Animation
The Origin of the Silver Surfer: Part 2
THE SILVER SURFER
THE ORIGIN OF THE SILVER SURFER: PART TWO
(#1875-02)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
REVISED PAGES *
FEBRUARY 4, 1997
SECOND REV. FINAL DRAFT
JANUARY 22, 1997
THE SILVER SURFER
"THE ORIGIN OF THE SILVER SURFER: PART TWO"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. THE PLANET OF ZENN-LA - SERIES OF SCENES - (NOTE:
ALL SEQUENCES ARE FROM EPISODE #1875-01)
A QUICK RECAP of what has happened so far, SHOWING:
THE IDYLLIC PLANET OF ZENN-LA
Where predator walks side by side with prey.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
The world of Zenn-La! Since the *
beginning of time, its teachings *
of peaceful co-existence have *
shone as a beacon of truth and *
enlightenment in a universe
otherwise darkened by chaos and
strife.
GALACTUS' SHIP
VAPORIZING a moon as the ship moves toward Zenn-La.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
When the unassailable being known *
as Galactus sought to nourish
himself on Zenn-La's planetary
energies...
THE WATCHER
Appearing in the sky and alerting Zenn-La's citizens to
danger -- including NORRIN RADD and SHALLA BAL.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
I, the Watcher, broke my ancient
vow of silence and intervened to *
warn its people of his coming!
PLANET-WIDE DEVASTATION
Galactus' cables BORE into the ground. The web of BLACK
NOTHINGNESS forms. Earthquakes. Tidal waves. Destruction!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Yet I was helpless to prevent the *
inevitable.
GALACTUS' EYES
CRACKLING WITH ENERGY as:
GALACTUS' FINGER
Stabs a button on his control chair. An ENERGY BOLT BLASTS
at:
THE KREE AND SKRULL SHIPS
Trying to fight off Galactus with their FIREBALLS and
FORCEFIELDS -- and being destroyed by Galactus' RING OF FORCE!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Even the mighty warriors of the
Kree and the Skrull fell before
Galactus' power.
THE WRECKAGE OF THE ACADEMY
With Shalla Bal at his side, Norrin Radd uses a shard of the
communication crystal to contact Galactus, vanishing as a
RING OF ENERGY stabs at him!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Then Norrin Radd, a brave believer *
in justice and truth, confronted *
the dreaded foe...
GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER
Where Norrin Radd floats before Galactus in an ENERGY BUBBLE.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And proposed a bargain so
momentous that it would affect the
entire universe!
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN OF ZENN-LA
Norrin Radd bids a tearful good-bye to Shalla Bal, Galactus
transporting him up and away from her as:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
In return for Galactus' vow to
spare Zenn-La, Norrin Radd made
the supreme sacrifice, giving up
all he knew and loved to become
Galactus' herald and scout.
GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER
As Galactus TRANSFORMS Norrin Radd's body and mind.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Norrin Radd hoped to lead Galactus
to worlds devoid of intelligent
life, and so save countless
civilizations from
annihilation. *
THE SILVER SURFER
Appearing in Galactus' hand as the huge being opens his palm.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
However, his body altered and his
memories gone, Norrin Radd is no
more.
SPACE OVER ZENN-LA
As the Surfer comes soaring from Galactus' ship on his board!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
In his stead a new being searches
the cosmos.
Faster and faster, the Silver flies through space as:
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
In his stead soars -- the Silver
Surfer!
The Surfer FORESHORTENS INTO WARP as we
END RECAP SERIES OF SCENES and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE
Where the Silver Surfer soars amidst the blazing stars,
riding the crest of a wave of COSMIC ENERGY.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Space! My home! Was ever a man
as lucky as I?
He flies past a magnificently ringed planet, sees:
THE SURFER'S POV - A SWARM OF METEORS
Jagged, threatening rocks of all shapes and sizes -- heading
directly at him.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
He cuts along the face of the ENERGY WAVE, meeting the swarm.
Crouching lower on his board, the Surfer zigs and zags
through the meteors like flags on a slalom.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Who but the Silver Surfer can soar
the cosmic currents and be one
with the many wonders of the
galaxies?
