Animation
The Origin of the Silver Surfer: Part 1
THE SILVER SURFER
THE ORIGIN OF THE SILVER SURFER: PART ONE
(#1875-01)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
REV. PAGES
December 18, 1996
REV. PAGES
December 19, 1996
REV. PAGES
January 6, 1997
REV. PAGES *
January 8, 1997
FINAL DRAFT
DECEMBER 16, 1996
THE SILVER SURFER
"THE ORIGIN OF THE SILVER SURFER: PART ONE"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. THE UNIVERSE
As it literally EXPLODES ONTO SCREEN! We PAN ACROSS clouds
of interstellar dust spinning into galaxies, stars
coalescing, planets being born, and, OVER this we HEAR:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Behold the universe! Incredibly
complex, yet wonderfully simple,
it encompasses all creation while
racing toward its ultimate end.
Suns go nova and supernova, the planets near them exploding.
Black holes collapse in on themselves. We CONTINUE PANNING,
TO a group of galaxies -- a Milky Way of Milky Ways.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Within this maelstrom of growth
and destruction blaze millions of
galaxies, billions of stars and
planets.
We TIGHTEN within the group of galaxies, so that we can see
various individual stars, with planets circling around them.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
This sector of the universe alone
is home to uncountable
civilizations...
EXT. SERIES OF SCENES INCLUDING:
EXT. FIRST PLANET
We SEE the COTATI, a species that resembles mobile plants,
living around a flowering oasis.
EXT. SECOND PLANET
We SEE the HWINNIM, a horselike but intelligent species on a
desolate planet, staring into space like house cats...Or Zen
masters.
EXT. THIRD PLANET
We SEE a radially symmetrical species made of gleaming
crystal, moving through a crystalline city.
EXT. FOURTH PLANET
We SEE an intelligent aquatic species, swimming through
cities deep under an ocean.
And, OVER this all:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Sentient life so varied that no
one race would ever have been able
to imagine the others.
CUT TO:
A SPACE STATION
Huge and complex. Various space vessels enter and exit its
various apertures and gates. The spaceships differ widely:
some are sleek rockets. Others are complicated groups of
machines. Others look like biological pods.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Throughout the ages, these
civilizations have encountered
each other time and time again,
and have mingled their cultures
and beliefs...
CUT TO:
THE KREE HOMEWORLD
A super-scientific planet with huge, spiring cities, and
human-like inhabitants of all different skin colors and
shades. The dress here is militaristic: it's like the
Sparta of the future.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Two societies, however -- the
Kree, a race so old that it is the
basic stock from which developed
all others...
DISSOLVE TO:
THE SKRULL HOMEWORLD
A planet like a giant hive, one vast, bulbous nest, populated
by green, reptilian creatures. As we look on, various
individuals change size and shape at will, to assist with
their various tasks.
THE WATCHER
And the Skrull, avaricious
upstarts who live only to serve
their Hive Mother --
CUT TO:
EXT. SERIES OF SCENES INCLUDING:
EXT. FIRST PLANET
The first planet we saw before. Its inhabitants kneel
ceremonially before representatives of the KREE.
EXT. SECOND PLANET
The second planet we saw. Its inhabitants perform the same
act -- before representatives of the SKRULL.
EXT. THIRD PLANET
The third planet we saw. Its inhabitants pay homage to the
Kree.
EXT. FOURTH PLANET
The fourth planet we saw. Its inhabitants bow to the Skrull.
And, OVER this all:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
...Have dedicated themselves to
the subjugation of all others.
EXT. AN AREA OF SPACE
Where vessels from the two civilizations FIRE on each other
in an ENERGY BLASTING space battle.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
For countless eons, they have
battled each other for supremacy,
with neither side able to gain a
definitive advantage.
Hit, a Kree ship spirals away. Then a Skrull vessel is also
blasted, and it too "falls" off. We ANGLE in the direction
in which both ships have gone, then past them TO:
EXT. A DEVASTATED PLANET - DAY
Nothing but gray rubble, all the way to the horizon.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Now a new power has entered this
sector, a power so great that it
makes everything else in the
universe pale...
Massive cables have pierced the planet, and are buried deep
in the empty ground. We follow one of the cables upward to
its source, ANGLING through the gray atmosphere TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
So huge that we can't see all of it at once. It's the size
of a not-so-small continent. The cable we've been seeing
converges with countless others at the center of the
spaceship.
We PAN UP this masterpiece of intricate technological design,
TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER
Here, seated on an enormous command chair that connects him
to his planetary energy converter, is GALACTUS. Like his
ship, he is a being so huge that we can see only one part of
him at a time.
Both Galactus and his converter are glowing as, beginning
with his booted feet, we ANGLE UP dizzyingly as:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Galactus! An immutable force as
old as Time, Galactus possesses
incalculable knowledge and
strength...
We reach Galactus' helmeted head, where we can only see one
set of features at a time. We HOLD on his eyes, which appear
as pupil-less places of incredible depth.
Within those eyes, ENERGY HUMS AND CRACKLES as both Galactus
and the converter absorb the energy of the planet below.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Like a shark gliding through an
intergalactic sea, Galactus uses
his knowledge for only one thing:
To find planets whose cores
contain the nutrients that will
enable him to survive.
Galactus' eyes start to glow. Even more ENERGY CRACKLES in
them.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
When Galactus has found such a
planet, all his strength is
devoted to feeding upon its
energies.
