAT LEADER (O.S.)
FREEZE!
Superman looks up to sees a SWAT TEAM ready and willing to
shoot, more dangerous to themselves at this close range.
SUPERMAN
(pointing)
This man is still alive. He needs
help.
SWAT LEADER
I SAID FREEZE AND ON YOUR KNEES!
NOW!
SUPERMAN
I'm telling you, you need to get an
ambulance here immediately.
Superman put his hands behind his head,and drops to his
knees.
Turpin runs into James office. He steps back out, his face
pale. Turpin peers back into the room and sees the officer
that Superman is pointing to breathing.
TURPIN
Get on the radio and get an
ambulance here. Mezger is still
alive.
(to Superman)
Is it going to do me any good to
tell you that you're under arrest?
SUPERMAN
I didn't do this. Something else
was here, but it got away before I
got here.
TURPIN
Are you sure? Because I don't know
of anybody else who can do the kind
of damage that's done in there.
SUPERMAN
You said it yourself that there are
other people on this planet with
abilities.
Turpin thought it over for a moment and then looks Superman
in the eye.
TURPIN
You go find whoever it was you
think did this but we are going to
do a full investigation and if we
don't find any evidence of someone
else being here...
Superman nods once before flying through the damaged office
and out into the city.
CUT TO:
67 INT. LANA'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER 67
Lana uncaps a magic marker and writes on something in front
of her. She recaps it and leans back and wipes her brow.
WIDE SHOT
Everything in the room is boxed up and labeled. O.S. A dog is
HEARD barking. Lana gets up and heads out the front door.
68 EXT. LANA'S HOUSE, FRONT PORCH - CONTINUOUS 68
Lana's walks onto the porch and sees Superman on her front
lawn kneeling in front of her dog petting it.
SUPERMAN
Hey, boy. How are you doing?
LANA
Clark?
Clark looks up at Lana.
SUPERMAN
Hi, Lana.
Superman stands up and walks toward Lana. Lana stares blankly
at Superman for a moment, not seeing him as Clark for the
first time. Superman holds Lana tightly. Lana then steps back
and looks into Superman's eyes.
LANA
What's wrong?
SUPERMAN
There is someone else like me.
LANA
Is that a good thing or a bad
thing?
SUPERMAN
He's a murderer.
LANA
Oh, god. What you going to do?
Superman leads Lana over to the porch and sits down with her
on the steps.
SUPERMAN
I don't know. I don't know about
anything any more. Everything is a
mess. The police are looking at me
as a suspect. I've looked
everywhere for the guy who did this
Lana and I couldn't find anything.
And tonight I have to write an
article about these murders and no
matter what I'm going to come out
looking like the bad guy.
LANA
Well, don't write the article.
SUPERMAN
It's my job.
LANA
Well, don't write it to where you
look guilty.
SUPERMAN
I have to, Lana. All the evidence
points towards me. If I don't, my
job could be in jeopardy.
LANA
You're just gonna have to write
that article then find out who did
it so you can clear your name.
SUPERMAN
I wish it was that easy Lana but
it's not. There's only one person I
can think of who could help me.
LANA
Who's that?
SUPERMAN
Lois.
LANA
Lois? Lane?
SUPERMAN
Yeah.
LANA
(a little hurt)
Oh, her. That big city reporter.
After a beat of silence Lana stands up and takes Superman's
hand. As Superman stands up Lana wraps her arms around him.
LANA (cont'd)
Well, just remember, Clark. No
matter what. I love you and I
believe in you.
SUPERMAN
I love you, too.
Superman kisses Lana then takes flight.
CUT TO:
69 INT. DAILY PLANET, LOIS' DESK - NIGHT 69
Piles of folders are stacked on the desk. Lois types away on
her keyboard like a woman possessed. The Daily Planet MAIL
CLERK interrupts Lois.
MAIL CLERK
Miss. Lane.
LOIS
Yes?
MAIL CLERK
This just arrived for you.
She hands Lois a small package big enough for a CD.
LOIS
Thanks.