WIDER
The Surfer squeaks between the last two meteors, slows. He
raises his head.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
And yet, even now, I feel
confused, and uncertain. Where do *
I come from? Why do I serve -- ?
The Surfer stops. His gaze sweeps across:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - SPACE
It's like looking at an infra-red scanner or heat tracker.
Instead of the blackness of space we SEE GLOWING LEVELS OF
ENERGY, each shown in a DIFFERENT COLOR. We TIGHTEN ON a HOT
RED IMAGE and:
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
His eyes too start to GLOW.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Ah! My probe has found possible
nourishment for my master!
He slides into the tube of another COSMIC WAVE.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
I must learn more!
The Surfer shoots forward, FORESHORTENING INTO WARP as we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ANOTHER PART OF SPACE - THE PLANET DRACO
Hanging in the darkness, the home of a flourishing
technological civilization. Orbiting around Draco are
various artificial satellites, bristling with protuberances.
TIGHTENING PAST the satellites, we SEE that the surface too
is a construct, an interlocking series of constantly moving
structures that make Draco one huge, mechanical -- almost
clockwork -- city.
THE SILVER SURFER
His GLOWING form WARPS IN high above the planet, and he looks
down thoughtfully.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Strange...the surface of this
world is entirely artificial. I
shall search past it...
The Surfer skims down into the upper reaches of Draco's
atmosphere.
ONE OF THE ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
As the Silver Surfer passes it. It's various surfaces turn,
keeping the Surfer in view. Within them COLORED LIGHTS
FLASH. We TIGHTEN ON the lights and:
FIRST MINISTER IVAR (O.S.)
Lord Glenn! The monitor
satellites are picking up an
intruder!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET DRACO - DAY - PLANETARY COUNCIL BUILDING
An imposing edifice marked with a stylistic PLANETARY SEAL.
FIRST MINISTER IVAR (O.S.)
The planetary database confirms
it: The Silver Surfer has entered
our space!
INT. PLANETARY COUNCIL BUILDING - DAY - A VIEWSCREEN
Covering the entire dome of the council room. Upon it, we
SEE various views of the Silver Surfer.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO - THE SILVER SURFER
His eyes GLOW EVEN MORE BRIGHTLY as he looks down at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - DRACO
Again, we get the SCANNER EFFECT, but this time the various
layers of the planet APPEAR to be stripped away, one by one,
each succeeding layer GLOWING MORE REDLY. First the natural
surface of the planet APPEARS to the Surfer, then the lower
layer of bedrock -- and then the ENERGY-RICH CORE!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Nodding with satisfaction. His board pulls up as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Yes! The necessary energy lies
within. This planet can indeed
ease great Galactus' hunger!
He turns his head back toward the depths of space.
CUT TO:
INT. PLANETARY COUNCIL BUILDING - DAY - A VIEWSCREEN
All the images of the Surfer raise both hands in the air and
bring them together. A BEAM OF PALE BLUE ENERGY SHOOTS out
from the Surfer's raised hands: This is a COMMUNICATION
BEAM, stabbing out to space.
As this is occurring, we WIDEN TO SEE, silhouetted below the
dome, the shadowy figures of the Planetary Council. All we
can make out is that they're humanoid.
FIRST MINISTER IVAR (O.S.)
My Lord! He's sending out the
call to Galactus!
REVERSE ANGLE
Now, at last, we can see the DRACONIANS: Humanoid ROBOTS
clad in richly ornamental robes, they match their planet
perfectly.
FIRST COUNCILMAN SECOND COUNCILMAN
Oh no! He must be stopped!
From his place at the head of the table, LORD GLENN turns to
IVAR. His voice is harsh:
LORD GLENN
You know the procedure.
Ivar nods. A panel in his chest opens up. He reaches into
it and pushes a BEEPING SERIES OF BUTTONS.
EXT. THE PLANET DRACO - FORTIFIED AREA - DAY
A complex, robotic fortress. Huge BLASTERS, like rocket
tubes, thrust outward from it, WHIRRING as they aim at the
sky.