Galactus' glow grows brighter still. He puts his head back,
and from his mouth comes a deep, satisfied sigh.
GALACTUS' HAND
A finger presses one of a series of studs embedded in the arm
of the command chair.
EXT. THE DEVASTATED PLANET - DAY
With a METALLIC SNICK AND HUM, the cables pull out of the
ground, retracting back to the ship. There they close on
themselves and vanish into a seamless compartment.
We ANGLE DOWN TO the planet: the only sign that Galactus'
machinery was ever there is the wasted world below.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
So great are his needs that he
cares naught for any consequence
save his own nourishment...
WIDER ANGLE
As Galactus' ship starts moving away from the planet.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And after he has fed, shark that
he is, all Galactus can do is move
on.
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
The ship moves faster and faster, until the vessel
foreshortens into warp and disappears!
We HOLD ON space. Its very fabric seems to RIPPLE in a
series of waves. Out of the waves, an enormous image
appears. It is the translucent head of THE WATCHER.
THE WATCHER
I am the Watcher. It is my task
to note all events of significance
in this part of the cosmos. Only
to note them...and never interfere.
The watcher's head turns as he looks around.
THE WATCHER
(continuing)
This task brings me great joy --
Suddenly, he sees something, O.S., and he stops short.
CUT TO:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA
Where Galactus' ship comes out of warp at the far edge of the
system. We ANGLE TO a green planet much closer to its sun:
EXT. ZENN-LA COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
PANNING a pastoral landscape that could pass for the garden
of eden. A hilly green meadow. A running stream. Various
animals, with predator and prey co-existing side by side.
it's the epitome of everything we're teaching our kids that
we want Earth to be.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And great sorrow!
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA - GALACTUS' SHIP
The huge craft moves past the planet farthest from the sun,
roaring inexorably nearer to:
EXT. ZENN-LA MEADOW - DAY
Walking purposefully among the animals is SHALLA BAL, a
beautiful young woman who -- like all the others on Zenn-
La -- looks so human that this could be happening on Earth.
THE SKY ABOVE HER
Where a bird that resembles an eagle zeros in as though
hunting her. With a HARSH CRY it dives down.
SHALLA BAL
Looks up at it, and the CRY turns into a COO as the "eagle"
nudges against her for its head to be petted. Shalla Bal
pats it absently as, looking O.S. with dismay:
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd! I knew I would find
you here.
EXT. SCULPTURE GARDEN - DAY
Where beautiful works of wood, steel, even glass seem to grow
out of the grass. Standing before a large sculpture of a
spaceship leaving Zenn-La is NORRIN RADD.
NORRIN RADD
Think of the courage our ancestors
had, Shalla Bal -- to leave Zenn-
La and soar out to the unknown!
SHALLA BAL
But we have had no need for space
travel since the Enlightenment.
We know that the path to peace and
harmony lies within our own souls!
(beat)
Beings from all over the universe
come here to learn our ways!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Norrin Radd moves to the sculpture, running his hand along
it. With another CRY, the "eagle" flies away.
NORRIN RADD
And yet never have I felt either
peace or harmony within me.
Instead, I am driven by dreams of
other places!
SHALLA BAL
But your place is here. There are
even those who say that you will
be the next Master.
NORRIN RADD
How can I become Master of Zenn-
La, Shalla Bal, when I cannot even
be master over myself?
Shalla Bal hesitates, then puts her arms around Norrin Radd.
SHALLA BAL
I believe in you, my love.
Whatever happens, I will be at
your side.
Norrin Radd returns her smile. They're about to kiss when:
THE SKY
With a TREMENDOUS ROARING OF ENGINES, a heavily armed space
cruiser with the markings of the KREE EMPIRE appears,
descending toward a nearby meadow.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The NOISE GETS EVEN LOUDER as another armed space cruiser,
this one bearing the emblem of the SKRULL CONFEDERATION, also
descends.
NORRIN RADD AND SHALL BAL
Gaze upward in bewilderment.
NORRIN RADD
The Kree and the Skrull!
SHALLA BAL
Never before have their soldiers
come to Zenn-La. What can this
mean?
And, as they hurry from the Sculpture Garden, we
CUT TO:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA - GALACTUS' SHIP
As it nears:
AN ASTEROID
Almost as big as the ship, and lying directly in Galactus'
path. A SILVER BEAM OF CHAIN LIGHTNING darts from the ship
and BLASTS the asteroid into powder!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Large but unpretentious, so well designed that it looks
almost a part of its green surroundings. The Kree and Skrull
ships are hunkered nearby, heat waves still emanating from
their silent engines as they cool down.
THE MASTER (O.S.)
Allow me to present our newest
students...
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY
Greek in feeling, covered by the spreading branches of a
giant, flowering tree. Strolling through the courtyard is
the MASTER, a robed man of indeterminate age. With him are
two beings in military uniforms: KALEK, a Kree Captain, and
HUSSERL, a Skrull Commander.
The two soldiers regard each other uneasily as the Master
brings them to where Norrin Radd, Shalla Bal, and a dozen or
so other HUMAN AND ALIEN STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS CIVILIZATIONS
have gathered.
THE MASTER
...Captain Kalek of the Kree
Empire and Commander Husserl of
the Skrull Confederation.
KALEK
My crew and I are honored to be
accepted in your Academy, Master.