Lois waits until the Mail Clerk is out of viewing range
before she inspects the package. No return address on the
box. Lois opens it up and takes out the CD and places it into
her computer.
Lois reads the screen and beams with pride.
LOIS (cont'd)
(under her breath)
Try getting LexCorp informants,
Clark. Then you might be a
challenge.
Lois take out the CD and puts in her purse and leaves her
desk.
70 INT. DAILY PLANET, HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 70
Lois walks past Jimmy, who has a box of ink cartridges in his
hand.
LOIS
Good night, Jimmy.
JIMMY
Good night, Miss. Lane.
71 EXT. METROPOLIS, NEWSTAND - NIGHT 71
In a run down section of Metropolis Turpin is at a newstand.
An old gnarly vendor, AL sees Turpin walking up to him.
AL
Hey, Dan.
TURPIN
Hey, Al.
AL
Working late tonight?
TURPIN
Yup.
AL
Usual?
TURPIN
You go it.
AL
(as he hands them over)
Coffee, extra sugar. Jelly filled
doughnut. Daily Planet.
TURPIN
Thanks, Al.
AL
You got it, Dan? Rough night.
TURPIN
Yup.
Dan hands over a pocket full of change.
TURPIN (cont'd)
Catch ya' tomorrow, Al.
AL
See you tomorrow, Dan.
Dan heads back to his rusted out Oldsmobile and gets inside.
72 INT. DAILY PLANET, HALLWAY - NIGHT 72
Clark walks down the hallway searching for Lois. Jimmy is
reloading the ink in a copier.
CLARK
Hey, Jimmy.
JIMMY
Hello, Mr. Kent. Say you wouldn't
know how to refill this copier
would you?
CLARK
Sorry, Jimmy I don't.
JIMMY
That's okay.
CLARK
Hey, Jimmy. Have you seen Lois?
JIMMY
Uh...she left a couple of minutes
ago. You should try calling her
cell.
CLARK
Okay, thanks, Jimmy.
JIMMY
You got it, Mr. Kent.
Clark walks over to his desks and picks up the phone.
CUT TO:
73 I/E. TAXI CAB - NIGHT 73
Lois Lane sits in the back of the cab as it travels down the
busy streets of Metropolis. Her cell phone rings.
LOIS
(into cell)
Lois?
INTERCUT AS NEED:
CLARK
Hey, Lois.
LOIS
What is it, Smallville?
CLARK
Lois I have a favor to ask.
LOIS
What do you need?
CLARK
I need access to your contacts.
LOIS
No way, Clark.
CLARK
Look, Lois. I have to write the
article on Superman tonight and
right now all the evidence points
towards him. I can't write it like
that.
LOIS
How do you know that Superman
didn't do it?
CLARK
Would the man who saved your life
kill another man?
Suddenly Lois becomes quiet. He's got her.
LOIS
I can't give you my contacts,
Clark. Unless you give me something
in return.
CLARK
What do you want?
LOIS
Superman.
CLARK
Superman? Lois I can't give you
Superman.
LOIS
Bullshit, Clark. You know the guy
and he mentioned your name to me
personally.
CLARK
Look, Lois, I'll see what I can do.
LOIS
No, Clark you'll give me Superman
or I'll --
THUMP! The roof of the cab indents.
CABBIE
What the hell!
The roof is being pounded upon by something on the taxi.
CLARK
Lois what is going on?
LOIS
I don't know, Clark. Something is
on the roof and --
CLARK
Lois? Lois?!
Clark hangs up the phone then looks around and sees the door
open to the corner office. Clark quickly scans it with his x
ray vision, nobody inside. Clark heads to the office then
gingerly steps out the window.
74 EXT. DAILY PLANET - CONTINUOUS 74
Clark free falls stripping off his suit with this costume
underneath. His suit lands on one of the window sills with
his shoes on top.
75 EXT. METROPOLIS, SKY - CONTINUOUS 75
Superman flies over Metropolis, scanning the streets and
spots a taxi cab with a LARGE CREATURE the size of two men,
with lightning quick reflexes, long jagged teeth, and razor
sharp claws, on top of the cab.