INT. PLANETARY COUNCIL BUILDING - DAY - LORD DRACO
Leans forward, his robotic finger stabbing at a BLINKING RED
LIGHT in Ivar's chest.
EXT. THE PLANET DRACO - FORTIFIED AREA - DAY - THE
BATTERY OF BLASTERS
FIRE! The SOUND IS EXPLOSIVE as a series of HIGH-POWERED
ENERGY BEAMS FLASH upward!
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO - THE SILVER SURFER
Hears the EXPLOSIONS from below, O.S. He whirls, sees:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE ENERGY BEAMS
Heading directly toward him!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
The communication beam DISSOLVES as the Surfer realizes he's
under attack. Bending his knees, the Surfer catches another
COSMIC WAVE, flying faster, angling toward space.
WIDENING, we SEE that he's moving perpendicularly to the
ENERGY BEAMS -- and they're getting closer, closer, as we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO - THE ENERGY BEAMS
Piercing the blackness of space as they head directly at:
THE SILVER SURFER
Slaloms around the first ENERGY BEAM, and then he and the
board dive under a second. But then:
ANOTHER ENERGY BEAM
Hits him directly. The Surfer staggers on his board, then
regains his balance. But now he's in the thick of the
attack, as:
ANOTHER ANGLE
Another ENERGY BEAM catches the Surfer, and he GRUNTS with
the impact as it whirls both him and the board around. A
third ENERGY BEAM hits, and the Surfer drops to one knee.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Do they not understand? Nothing
can stand in my way!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET DRACO - FORTIFIED AREA - DAY - THE
BATTERY OF BLASTERS
FIRE ANOTHER ROUND!
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO - THE SILVER SURFER
Still on one knee, he thrusts out his arms, pointing at the
oncoming ENERGY BEAMS.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(impressed)
These beings know that it is
impossible for them to prevail,
and yet they fight on!
COSMIC ENERGY BLASTS from his fingers!
CLOSE ON THE COSMIC BLASTS
Striking the Draconian ENERGY BEAMS, one after another.
Where they hit, the BEAMS and the Surfer's BLASTS FLARE UP
together like miniature novas -- and vanish, cancelling each
other out!
THE SILVER SURFER
Dodging and weaving through space to avoid the NEXT ROUND OF
ENERGY BEAMS, the Surfer picks up speed again. Only this
time he's heading down, right at the planet!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Their struggle moves me in a way
I do not understand, yet I cannot
allow it to sway me --
We ANGLE WITH him, going faster and faster as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET DRACO - FORTIFIED AREA - DAY
A bright light in the sky grows larger and larger -- and we
SEE that it's:
THE SILVER SURFER
He extends one arm this time, and FIRES A COSMIC BLAST at:
THE NEAREST BLASTER TUBE
EXPLODING!
WIDER
As, in a chain reaction, the rest of the battery BLOWS UP!
THE SILVER SURFER
Shakes his head sadly. For the first time, he calls out:
SILVER SURFER
I sorrow for you, my planetary
brothers...
INT. PLANETARY COUNCIL BUILDING - DAY - A VIEWSCREEN
Where, without slowing, the myriad images of the Surfer wheel
around and head back upward. Once again, the Surfer's
communication beam appears, directed out to space.
REVERSE ANGLE
Lord Draco and the others watch with dismay.
FIRST MINISTER IVAR
We have other weapons, Lord Glenn.
There is still time --
But Lord Glenn is already rising, heading from the room.
LORD GLENN
No, Ivar. The Silver Surfer's
power is awesome, and all our data
indicates that it is as nothing
compared to that of his master.
(beat)
This is the day we have dreaded
since Galactus first arrived in
this sector...
He sweeps through the doorway. Ivar and the others follow.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO - A STARSHIP
BLASTING away from the planet.
LORD GLENN (O.S.)
Only by evacuating do our people
have a chance to survive!