HUSSERL
My crew and I are more honored --
especially since we were accepted
first.
THE MASTER
There is neither first nor last on
Zenn-La. Defying your leaders,
you have bravely chosen to come to
us in peace and take the first
step toward stopping the strife
between your cultures.
HUSSERL
The war is senseless. All beings
know it is the Skrull Mother's
Destiny to rule the universe!
KALEK
It is the Skrull Mother's
"Destiny" to be ground beneath the
Kree Supremor's heel!
Kalek and Husserl reach for their energy blasters.
NORRIN RADD AND SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd leans closer to her.
NORRIN RADD
If these are the peaceful ones, I
would hate to see the warlike
members of their kind...
CUT TO:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA - A MOON
WIDENING TO SEE that it is slowly rotating into the path of
Galactus' ship. The moon is much bigger than the vessel --
but still the SILVER BEAM OF CHAIN LIGHTNING darts from the
ship and BLASTS the moon into fragments as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY
Kalek and Husserl face each other tensely. The Master is
unperturbed.
THE MASTER
Norrin Radd, would you demonstrate
the true importance of weapons
here on Zenn-La?
Norrin Radd steps forward, gestures to the guns. Kalek
hesitates, then hands his over. Quickly, so he isn't
outdone, Husserl does the same. Turning, Norrin Radd places
the weapons on:
A LARGE ROCK
With a SOUND LIKE THE RINGING OF A GONG, the weapons dissolve.
BACK TO SCENE
Norrin Radd turns back to the two soldiers.
NORRIN RADD
You will find our world unlike any
to which you have ever been.
HUSSERL
(contemptuously)
Oh? Perhaps someday you can tell
me about all your travels.
This is the ultimate put-down. Before Norrin Radd can reply:
THE WATCHER (O.S.)
People of Zenn-La!
WIDER
Everyone looks up through the branches of the tree. They
gape at:
THE SKY ABOVE THEM
The same RIPPLE EFFECT we saw in space occurs, and the image
of the Watcher's face fills the sky over Zenn-La.
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY
Where everyone stares. Several of the STUDENTS CALL OUT:
FIRST STUDENT SECOND STUDENT
By the Sacred Crystal! What can this mean?
NORRIN RADD
(in hushed tones)
The Watcher!
KALEK
I have seen him before. At the
Massacre of the Horseshoe Nebula.
HUSSERL
My Nest Brother perished there. It
was a dark day for both sides.
Only the Master seems to take it in stride.
THE MASTER
I sensed your presence, Watcher.
You are in pain.
THE SKY ABOVE THEM
The Watcher peers down at the landscape.
THE WATCHER
Master of Zenn-La, by speaking to
you I am breaking my most sacred
vow...
CUT TO:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA - CLOSE ON THE PLANET OF
ZENN-LA
As Galactus' ship closes in.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
For millennia, the teachings of
Zenn-La have been a beacon of
light and sanity in a universe
darkened by chaos and strife...
A GROUP OF METEORS
Crossing the path of the ship. The SILVER CHAIN LIGHTNING
ENERGY BLASTS, and the meteors are no more!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Now, in the hope that this light
shall not be extinguished, I bring
you the most dire of warnings.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY - THE SKY
Where the Watcher's face shows grave concern.
THE WATCHER
Know, all of you, that the being
called Galactus is approaching!
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY
PANNING ACROSS Norrin Radd and the others as they react with
dismay. CRIES OF ANGUISH fill the air.
THIRD STUDENT FOURTH STUDENT
No! Master, what will we do?!
SHALLA BAL
I thought Galactus a myth!
NORRIN RADD
And I hoped him one!
The Master raises his arms, and the NOISE DIES DOWN.
THE MASTER
We are listening, Watcher!
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA - GALACTUS SHIP
Slowing, as it reaches Zenn-La.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Galactus comes with a single
purpose: To feed on your world. *
He himself is neither good nor *
evil. Whether or not you survive *
is of no significance to him... *
Galactus' ship moves into orbit around the planet.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
You on Zenn-La have the power to
reach into the hearts and minds of
others. Your ways have changed *
the destinies of whole galaxies.
(beat)
Now you must change your own!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY - THE SKY ABOVE
The Watcher RIPPLES away as a dark, enormous SHADOW blots out
the sun. It is Galactus' ship, dropping lower into orbit.
NORRIN RADD AND THE OTHERS
Norrin Radd and Shalla Bal hold each other's hand tightly,
as, realizing what's happening:
FIRST STUDENT THIRD STUDENT
Galactus has arrived! Is this the end of Zenn-La?
Everyone turns to the Master as we
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
Orbiting Zenn-La, just above the atmosphere. We ANGLE TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' EYES
As they gaze out at:
A SERIES OF IMAGES OF THE LANDSCAPE OF ZENN-LA
An overview of various parts of the planet, shimmering
against the blackness of space as an incredibly advanced
technological force projects them before Galactus.
GALACTUS' HAND
His finger presses a control stud.
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
The cables of destruction that we saw earlier emerge from the
ship. Spreading like quills from a porcupine, they shoot
down toward Zenn-La.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY
A massive metallic cable plunges toward it, and everyone runs
for dear life.
NORRIN RADD
Grabs Shalla Bal's hand. The two of them race away as the
cable CRASHES down where they were standing, crushing the
giant tree like a twig.