BAM!
Superman stops and hovers in mid-air and turns to his left
and sees
TURPIN'S OLDSMOBILE
with ANOTHER CREATURE ON it. Turpin fires another shot which
hits it, sending it reeling back.
LOIS screams again. Superman turns back and looks at
LOIS' CAB.
The creature has ripped open half of the roof.
BAM! Superman turns his head back to
TURPIN'S OLDSMOBILE
As another gunshot rings out. This time the Creature is
stunned and ready to fall off the car.
Superman BOLTS towards...
LOIS.
The Cabbie LOCKS on the breaks as the cab comes to a
screeching halt. The second the taxi stops, BOOM! Superman
slams into the creature with both fists sending it flying 50
feet across the street into a building.
Superman looks down into the taxi. Lois looks up at him.
SUPERMAN
Are you okay, Lois?
WHAM! The creature ATTACKS Superman knocking him off of the
taxi. Superman fights with it as it bites into his neck.
ANGLE ON - THE CREATURE'S TEETH, as they start to BREAK.
The beast stops biting and Superman seizes his chance and
KNOCKS the hell out of the creature sending it FLYING back
against the taxi. The creature SPRINGS BOARDS off of the
trunk and back onto Superman.
Lois sticks her head out of the torn roof of the taxi and
watches the fight as the traffic begins to STOP and watch as
well.
Superman rolls the creature onto its back and begins to SMASH
ITS FACE IN. The creature roars and backhands Superman
sending him flying into a NEWSPAPER STAND.
The creature heads towards Superman but Superman stands up
and BLASTS the creature with his HEAT VISION. No good. He
just pissed it off worse. Superman hits the creature with his
ICE BREATH. The creature SCREAMS in pain and takes a step
back.
The creature LURCHES forward trying to move against the
oncoming gale, but slowly begins to FREEZE OVER.
ANGLE ON - SURROUNDING AREAS, as vehicles and lamp posts
nearby begin to FROST OVER.
The creature takes a final step and FREEZES. Frozen in mid
step, the beast topples over and SHATTERS loudly upon the
street.
Superman calls over to Lois.
SUPERMAN (cont'd)
Lois?!
LOIS
I'm okay. Look I know who set you
up. It was Luthor.
SUPERMAN
Luthor?
LOIS
Luthor hired Kalibak as an
assassin.
Superman FLIES OFF.
76 EXT. METROPOLIS, STREET - MOMENTS LATER 76
ANGLE ON - A TIRE SPINNING, as the car is flipped up on its
top.
Crawling out of the car is a banged up Turpin. He crawls over
to the side walk and rests.
WHOOM! THE CAR IS FLIPPED INTO THE AIR CRASHING INTO A
DEPARTMENT STORE.
The Creature LUNGES towards Turpin's.
ANGLE ON - THE CREATURES FACE, inches from Turpin's face.
WHAM! Superman's boots land on the back of the creature's
neck sending its face CRASHING into the pavement.
SUPERMAN
Sorry, I'm late.
TURPIN
Better late then never, blue boy.
SUPERMAN
This will only take a moment.
Superman turns to face the creature as it shakes its head and
loosens the broken concrete from its teeth. With a PRIMAL
SCREAM the beast LEAPS at Superman with its claws reaching
for his throat.
Superman meets it with a VICIOUS UPPERCUT, catching it under
the jaw and KNOCKING IT SKYWARD. The creature lands on top of
a Hummer shattering it.
The creature shakes its head clear again as it crawls out of
the mess and approaches Superman cautiously.
They circle for a moment and this time Superman is the
aggressor as he moves in for another swift punch but the
creature SIDESTEPS SUPERMAN AND CLAWS AT HIS NECK, OPENING A
SMALL WOUND.
Superman grimaces in pain but spins around and with a VICIOUS
BACKHAND sending the beast CRASHING to the ground.
With a single minded purpose the creature drags itself
towards Superman before finally succumbing to its injuries
with a final ragged breath.