We WIDEN TO SEE a huge flotilla of starships following a
large Mother Ship out of the system. We ANGLE FROM the fleet
TO:
THE SILVER SURFER
On his board, watching the refugees go. Sadly:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Time after time have I borne
witness to wanderers forced from
their homes. Yet never does the
sight cease to be a bitter one --
From O.S., we HEAR A DEEP ROAR, and even though we're in
space a huge shadow seems to blot out Draco's sun. The
Surfer turns toward:
GALACTUS' SHIP
As the enormous vessel WARPS IN. We TIGHTEN ON the central
hatch, where Galactus' massive cables of destruction emerge,
shooting down!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET DRACO - DAY
The first of the huge cables pierces the artificial shell of
the planet. The surface RUPTURES with a CRACK AND A ROAR!
A COMPLEX OF BUILDINGS
Sways and then topples, CRASHING down! We TIGHTEN ON the
flying fragments and
CUT TO:
EXT. A RUINED STAR SYSTEM - MATCHING SHOT
Two huge planetary fragments EXPLODE as they collide with
each other. OVER this, in a deep, forbidding VOICE trying
desperately to be gentle and loving, we HEAR:
THANOS (O.S.)
Ah, the beauty of it...
We WIDEN TO SEE that we are in an area of space populated
only by planetary ruins and hulks of starships with gaping
holes in their hulls.
THANOS (O.S.)
(continuing)
The majesty...
As he speaks, we CONTINUE PANNING TO:
EXT. THANOS' SHIP
An environment more than a spaceship, entirely biological in
nature. The ship is like a gigantic BLACK flower, slowly
moving through the cosmic debris.
THANOS (O.S.)
Does it not touch your heart, my
love, to witness such ruinous
grandeur?
We HOLD ON the ship, SEEING that much of the flower is
covered by a translucent, asymmetrical capsule. Within the
capsule we can SEE a shadowy, malignant garden.
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT
(NOTE: IT IS ALWAYS NIGHT ON THANOS' SHIP!) Like a garden,
filled with BLACK AND PURPLE plants and thick PURPLE grass.
PURPLE LIGHTNING FLASHES in the "sky."
THANOS (O.S.)
You are absolutely correct...
We PAN ACROSS a bank of botanical computers, growing and
alive, TO:
THANOS' VIEWSCREEN
Like a black tulip, genetically engineered to display images
on its waving, fan-shaped leaves.
On the viewscreen now is an image of Draco, more of its
buildings toppling.
THANOS (O.S.)
Galactus is the very definition of
destruction!
We WIDEN TO FIND that we're looking over the thickly muscled
purple shoulder that is all we can make out of THANOS. He
pauses as though listening to someone else -- who we also
can't see. Then:
THANOS (O.S.)
(continuing)
Yes, my dear, I quite agree...
CLOSER ON THANOS' VIEWSCREEN
Where Draco's artificial ground heaves convulsively as
Galactus' Black Nothingness springs out of one of the cables.
THANOS (O.S.)
Control his power, and the entire *
universe will fall beneath our *
heel! *
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - COMMAND CENTER - MATCHING SHOT OF
DRACO
WIDENING TO SEE that the area is being PROJECTED against the
stars, and viewed from:
GALACTUS' COMMAND CHAIR
Resting upon the Planetary Energy Converter, which is now
starting to GLOW.
All we can SEE of Galactus are his booted feet, absorbing the
GLOW.
As the ENERGY that he's draining from the planet works its
way up his body we ANGLE UP WITH IT TO:
GALACTUS' HELMETED HEAD
SEEING only the GLOWING LINE OF HIS JAW. Galactus' head
turns from the image of the building to:
THE SILVER SURFER
Soaring up to the Command Center.
SILVER SURFER
Master!
The Surfer leaps off the board and onto the console built
into the chair.
GALACTUS' EYES
ENERGY CRACKLES in their pupilless depths.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
My herald, never have I fed as
well as I have since you joined me.
THE SILVER SURFER - INTERCUT WITH PARTS OF GALACTUS AS
NECESSARY
The Surfer hesitates. Then, bravely:
SILVER SURFER
Master? Often have I wondered --
when did I join you? And why --
GALACTUS
(eyes CRACKLING)
Ah, my herald, always are you
questioning, always restless...
(beat)
And to think -- once I foolishly
thought that, unlike myself,
lesser beings could be content.