THE CABLE
With a WHIRRING ROAR, it begins boring deep into the ground.
Huge cracks radiate from the cable, and the ground around the
cracks bucks like a bronco!
EXT. ZENN-LA MEADOW - DAY
We hear the CRIES of wild birds, and a frightened flock takes
to the sky. Beneath them, sheeplike animals stampede through
the Sculpture Garden, trashing it as they speed away!
INT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
An uneasy refuge for Norrin Radd, Shalla Bal, the Master, and
the others. From O.S. come RUMBLING NOISES, and the floor
rocks and heaves.
THE MASTER
Quickly! We must begin the
Ceremony of Outreaching!
He heads for the center of the room. Kalek speaks wryly.
KALEK
These are most unusual
circumstances for learning about
peace!
But he joins the others at:
THE COMMUNICATION CRYSTAL
Dominating the room. The Crystal is twice the size of a man,
its myriad facets not only catching and reflecting light but
somehow generating light of their own.
The Master places both hands on the Crystal, and Norrin Radd
and the others array themselves around him, doing the same.
The Crystal GLOWS MORE BRIGHTLY and VIBRATES, HUMMING what
almost sounds almost like a chant...or a mantra --
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' FINGER
Pressing another control on the command chair.
CUT TO:
EXT. ZENN-LA MOUNTAIN RANGE - DAY
THICK LINES OF BLACK NOTHINGNESS burst into being around a
group of the giant cables. Within the Blackness STATIC
ENERGY CRACKLES, and the parts of the cables that we can see
twist and writhe, smashing into the mountainside!
EXT. ZENN-LA COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
MORE Blackness appears, as the ground heaves in a series of
giant earthquakes that flatten a group of country cottages.
Men and women flee from their homes!
EXT. ZENN-LA OCEAN - DAY
It roils and bubbles as the Blackness overwhelms it,
monstrous waves CLASHING TOGETHER EXPLOSIVELY.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY - THE COMMUNICATIONS
CRYSTAL
Its glow BRIGHTENS STILL MORE, the FREQUENCY OF THE HUMMING
GROWING HIGHER as we
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' EYES
Starting to CRACKLE and GLOW as Galactus begins absorbing the
energy of Zenn-La!
REVERSE ANGLE
A HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE forms in the air before Galactus. Within
the hologram is the likeness of the Master. It is smaller in
size than Galactus' head.
THE MASTER
Mighty Galactus, hear my words...
GALACTUS' EYES
CRACKLING with even more energy. Otherwise, they show no
reaction as:
THE HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF THE MASTER
From it, other HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGES appear, STREAMING OUT at
Galactus: We SEE the beautiful countryside of Zenn-La -- the
animals living together -- students from all different worlds
gathered around the Master to learn, as:
THE MASTER
For countless centuries, Zenn-La
has taught the civilizations of
the universe harmony, balance, and
peace...
Faster and faster the Images emerge. We ANGLE WITH them as
they appear, TRANSLUCENT, over the various parts of Galactus'
face. As though assaulting him, they DISSOLVE INTO Galactus.
THE MASTER (O.S.)
We ask nothing for ourselves, but
you must know that if you destroy
us, you condemn the entire
universe as well --
Now the Images change, growing DISTORTED and DARK, MORPHING
INTO hideous, battling beings. These Images also STREAM at
Galactus, seeming to enter his head, his very being, as:
GALACTUS' EYES
CRACKLE AND SIZZLE.
GALACTUS' FINGER
Presses another control on the command chair.
WIDER
As a BOLT OF ENERGY ARCS from the chair --
THE HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF THE MASTER
The energy bolt BLASTS it, and all the other Images
disappear. The Image of the Master shimmers and shakes,
POLARIZING FROM POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE again, only
to VANISH in a CASCADE OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SPARKS!
CUT TO:
INT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY - THE COMMUNICATIONS
CRYSTAL
Where the Master is enveloped in the same SPARKS, his hands
clinging to the crystal like those of a man stuck to a high
voltage line. His body writhes.
NORRIN RADD
Master!
Swiftly, Norrin Radd wraps his arms around the Master. He
too is surrounded by the CRACKLING ENERGY OF THE SPARKS as he
pulls the Master to the floor, away from the crystal.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Shalla Bal and the others fall back from the crystal as it
EXPLODES into a million shards!
The EXPLOSION is all that we can SEE, the SHARDS FILLING THE
SCREEN, as we
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - THE JUNCTION WHERE THE CABLES ENTER
The cables glow brightly. We PAN UP from them TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' HELMETED HEAD
TIGHTENING ON his eyes. The CRACKLING ENERGY within them
increases as he absorbs more energy. He looks out at:
A SERIES OF IMAGES OF THE LANDSCAPE OF ZENN-LA
Projected against the blackness of space we SEE the whole
planet cracking and rocking as the Garden of Eden that was
Zenn-La turns into Hell!
The thick lines of Black Nothingness are everywhere, forming
a giant grid. Within them, ENERGY EXPLODES!
On the surface of the planet, color is vanishing, draining
away and leaving everything drab and gray.