Superman is visibly distressed at killing but pulls himself
together as Turpin walks up to his side.
TURPIN
You okay?
Superman reaches up to the wound and rubs it gingerly with
his hand. When he pulls it down and looks at it, he finds it
is covered in blood.
SUPERMAN
Yeah, I'm alright.
TURPIN
Was that thing as strong as you?
SUPERMAN
No. Not really. Just unpredictable.
Look, Luthor is behind this. He's
paid someone named Kalibak to be
his hitman. Lois can fill you in on
the details. She's a few blocks
away from us but knowing her she'll
be her shortly.
TURPIN
Are you going after Kalibak?
SUPERMAN
Yes.
Superman flies off as Lois Lane comes running down the
street.
LOIS
Superman wait!
(he's gone)
Damn it.
TURPIN
What is it?
LOIS
Kalibak.
TURPIN
What about him?
Lois looks down at Turpin with a worried look.
CUT TO:
77 EXT. METROPOLIS, SKY LINE - NIGHT 77
Superman flies high above the city scanning for Kalibak.
ANGLE ON - A WHITE LIMO, as it heads down the street.
Superman looks up ahead and sees,
LEXCORP.
Superman smiles and SHOOTS off towards the roof.
78 EXT. LEXCORP - MOMENTS LATER 78
The limo pulls up outside of LexCorp.
79 INT. LEXCORP, LEX'S OFFICE - THAT MOMENT 79
Lex Luthor is sitting at his desk studying his PC.
80 EXT. LEXCORP, ROOF - THAT MOMENT 80
Superman lands silently.
INSERT - X-RAY VISION
As we peer through the concrete and steel to spy on Luthor.
81 EXT. LEXCORP - THAT MOMENT 81
The limo pulls up to the front entrance.
82 EXT. LEXCORP, ROOF - THAT MOMENT 82
Superman turns his head towards the limo.
INSERT:
TELESCOPIC VISION
as the chauffeur gets out and opens the back door for
Kalibak. The limo relaxes as the huge weight is lifted off
its shocks.
CUT TO:
83 INT. LEXCORP, LEX'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 83
Kalibak steps into the office and is greeted by Lex with a
satisfied smile.
LEX
I take it you had a satisfactory
meeting.
KALIBAK
Most satisfying. It has been a long
time since I have felt the bones of
another warrior crushed between my
fingers.
84 EXT. LEXCORP, ROOF - THAT MOMENT 84
Superman clenches his teeth, his fingers DIG INTO THE
CONCRETE. He is one seriously pissed off dude.
85 INT. LEXCORP, LEX'S OFFICE - THAT MOMENT 85
LEX
A warrior huh? James was a
politician and nothing more.
Kalibak takes a threatening step towards Lex, anger flashing
across his face.
KALIBAK
James died with honor. Do not
cheapen my victory again.
BOOM! The CEILING CRASHES in as Superman lands on top of
Lex's desk CRUSHING it.
SUPERMAN
Both of you stop right where you
are.
Lex looks up from his desk.
LEX
You're paying for that.
KALIBAK
Stand aside, Luthor. I will deal
with the Kryptonian.
ANGLE ON - SUPERMAN as he cocks his head curiously.
Kalibak SWINGS A RIGHT while releasing a thunderous inhuman
roar -- POW! The punch lands squarely on Superman's chin
sending him SAILING ACROSS THE ROOM AND THROUGH THE CONCRETE
WALL.
86 EXT. METROPOLIS, STREET - CONTINUOUS 86
The citizens of Metropolis stop and stare forty stories above
them at the man of steel as he comes CRASHING DOWN ONTO THE
PAVEMENT.
Citizens scatter as the DEBRIS FROM THE WALL SHATTERS THE
BACK OF PARKED TAXI CABS AND A LONE HOTDOG STAND.
Dazed, but unhurt, Superman begins to get to his feet,
rubbing his jaw. Women SCREAM O.S. Superman looks up just as
Kalibak comes CRASHING down onto Superman's head, feet first,
SMASHING Superman THROUGH the street and into the sewers
below.