Galactus laughs. The Surfer doesn't understand.
SILVER SURFER
Do I amuse you, mighty Galactus?
Galactus becomes serious. His voice takes on an edge:
GALACTUS
It is of no consequence. All that
must concern you is that I obtain
the energy I need.
(quickly)
Now go, my Silver Surfer! Soon
this planet will be drained -- and
the Great Hunger will be upon me
once more!
WIDER
The Surfer needs no more encouragement than that. He holds
out his arm.
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
Sails to the Surfer from across the Command Center. He leaps
atop it, soaring out as:
GALACTUS' HEAD
GLOWING. Galactus throws back his head, and from him we HEAR
A VERY LOUD, VERY SATISFIED SIGH...
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - THE SILVER SURFER
Flies out past the GLOWING cables that bring the energy of
Draco up to Galactus. He slips into the pocket of a peeling
COSMIC WAVE, as we
CUT TO:
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT - MATCHING SHOT
The Surfer slides along with the COSMIC WAVE as:
THANOS (O.S.)
The Silver Surfer, beloved. I
could crush him with a gesture...
Again, we WIDEN TO SEE that we are LOOKING at the botanical
viewscreen. But this time we SEE all of THANOS, standing in
the garden. He smiles -- and the expression is as
frightening as a frown would be from anyone else.
THANOS
But if anyone knows Galactus'
secrets, it is he. I must find a
way to entrap him, so I can rip *
that knowledge from his brain. *
Again, he stops as though listening, looking at someone, O.S.
THANOS
(continuing; nodding)
Yes, my love, I know exactly what
is necessary. And I have the
perfect pawn to put into play...
Thanos flicks a finger. A BEAM OF PURPLE LIGHT SHOOTS from
it to:
THE BOTANICAL COMPUTER BANK
A cluster of computer buds swells and darkens. Within them,
PURPLE SPARKS FLY. We TIGHTEN ON the computer buds and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A NEW PART OF SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER
Rides the crest of a COSMIC WAVE. Straightening on his
board, he looks out into space, and once again his eyes start
to GLOW.
ANOTHER ANGLE
From O.S. comes a PURPLE FLASH, followed by a WHITE FLASH,
and the Surfer is jolted back, the GLOW vanishing from his
eyes. He regains his balance, looks out at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - A NEARBY STAR
FLARING UP IN A SERIES OF EXPANDING CIRCLES OF LIGHT! A
series of COSMIC WAVES ripples outward.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Staring in awe.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
A nova!
The first of the COSMIC WAVES crests over him. Whether he
likes it or not, he's in the tube!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Never have I felt such force!
WIDER
The COSMIC WAVE propels the Surfer at breakneck speed. He
fights to stay upright.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I cannot control my direction, nor
my speed -- !
He breaks off. A second COSMIC WAVE is breaking behind the
first, and a third one after that. They push the Surfer
faster, faster, until, without doing anything of his own
volition, he FORESHORTENS INTO WARP and we
CUT TO:
EXT. ANOTHER NEW PART OF SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER
WARPING INTO a dark, starless area of space. He lies
sprawled face down on his board, like a shipwrecked sailor --
and in a way that's just what he is.
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
Opening his eyes. He lifts his head, looks around.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Where am I -- ?
(beat; remembering)
The nova -- its waves blew me like
a speck of cosmic dust!
Quickly, he pulls himself to his feet.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
I have lost precious time, and
Galactus must soon feed --
Suddenly, the Surfer stops. He looks out at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - A PLANET
Far enough away so that we can see the entire sphere, is a
planet of DEEP RED AND BLUE.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
The tracking beam emerges from his forehead.
THE TRACKING BEAM
Extends outward -- and goes directly to the planet!
THE SILVER SURFER
GLOWS like the beam. We ANGLE WITH him as he soars to:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET
Now that we're closer, we SEE that the RED COLOR comes from
rich fields of red vegetation, while the BLUE COLOR is from
a pair of large oceans.
There are no signs of civilization, or even of any animal
life.