ANGLE ON GALACTUS' MOUTH
Showing a satisfied smile as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
The grass has lost all its color, and chunks of meadow break
off from the ground and hurtle upward, toward space. We
ANGLE FROM the Kree and Skrull ships, rocking with each
BOOMING SHAKE of the ground, TO:
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - DAY
The Blackness CRACKLES all around the nearby cable, and a
SIZZLING finger of it STABS out at the Academy, EXPLODING a
wall! We TIGHTEN THROUGH the wreckage TO:
INT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Devastated. O.S., the RUMBLING and EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE as we
PAN ACROSS the shards of crystal and piles of debris that are
all we can SEE.
For a beat, the only movement is the GNASHING of the ground.
Then, at last, the rubble stirs -- and Kalek and Husserl dig
themselves out. Grimly, they start looking for other
survivors.
HUSSERL
Over here!
A CORNER OF THE RUINS
Where the Kree and Skrull warriors unearth Shalla Bal. She
looks around frantically.
SHALLA BAL
Norrin Radd...?!
ANOTHER PILE OF RUBBLE
From beneath it we hear a GROAN. Shalla Bal hurries to it,
she uncovers Norrin Radd and the Master. Both men are still.
Then, in Shalla Bal's arms, Norrin Radd opens his eyes.
NORRIN RADD
The Master, is he -- ?
Norrin Radd breaks off as he sees Kalek and Husserl help the
undeterred Master to his feet.
THE MASTER
I must try again!
(to Kalek and Husserl)
Flee while you still have your
ships. Take my disciples with you.
SHALLA BAL
Master, we cannot leave you!
NORRIN RADD
We all belong to Zenn-La!
THE MASTER
If I fail, it will be your task to
spread our message!
(beat)
Norrin Radd, I know you have
always wanted to go.
NORRIN RADD
But not like this, Master. Not
like this!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Master doesn't reply. From the debris, he picks up the
largest shard of the communication crystal he can find,
clutches it tightly. It starts to VIBRATE and HUM.
CLOSER ON SHARD OF CRYSTAL
The CRACKLING ENERGY OF THE SPARKS erupts from it, striking
the Master, and, with a gasp, he falls unconscious to the
ground.
KALEK AND HUSSERL
Look from the fallen Master to Norrin Radd and Shalla Bal.
KALEK
It would seem that our destiny is *
to fight, after all. We will *
blast Galactus out of the sky!
HUSSERL
My crew will strike the fateful
blow!
The ground ROCKS with another earthquake. Kalek and Husserl
look at each other challengingly -- and a turning point is
reached. Simultaneously, they raise their hands in salute,
then push through the wreckage.
NORRIN RADD AND SHALLA BAL
Tending to the Master, watching the Warriors go.
NORRIN RADD
The Kree and the Skrull, side by
side at last.
SHALLA BAL
I pray it will not always take the
destruction of a planet to bring
them together!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY - A CRACK IN THE GROUND
WIDENING as it opens between the running Kalek and Husserl
and their ships. Husserl leaps over it -- but Kalek slips,
falls, holding on to the edge of the crevasse.
Husserl doesn't hesitate. His arms stretch out, longer,
longer, and he pulls the Kree to safety.
WIDER
The two men continue into their vessels, ENGINES IGNITING as
the warships take off!
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER ZENN-LA - GALACTUS' SHIP
ENERGY CRACKLES all around it like lightning as the Kree and
Skrull warships draw near. The two cruisers are dwarfed to
insignificance alongside the huge ship.
INT. SKRULL WARSHIP - THE BRIDGE
Husserl sits in the command chair, staring at Galactus'
vessel on the viewscreen. The FIRST OFFICER follows his gaze.
HUSSERL
What manner of being can create a
vessel so huge?
FIRST OFFICER
Captain, this doesn't have to be
our fight.
HUSSERL
If Galactus isn't stopped now, we
will surely waken one day to find
him feeding on our Nest!
INT. KREE WARSHIP - THE BRIDGE
Kalek and his crew are equally mesmerized by Galactus' ship
on their viewscreen. Kalek speaks into a communicator.
KALEK
Husserl! You know what to do.
May you bring honor to the Skrull
Mother!
INT. SKRULL WARSHIP - THE BRIDGE
As Husserl responds:
HUSSERL
And may you bring victory to the
Kree Supremor!
EXT. SPACE OVER ZENN-LA
The two warships FIRE their ENERGY WEAPONS at Galactus' ship!
From the Kree come what look like FIREBALLS, while the Skrull
FIRE what resembles huge FIELDS OF FORCE.
CLOSER ON GALACTUS' SHIP
The weapons have no effect!
INT. KREE WARSHIP - THE BRIDGE
Kalek frowns, leans forward in his command chair.
INT. SKRULL WARSHIP - THE BRIDGE
Husserl does the same.
EXT. SPACE OVER ZENN-LA
The two ships dive to where the cables join with Galactus'
ship. Again they FIRE. Still, nothing happens!
WIDER
Suddenly, a RING OF ENERGY FLARES out from Galactus' ship,
catching first the Kree, then the Skrull. Like the Image of
the Master earlier, the ships SHIMMER and shake, POLARIZING
FROM POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE and back, until they too VANISH IN
A CASCADE OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SPARKS!
Then the SPARKS too are gone, and all that is left is
Galactus' ship. Its CRACKLING ENERGY GROWS STRONGER as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
PANNING ACROSS the devastation. The CRACKLING Blackness is
spreading, and a TURBULENT STORM OF SOOT AND ASH darkens the
air. From deep within a crevasse comes an EXPLOSIVE TORRENT
OF LAVA AND ROCK.