87 INT. SEWERS - NIGHT 87
Superman lies on his back in six inches of water as moonlight
cascades across his face and chest. Concrete, electrical
conduit and water pipes are strewn around the tunnel.
Kalibak towers over Superman, GROWLING like an animal.
Groggily, Superman begins to stand. As he does he reaches
over and weakly grabs a conduit. Kalibak reaches down, grips
him by the throat and hauls him to his feet bringing Superman
eye to eye with the powerful man.
KALIBAK
My father will be most pleased that
I could conquer one as powerful as
you, Kal-El.
BOOM! Kalibak UNLEASHES A WILD UPPERCUT SHOOTING Superman
through the street with conduit in hand.
88 EXT. METROPOLIS, STREET - CONTINUOUS 88
Kalibak leaps through the new hole and pulls the prone
Superman back to his feet and grips him in a rear choke.
Superman holds the conduit by his side.
KALIBAK
Now your blood is mine, Kal-El.
Kalibak cups Superman's chin, preparing to snap his neck. At
that instant, Superman jams the end of the electrical conduit
directly into Kalibak's eye. SPARKS AND BLUE FIRE COURSE
ACROSS BOTH MEN.
Kalibak releases his grip, stumbles back, and starts to BEND
AND MORPH into an odd shape. He FLICKERS a few times before
finally, Kalibak the man is no more and only Kalibak the
Cruel remains.
Superman shakes his head, trying to clear the cobwebs as he
take in the new Kalibak. Kalibak is still the same height,
but is significantly wider, and very different in appearance
from the Kalibak that Superman had met earlier.
This Kalibak has an even more muscular body, a square jaw, a
snub nose, black eyes, long white fangs, claws on the ends of
his fingers and a mane of brown hair.
Kalibak unclips a small device from his shirt and CRUSHES it
in his hand as he glares at Superman. Sparks leap from his
hand. The device dims down then blinks out. Kalibak lets the
debris fall from his hand.
Superman looks at the building crowd around him.
SUPERMAN
Stand down Kalibak. People are
going to be hurt if we keep this
up.
KALIBAK
(growling)
Slaves for my father.
Kalibak begins to circle Superman, who is now clear headed
and ready for battle. Kalibak LUNGES forward, throwing a
looping left hand, Superman DUCKS and counters with a
POWERFUL LEFT SHOT to Kalibak's ribs, followed by a LIGHTNING
QUICK RIGHT HAND to the jaw, and another left hand that
SMASHES into Kalibak's eye, sending him reeling.
Superman SHOOTS forward, BOTH FIST FIRST and RAMS into
Kalibak's sternum with the sound of a THUNDERCLAP. The impact
sends Kalibak FLYING THROUGH STEEL GIRDERS AND BULLDOZERS
until he reaches...
89 EXT. METROPOLIS, CONSTRUCTION SITE - CONTINUOUS 89
A PARTIAL CONSTRUCTED BUILDING. The building COLLAPSES on top
of Kalibak.
Superman hovers over the SMOKE FILLED site, scanning with his
X-RAY VISION, but quickly ducks as something shoots by.
Superman turns to follow the object with his eyes.
A CONCRETE BLOCK HURLED BY KALIBAK.
Superman uses his HEAT VISION TO MELT THE BLOCK IN AIR.
Superman turns back as another flies towards him. Superman
SMASHES it with his fist, turning it to DUST. The Man of
Tomorrow slowly pushes forward, DESTROYING each block with
his fist.
Kalibak LEAPS FORWARD immediately after the last block is
released from his hand. Superman SHATTERS the block with his
left then goes for a right hand to Kalibak's face but is
wrapped up in the strong alien's arms and DRIVEN AGAINST THE
PARTIALLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDING.
Kalibak LOCKS SUPERMAN SECURELY IN A BEAR HUG and pins him
against a steel beam that is still standing. Kalibak rears
back and HEAD-BUTTS Superman viciously in the face. BLOOD
SHOOTS FROM SUPERMAN'S NOSE, AS KALIBAK'S EYES CROSS SLIGHTLY
FROM THE IMPACT.