EXT. THE PLANET - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Flies down lower, orbiting the planet within its upper
atmosphere. In spite of the fact that there are no nearby
stars, the planet's sky shines brightly.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Daylight? Plant life? How can
this be in a world with no sun?
He flies still lower, and we TIGHTEN PAST the Surfer TO the
twin oceans. Their tides move with his movement, so that it
looks almost as though the seas are watchful eyes!
REVERSE ANGLE - THE PLANET'S POV - THE SILVER SURFER
As the Surfer flies on.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
This planet contains energy in
abundance! How fortunate I was to
be carried here!
The Surfer starts to regain altitude, and CAMERA MOVES DOWN,
BENEATH THE WATER, TO:
THE OCEAN FLOOR
CAMERA CONTINUES DOWN, through the ocean floor, TO:
THE PLANETARY CORE
With its molten, fiery interior. We HEAR A RHYTHMIC
POUNDING, like a heartbeat! Then, in a DEEP EARTHY ROAR:
VOICE (O.S.)
NO ESCAPE!!!
THE SURFACE OF THE PLANET
The ground RUMBLES like a continuation of the Voice. The
RUMBLING GROWS LOUDER AND LOUDER, and the red earth HEAVES
UPWARD, turning into:
A GIANT VOLCANO
Growing straight up from the ground and ERUPTING!
THE SILVER SURFER
Finds himself heading straight into a cloud of smoke and
flame, belching from the volcano. He flies higher, trying to
get over it --
THE VOLCANO
From within its huge crater a fiery, massive boulder hurtles
upward, flying unerringly at:
THE SILVER SURFER
We TIGHTEN ON his eyes as an ENERGY BEAM SHOOTS OUT from them!
CLOSER ON THE BOULDER
The ENERGY BEAM strikes the boulder, and the fiery rock
RIPPLES -- and is transmuted into a harmless shower of
powdery ash.
WIDER
Another fiery boulder hurtles skyward, and an ENERGY BEAM
from the Surfer's eyes transmutes this one as well. But then
there are more and more of them, hurtling upward from the
volcano like bullets fired from a gun!
THE SILVER SURFER
The air around him is so dense with flaming rock that the
Surfer can't possibly SHOOT anymore beams. Instead, he
dodges and weaves --
CLOSER ON THE SURFER'S BOARD
One of the huge boulders CRASHES against it, and we WIDEN as
both the board and the Surfer are engulfed in flame!
DOWN ANGLE
The board bobs free in the air as the Surfer is catapulted
from it. CRYING OUT, he plummets into the side of the
volcano, continues bumping and falling, down, down, as we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. THE PLANET - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Continuing to half-fall, half-skid down the side of the
volcano.
A ROCK SHELF
The Surfer grabs at the rock, hanging onto it.
WIDER
For just a short beat his fall stops -- but then, as the rock
breaks off in the Surfer's hands, we HEAR:
THANOS (O.S.)
An intriguing development, my *
love...do you not agree? *
The Surfer resumes his tumble down the steep slope as we
CUT TO:
EXT. A RUINED STAR SYSTEM - THANOS' SHIP
Moving swiftly through the system, plowing through the debris.
THANOS (O.S.)
The Silver Surfer is nowhere near
as powerful without his board. It
is as though they are one...
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT - THANOS' VIEWSCREEN
Where the Surfer is just instants away from hitting the
ground. We WIDEN TO SEE Thanos moving closer to the black
flower.
THANOS
I wonder what other weaknesses our
reluctant ally will expose. *
(over his shoulder) *
Another flawless plan. You are *
indeed the mistress of strategy! *
Again, Thanos smiles his frightening smile. Again, he points
at the botanical computer, and another BEAM OF PURPLE LIGHT
SHOOTS from Thanos to a computer pod. We HEAR THE SUDDEN
WHINE OF MASSIVE ENGINES and:
EXT. THANOS' SHIP
Gains even more speed, FORESHORTENING INTO WARP as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Beneath him, the ground RUMBLES, and another CRACK opens up.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer falls into the new fissure. Immediately, it
starts to close over him --
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
Powerful silver hands grab onto each edge of the crack,
holding them apart!