NORRIN RADD (O.S.)
Shalla Bal! Did you sense that?!
NORRIN RADD AND SHALLA BAL
Near collapse, they run from the ERUPTION, supporting the
weakened form of the Master between them.
SHALLA BAL
Two great flames have been
extinguished...
THE MASTER
I fear it is the end of Zenn-La!
Let us prepare.
Composing himself, the Master lowers himself to the ground,
sitting cross-legged and closing his eyes.
SHALLA BAL
No! The beauty, the meaning of
our world, must not be lost!
The Master doesn't stir. He's a man in a trance. But Shalla
Bal's words have deeply affected Norrin Radd.
NORRIN RADD
Zenn-La cannot bring peace to the
universe if there is no Zenn-La!
We cannot give up. We will not!
CLOSER ON NORRIN RADD
He looks at the devastation around them.
NORRIN RADD
Watcher! If this world means so
much to you, show yourself!
EXT. THE SKY - DAY
Where we SEE nothing but the soot and ash -- growing thicker
and darker by the moment.
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY - NORRIN RADD
Raises his fist at the sky.
NORRIN RADD
I know you are there!
EXT. THE SKY - DAY
The RIPPLE EFFECT occurs, and the Watcher looks down at them.
THE WATCHER
I feel great pity and sorrow for
you all.
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Norrin Radd grows even angrier!
NORRIN RADD
"Pity?" "Sorrow?" You dare?
(beat)
What kind of monster are you, to
claim sorrow but refuse to help
those in need?
EXT. THE SKY - DAY
The Watcher's eyes widen. No one has ever spoken to him this
way!
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Again, Norrin Radd calls out angrily.
NORRIN RADD
You have already broken your vow!
Now, you who have witnessed the
depredations of Galactus for
eons -- must tell us more!
(even harder)
You will tell us more!
EXT. THE SKY - DAY
The Watcher stares down.
THE WATCHER
For what purpose? Galactus cannot
be swayed!
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Norrin Radd looks to Shalla Bal, gains even more strength.
He turns back to the Watcher.
NORRIN RADD
You must know something we can use
to save our world! Tell me his
secret -- now!
EXT. THE SKY - DAY
The words sound as though they have been ripped out of Norrin
Radd's throat, and they touch the Watcher to the very heart.
Slowly, the Watcher's massive head nods...
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER
ANGLING UP from Galactus' enormous boots. The Energy
Converter, Galactus control chair, and Galactus himself glow
intensely as we ANGLE TO:
GALACTUS' EYES
Awash with CRACKLING, SIZZLING ENERGY. From O.S. comes a
HUMMING SOUND, like that of the communication crystal, but
SOFTER and WEAKER. Galactus ignores it as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Norrin Radd and Shalla Bal stand in the gathering DARKNESS
outside the wrecked Academy, their hands wrapped around:
THE CRYSTAL SHARD
The same one that the Master tried to use before, GLOWING AND
VIBRATING. The CRACKLING ENERGY STABS OUT, and Norrin Radd
and Shalla Bal reel. But they refuse to fall!
NORRIN RADD AND SHALLA BAL
Exchange intense gazes.
NORRIN RADD
Hold on! Do not let go!
They close their eyes, concentrating even harder.
THE CRYSTAL SHARD
The CRACKLING ENERGY FADES, and the crystal itself brightens,
the VOLUME INCREASING again as we
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' HEAD
THE VIBRATING MUSIC OF THE CRYSTAL GROWS EVEN LOUDER, and the
holographic image of a desperate Norrin Radd forms faintly in
the air nearby.
CLOSER ON THE IMAGE OF NORRIN RADD
It fades out, then back in several times, finally remains
stable. The Image of Norrin Radd opens its eyes.
NORRIN RADD
Galactus! I am Norrin Radd, of
the planet Zenn-La!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Shalla Bal's eyes too are opened. She watches Norrin Radd
worriedly as:
NORRIN RADD
I am not here to beg, nor ask for
your mercy...
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' HEAD
What we see of him shows no expression. We don't even know
if he's aware of:
THE IMAGE OF NORRIN RADD
The most earnest-looking face in the world!
NORRIN RADD
Instead, I come to make you an
offer...
GALACTUS' FINGER
Is poised above one of the controls on the command chair.
But it remains there as:
THE IMAGE OF NORRIN RADD
Looks O.S., at Shalla Bal, then back at Galactus.
NORRIN RADD
I can help you.
GALACTUS' EYES
The ENERGY-FILLED orbs open just a bit wider.
NORRIN RADD (O.S.)
I can give you the one thing that
even the great Galactus needs!
GALACTUS' MOUTH
Opens. At last, we hear our first sound from this fantastic
being. We hear a LOUD, ROARING, DISDAINFUL LAUGH!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY
Norrin Radd can't hear the laughter. He has no idea if he's
getting anywhere. Again, he looks to Shalla Bal, and,
summoning all his strength and courage:
NORRIN RADD
Galactus -- are you listening to
me -- ?
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' FINGER
Plunges down on a button on the chair!
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
A RING OF ENERGY FLARES, BEAMING DOWN as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MASTER'S ACADEMY - DAY - THE RING OF ENERGY
STABBING at:
NORRIN RADD
His body SHIMMERS WITH THE POLARIZING EFFECT! The SPARKS
FILL THE SCREEN, and then they and Norrin Radd are gone!