Using the moment to his advantage, SUPERMAN BRINGS HIS RIGHT
KNEE UP HARD INTO KALIBAK'S STOMACH, doubling him over and
breaking the grip. SUPERMAN DRIVES HIS FIST DOWN INTO
KALIBAK'S KIDNEYS. Superman KICKS KALIBAK IN THE GUT sending
him SHOOTING towards the concrete block pile.
Superman QUICKLY FLIES after him and catches Kalibak and
DRIVES HIM HARD INTO THE BLOCK PILE.
Superman reaches down to grab his foe, KALIBAK CLAPS BOTH
HANDS TOGETHER, WITH CONCRETE BLOCKS IN EACH ONE, AND CRUSHES
SUPERMAN'S HEAD BETWEEN THEM.
Superman staggers backwards, holding his ears as Kalibak gets
up and LANDS a devastating right hand on his temple, bringing
Superman to his knees. Kalibak grabs Superman by the head,
picks him up, and mercilessly SLAMS him face first into a
steel I-beam, denting the beam. He goes for a second round
but Superman counters with a BACK ELBOW to Kalibak's mouth,
BREAKING ONE OF HIS FANGS.
Kalibak HOWLS WITH RAGE and meets Superman's RIGHT HAND WITH
A RIGHT OF HIS OWN. KALIBAK AND SUPERMAN STAND TOE TO TOE,
LANDING BLOW AFTER BLOW, NEITHER ONE GIVING AN INCH. WITH
EACH BLOW, THE GROUND SHAKES SLIGHTLY. SUPERMAN LANDS A SOLID
PUNCH ON KALIBAK AGAIN. KALIBAK COUNTERS WITH HIS CLAWS,
TEARING FOUR LONG CUTS ON SUPERMAN'S CHEEK.
Superman steps back, bloodied, and holds his face. Superman
looks at the blood then back at the smiling Kalibak. Anger
sweeps over him like a storm and his eyes began to GLOW
BRIGHT RED.
KALIBAK THROWS HIS ARMS UP TO BLOCK THE BLAST, BUT IT DOES
LITTLE GOOD AS THE BEAMS HAMMER HIM, SUPERHEATING THE AIR
AROUND HIM AND BLOWING HIM AGAINST THE BLADE OF A BULLDOZER.
KALIBAK SLUMPS TO HIS KNEES, HIS CLOTHING AND HAIR BURNT
COMPLETELY OFF OF HIS BODY.
Superman grabs an I-beam.
SUPERMAN
Surrender, Kalibak.
KALIBAK
Never, Kal-El. It is not my
father's way to surrender and nor
shall it be mine. I will meet my
death head on and revel in the
glory of our battle in the
afterlife!
Kalibak lunges at Superman again. Superman SWINGS the I-beam
hard, and CONNECTS with Kalibak's head. The beam SHATTERS.
Kalibak SOARS through the air and SMASHES through another
bulldozer. Kalibak lifts his head up once, then slumps back,
falling into unconsciousness.
SUPERMAN
It's not my way.
90 EXT. LEXCORP, LEX'S OFFICE - THAT MOMENT 90
Luthor is standing in front of a window looking over the
battle zone. O.S. Turpin CLEARS his throat.
Luthor turns around to see Turpin with several officers, Lois
and Jimmy. Turpin lifts up his arms. In one hand Turpin holds
a WARRANT. A pair of HANDCUFFS drop from the other hand.
Luthor smiles as Jimmy takes a picture. Lex knows something
we don't.
CUT TO:
91 INT. KENT FARM, LIVING ROOM - DAY 91
A bruised Clark sits on the new couch with his arm wrapped
around Lana. Clark looks up at the hole in the ceiling
leading to his bedroom.
CLARK
We'll have to fix that before I
leave.
Martha walks into the room with some coffee and places it on
the coffee table.
MARTHA
Jonathan was mentioning that this
morning. So Lana, is everything
packed?