REVERSE ANGLE - THE PLANET'S POV - THE SILVER SURFER
The Surfer hangs there, ABOVE CAMERA. Once more, we HEAR THE
RHYTHMIC PULSE.
THE SILVER SURFER
He too hears the PULSE.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
That sound! It is like a
heartbeat -- !
And he looks down at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE PLANET'S CORE
Where the lava boils. The HEARTBEAT-LIKE PULSE GROWS LOUDER!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Still pushing, keeping the crack from closing over him.
There's an AIR OF EXPECTANCY, as though something within the
planet is awaiting the Surfer's next move.
DOWN ANGLE ON THE CRACK
The earth starts to buck wildly, and the Surfer's grip
weakens. In spite of his efforts, the crack starts to close.
CLOSE ON THE SILVER SURFER
Straining, as, calling out:
SILVER SURFER
My board!
THE SURFER'S BOARD
Diving down from the sky.
THE SILVER SURFER
As his board dives through the crack, the Surfer lets go of
his handholds, grabbing the board and flipping himself onto
it!
WIDER
As the Surfer positions himself solidly, the board arcs
upward again --
REVERSE ANGLE - THE PLANET'S POV - THE SILVER SURFER
Flying out of the fissure, just as it THUDS SHUT behind him!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As suddenly as it started, all the planetary motion stops.
THE VOLCANO
Cools and retreats, dropping back down into the earth.
Immediately, the red vegetation returns, until there's no
sign that it was ever there.
THE SILVER SURFER
Slowing curiously. He circles, looking down around him.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
These growth cycles should take *
eons, not moments, to occur.
Truly, this is a world of
impossibilities!
His gaze goes back upward.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
But my speculations are pointless.
Soon this world will be no more!
The Surfer starts to gain altitude again. We ANGLE PAST him
TO:
THE TWIN OCEANS
Instantly, the seas grow dark and roiling.
REVERSE ANGLE - THE PLANET'S POV - THE SILVER SURFER
Flying away. We HEAR THE PLANET'S HEARTBEAT and:
VOICE
NO!!! You cannot go!
It's the same RUMBLING VOICE as before, but this time it
seems to come from all around, the words REVERBERATING OVER
AND OVER: "YOU CANNOT GO! YOU CANNOT GO!"
THE SILVER SURFER
The very air around him thickens, WHIRLING INTO:
A HURRICANE
LIGHTNING FLASHES, and a TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR BEGINS!
THE SILVER SURFER
Is sucked into the hurricane, whirling faster and faster!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Can it be? Is this whole world
attacking me?
The Surfer grows wobbly, visibly weakened.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
The area around me -- it is a
perfect void. My power cosmic has
no source from which to draw...
ANOTHER ANGLE
Again we HEAR the VOICE -- but now it comes as though torn
from the gusting wind!
VOICE
Silver Surfer! Your place is here!
SILVER SURFER
(shouting)
No! Whoever you are -- know that
my place is at the side of *
Galactus! Now and evermore -- !
WIDER ON THE HURRICANE
Where the rain is coalescing into snow, then slush, then ice.
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
The ice encrusts his body. Desperately, he tries to move,
but his arms are pinned to his sides.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I must free myself! For
Galactus --
We WIDEN as the ice becomes thick sheets and the Surfer
DISAPPEARS FROM VIEW. We WIDEN MORE, and the sheets become
solid blocks.
WIDER ON THE PLANET
The blocks become ONE SOLID MASS OF ICE, stretching from
horizon to horizon! We CONTINUE WIDENING TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET
Nothing remains of the lush red and blue vegetation.
Instead, the Silver Surfer is entombed somewhere within a
planet now made entirely of ice!
We HOLD ON the planet, gleaming like a white pearl against
the black backdrop of space, and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO - MATCHING SHOT
ANGLING DOWN at a world that is nothing but gray rubble,
pierced by massive cables buried deep into the empty ground.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
My herald! This world is no more,
its energy absorbed...
With a METALLIC SNICK AND HUM, the cables pull out of the
ground, retracting back to:
GALACTUS' SHIP
The cables close on themselves as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Never before have you failed to
summon me to a new planet by the
time I was finished with the
old...!