SHALLA BAL
Throwing herself at the empty space where her lover had stood.
SHALLA BAL
Norrin! Norrin!
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - A BUBBLE OF ENERGY
In which stands a rightfully terrified Norrin Radd! We WIDEN
TO SEE that he and the energy bubble float directly before:
GALACTUS' EYES
CRACKLING with absorbed energy, as we finally hear Galactus
speak:
GALACTUS
Your presumptuousness amuses me,
Norrin Radd of Zenn-La.
Galactus' voice is deep, full, with nothing mechanical or
enhanced about it. If it reminds us of anything, it is of
how we imagine the voice of God.
NORRIN RADD - INTERCUT AS NEEDED WITH VARIOUS PARTS OF
GALACTUS' FACE
Norrin Radd has never experienced anything like this -- no
one has. He's speechless. Galactus seems amused.
GALACTUS
You have set yourself a lofty
goal. How could one such as you
"help" one such as I? I, who need
nothing, who desire nothing --
Norrin Radd psyches up, forces himself to speak.
NORRIN RADD
Great Galactus, you do desire --
to survive.
Galactus' eyes narrow. Then he laughs once more.
GALACTUS
Ah, the tiny mite grows even
bolder!
(beat)
Tell me -- what is it Galactus
"needs" to survive?
Norrin Radd hesitates. This is it:
NORRIN RADD
Planets! An endless supply of
planets to consume! Your constant
search depletes you, and that day
is coming when you will not find
you next "meal" in time.
(beat)
It need not be so. Spare Zenn-La,
and I will serve you as a net
serves a fisherman. Cast me out
into the sea of space, and I will
find the new worlds you need!
GALACTUS' EYES
Within them, the ENERGY STOPS CRACKLING. Galactus roars:
GALACTUS
I am Galactus! My power is
limitless! In all the universe,
there is nothing I cannot do!
But then he stops, his eyes clearing -- and becoming empty.
At last, in a voice like a whisper:
GALACTUS
(continuing)
Yet I grow so weary of the endless *
search...
CUT TO:
EXT. ZENN-LA MOUNTAIN RANGE - DAY
A mass of dead rock intertwined with Galactus' cables and the
Black Nothingness. As we WATCH, the areas of Blackness
thin, the ENERGY within them FLICKERING as they disappear!
The glow around the cables stops. One cable, then another,
then all of them retract and pull up out of the ground!
Timidly, a few animals come out of hiding. More join them...
EXT. ZENN-LA COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
The heaving of the ground stops. Now we SEE not only animals
but the people of Zenn-La, looking around with great wonder
at still being alive.
EXT. ZENN-LA OCEAN - DAY
Growing calmer, its monstrous waves falling back. Water ebbs
back into the ocean from the coast. We TIGHTEN ON the still
water. A fish arcs out gracefully...
CUT TO:
EXT. THE ACADEMY COURTYARD - NIGHT - GALACTUS' CABLE
Pulls out of the ground and retracts back into the sky. We
WIDEN TO SEE the Master opening his eyes and seeing what's
happening as:
SHALLA BAL (O.S.)
You have saved us, Norrin Radd!
But the price -- ! *
EXT. SCULPTURE GARDEN - NIGHT
Although there isn't much sculpture left. Norrin Radd and
Shalla Bal stand near the twisted wreckage that was the
spaceship sculpture Norrin Radd looked at earlier. He rubs
his hand over it.
NORRIN RADD
-- Must be paid. And only I, of *
all those on this world, can pay *
it! *
SHALLA BAL
But how can anyone of Zenn-La
serve Galactus? It is against all
we stand for.
NORRIN RADD
I know what we stand for!
SHALLA BAL
Then how can you help him destroy
thousands of worlds?
NORRIN RADD
You do not understand! I will
guide him only to planets whose
cores burst with energy, yet which
have no intelligent life.
I will save countless
civilizations!
(beat)
This is the true philosophy of
Zenn-La.
Shalla Bal turns away thoughtfully. Then, turning back to
him:
SHALLA BAL
I do understand, Norrin Radd.
This is what you have longed for
all your life.
(smiling sadly)
It truly is your chance to explore *
the stars. Use it well, my love. *
Use it wisely --
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(interrupting)
I am waiting, Norrin Radd!
NORRIN RADD
(calling upward)
Just another moment -- please!
GALACTUS (O.S.)
It is time, Norrin Radd!
Norrin Radd and Shalla Bal reach out to each other -- and
Norrin Radd's body SHIMMERS AND GROWS TRANSLUCENT, the young
woman's arms going right through him.
NORRIN RADD
I love you, Shalla Bal...
SHALLA BAL
Galactus! Take me with him! Take
me with him!
Shalla Bal's strong facade has cracked. This is more than
she can take. An ENERGY BUBBLE APPEARS, but it lifts only
Norrin Radd off the ground. He presses against it.
NORRIN RADD
I will never forget you, my Shalla
Bal!
Shalla Bal's arms reach up toward Norrin Radd. His arms
reach down toward her. But it's hopeless. Tears fill both
their eyes. Norrin Radd calls out:
NORRIN RADD
(continuing)
I swear I will return to you
someday -- somehow...!
The ENERGY BUBBLE takes Norrin Radd up, out of sight. We
HOLD ON Shalla Bal and
CUT TO:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF ZENN-LA - GALACTUS' SHIP
As it heads away from Zenn-La.