LANA
Yes, Mrs. Kent. I'm ready to move
as soon as Clark lets me.
MARTHA
I can't believe that both of you
are going away together. It's about
time. Though I really wish you were
married before moving in together.
CLARK
Mom.
MARTHA
I'm not saying anything, Clark.
Your father might.
CLARK
Where is dad?
MARTHA
He's out on the porch.
CLARK
I'm going to go and talk to him.
Clark places his finger on Lana's chin and gingerly turns her
face towards him as he softly kisses her on the lips.
CLARK (cont'd)
I'll be right back.
Lana gives Clark an extra kiss on the lips.
LANA
Okay.
Clark walks towards the front door.
MARTHA
Tell your father the coffee is
done.
CLARK (O.S.)
I will.
92 EXT. KENT FARM, FRONT PORCH - MOMENTS LATER 92
Jonathan stands on the edge of the porch, resting on the
wooden rail. Jonathan's eyes are closed as he is feeling the
warm sun on his face and rests in the stillness of the
countryside.
Clark walks out the front door and stands next to his father
and looks out at the field.
CLARK
Coffee's ready.
JONATHAN
Thanks, Clark.
Jonathan and Clark both grow silent. They both have something
to say. Jonathan speaks up first.
JONATHAN (cont'd)
I'm proud of you, Clark. I always
knew you would do the right thing
and you did. I know it's not easy
and that, at times, we may have
seemed more like your enemies
instead of your parents --
CLARK
I know, Dad. There were times in my
life when I just wished that you
and mom would have stayed out but
you keep putting yourself in it,
even when I didn't want you to.
Back then I believed it was the
worst thing you could have done.
Now I know why you did what you did
and I love you and mom more then
ever.
Jonathan smiles at Clark then looks back at the field.
CLARK (cont'd)
Over the last couple of days I've
been remembering more of that dream
I had.
JONATHAN
What have you remembered, son?
CLARK
There was a planet and a red sun.
JONATHAN
(hesitant)
Was there anything else?
CLARK
Dad...two people were talking to
me. They said they were my parents.
Jonathan SIGHS deeply.
JONATHAN
Son. Your mother and I love you.
CLARK
Dad?
JONATHAN
Clark listen to me.
CLARK
Dad what is --
JONATHAN
Clark. Noting will ever change
that. You understand?
CLARK
Yes, but what are you saying?
JONATHAN
Clark, buried in that field is the
answer to your questions. Go find
your answers, Clark. You have to do
it alone.
With a tear in his eye Jonathan hugs Clark tightly, then
releases him and goes into the house. Clark walks over to the
porch steps then looks over at the field, not wanting to go.
Finally he forces himself to take the first step off of the
porch.
93 EXT. KENT FARM - CONTINUOUS 93
Clark walks along a worn down patch in the yard until he
stops at the exact same spot he first took flight as
Superman.
INSERT:
X-RAY VISION - as Clark looks around the field. Nothing
unexpected is seen. A faint BEEPING is heard.
Clark looks down.
INSERT:
X-RAY VISION - as we see a SPACE SHIP large enough to carry a
small child. A computer screen is running SCANS with a read
out in KRYPTONIAN.
Quickly a RADAR screen appears with a RED DOT in the center
and several objects POPPING UP on the radar screen heading
towards the center.
OVERHEAD ANGLE - ON CLARK, as he looks up to the sky.
Confused and scared.
We swiftly PULL BACK leaving Clark on the Earth. We TILT UP
as we reach the --
94 EXT. EARTH, ASTMOPHERE - CONTINUOUS 94
And PUSH THROUGH IT and see STARS and the darkness of space
coming into view until we reach --
95 EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS 95
As we continue forward we see gigantic RED and GREEN FLASHES
on the corner of the frame as HUGE SPACESHIPS are coming into
the Milky Way via a BOOM TUBE. In the center of the screen
the MOTHER SHIP appears.
We PUSH FORWARD to the BRIDGE and see a giant being before
us, DARKSEID. We continue to push in until we reach one of
his glowing RED EYES.
THE END
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