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - NORRIN RADD
Suspended in the ENERGY BUBBLE. He is naked, arms and legs
extended, the varying colors of the energy protecting both
his modesty and ours.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
To perform your task as my herald,
Norrin Radd, you must become far
more than merely a man...
GALACTUS' HEAD
Just enough of it to give us his expression as he looks on.
GALACTUS
I bestow upon you a portion of my
own power cosmic...
NORRIN RADD
Gazing upward in wonderment.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
You shall absorb boundless
strength from the cosmos itself,
needing no food to eat, no water
to drink, and no air to breathe...
GALACTUS' FINGER
Presses a control on his chair.
THE ENERGY BUBBLE
More ENERGY ARCS into it!
GALACTUS (O.S.)
You shall be able to transmute the
elements, and to heal others as
well as yourself...
NORRIN RADD
His expression changes, becoming one of pain as:
THE TRANSFORMATION - SERIES OF SHORT SCENES - INTERCUT
WITH GALACTUS' EYES AND MOUTH
Norrin Radd writhes with pain and effort as he is bathed in
various energies.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Cosmic bolts of awesome power
shall be yours to hurl --
Norrin Radd's body stiffens. He lapses into merciful
unconsciousness. Still, the process continues, Norrin Radd's
body twisting, his teeth gnashing as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
And neither the frigid cold of
deepest space nor the blazing heat
of the brightest star shall harm
your shielded body...
Individually, the various parts of Norrin Radd's body change
from color to color, going through the entire spectrum, even
while they are stretched, compressed, flattened, and pumped
full until it seems that Norrin Radd must burst.
He is being coated with every possible element, to protect
him against every possible contingency, until:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
Most importantly, I shall give you
the means to travel faster than
the fastest starship, so you may
soar to the ends of the
universe -- and beyond...
Within the ENERGY BUBBLE another form appears beside that of
the sleeping Norrin Radd. Long and narrow, it is shadowy, as
though encased in a mold not yet broken open.
We HOLD ON the two creations and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - NORRIN RADD
A dark shadow comes over him and the ENERGY BUBBLE in which
he is encased. We WIDEN to see Galactus' hand taking Norrin
Radd from the BUBBLE and closing around him.
GALACTUS' EYES
Look down at his creation.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Norrin Radd exists no more. You
are newborn, my herald...
GALACTUS' HAND
STATIC ENERGY courses around it.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Even your mind is a new page on
which I shall write.
The ENERGY stops. Galactus' fingers open, and kneeling on
Galactus' palm is a muscular figure a rich silver in color.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
Arise!
NEW ANGLE - INTERCUT AS NECESSARY
The eyes of the gleaming form of the SILVER SURFER focus upon
Galactus.
SILVER SURFER
Master! I am ready to serve.
GALACTUS
Then go, my Silver Surfer. The
spaceways beckon -- and the great
hunger is upon me once more!
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
The Silver Surfer holds out his arm as though he's been doing
this all his life.
ANOTHER ANGLE
We learn what the other object in the ENERGY BUBBLE was, as
in a burst of SILVER ENERGY -- a silver surfboard appears
from O.S.
The board soars to the Silver Surfer. The Surfer leaps upon
it, positions himself easily. Riding the board, the Surfer
soars around the control center, continues out beyond it, to:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
As the Surfer sweeps from the control center. In B.G., the
translucent image of the Watcher appears.
THE WATCHER
Behold the universe! Incredibly
complex, yet wonderfully simple.
Tragedy becomes triumph, and
triumph turns tragic once more.
The former Norrin Radd looks down from Galactus' ship, his
eyes finding:
SILVER SURFER'S POV - ZENN-LA
A green jewel in the distance. The Surfer calls out:
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
What of this planet, Master?
GALACTUS (O.S.)
I gave a promise once, to an
honorable man. That planet is not
for such as we.
THE SILVER SURFER
Gazes at the planet. Then he forces himself to look away,
catches a wave of interstellar "current," and flies along it
like a man from earth surfing an ocean wave.
THE WATCHER
Once, on a planet of wisdom known
as Zenn-La, there lived a man of
nobility and courage.
(beat)
Now, a new being lives in his
stead. Behold, the Silver Surfer!
We ANGLE WITH the Silver Surfer, TIGHTENING ON him as he
rides the cosmic waves. *
Faster and faster he moves, until he FORESHORTENS into warp
and disappears!
FADE OUT.
THE END
(cutting him short)
You have failed me, my herald...
GALACTUS' HAND
He presses a control on the command chair.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
But I will let it go -- this
time...
EXT. GALACTUS SHIP - CLOSE ON THE CABLES OF DESTRUCTION
As they emerge from the hatch at the center of the ship.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
For now I am well pleased. I have
found a world with more life
energy than any I have encountered
before!
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - COMMAND CENTER
The Silver Surfer circles Galactus, following Galactus' gaze
and looking out at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - PROJECTED IMAGES
The massive cables of destruction are shooting toward a
planet that is mostly blue, the color coming from its large
oceans. Much of the world, though, is covered with white
clouds.
From up here, the planet looks peaceful, serene -- and
familiar. As well is should. Because there can be no doubt
that the place intended to be Galactus' next meal is:
EARTH!!!
FADE OUT:
THE END
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