The cables vanish into a seamless compartment and we TIGHTEN
TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - COMMAND CENTER - GALACTUS' EYES
NO LONGER CRACKLING WITH ENERGY, as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Now you are strangely silent! Is
it possible that you have gone
back on your word?
The pupilless orbs look at:
GALACTUS' POV - THE STARS
PANNING ACROSS the visible universe as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Silver Surfer...! I HUNGER!
And, as Galactus' VOICE THUNDERS ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET - THANOS' SHIP
WARPING IN above the icy world, as:
THANOS (O.S.)
Ah, my darling...success is just *
a heartbeat away. Soon, the
chains to bind great Galactus will
be yours to lock into place!
The ship moves into orbit around the planet as we
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET OF ICE - DAY
TIGHTENING ON its whiteness. For a beat, there is neither
SOUND nor movement anywhere. Then, from within the ice we
HEAR A QUIET RUMBLING. THE RUMBLING GROWS LOUDER, LOUDER --
And the ice DIRECTLY BEFORE US SHATTERS into thousands of
jagged fragments, revealing:
THE SILVER SURFER
BLASTING the ice from within, using ENERGY BLASTS from both
hands! His board beside him, the Surfer collapses,
exhausted, onto onto the remaining ice. From before him,
O.S., comes a RUMBLING SOUND, and the Surfer forces himself
to look up at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - A HUGE CLIFF OF ICE
Before the Surfer, the cliff MORPHS, its crags and
protrusions becoming the gigantic face of a bearded, powerful
middle-aged man.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Forcing himself to rise. He speaks with great effort:
SILVER SURFER
In all my service with Galactus
never have I beheld such as this!
THE FACE IN THE CLIFF
Opens its mouth and begins to speak!
EGO
I am Ego, the Living Planet!
Within my planetary field I can
create anything. Stay with me, *
Silver Surfer -- and I will give
you all you ever could desire. *
EGO's voice is a deep RUMBLE, the SAME VOICE WE HEARD CALL
OUT before.
WIDER
The Surfer looks up at the enormous face. Angrily, he moves
closer to it, standing poised for battle.
SILVER SURFER
Indeed, you are a unique and
powerful being.
But I cannot allow even you to
prevail over my master's needs!
(beat)
To me, my board!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The board soars to him, and the Surfer leaps upon it, heads
upward once more --
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET - THANOS' SHIP
A WIDE BEAM OF PURPLE LIGHT stabs out from it. We ANGLE WITH
THE BEAM as it strikes downward!
CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET OF ICE - DAY - WITH THE WIDE BEAM OF
BLACK LIGHT
As it hits:
THE SILVER SURFER
Crying out, he falls back to the ice, lies there beside his
board.
CLOSER ON THE BEAM OF PURPLE LIGHT
It too strikes the ground, where it COALESCES into a FIELD OF
PURPLE ENERGY! Within the field stands Thanos' imposing form.
THANOS
Your incompetence depresses me,
Ego. We will discuss the proper
punishment when I have finished
with him.
WIDER
Thanos indicates the Surfer, who MOANS, opening his eyes.
Thanos smiles.
THANOS
You should have remained in the
ice, Silver Surfer. Now, this may
hurt you -- although not for
long...
Thanos points at the Surfer, and another BEAM OF PURPLE LIGHT
lashes out --
SILVER SURFER
No -- !
THE SILVER SURFER
The Surfer tries to leap aside, but he's too late. The BEAM
OF PURPLE LIGHT strikes his forehead, and the Surfer goes
tumbling backward as we
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE BEAM OF
PURPLE LIGHT
At first, it's all we SEE. The BEAM DISSOLVES, and we find
ourselves in a DISTORTED, SURREALISTIC VERSION OF GALACTUS'
CONTROL CENTER. On his back within it, in the same position
as on the planet, is the Surfer. Over him stands Thanos.
SILVER SURFER
Where have you taken me?
THANOS
We have entered your mind.
(looking around)
It is not as I expected...
Shakily, the Surfer rises. He follows Thanos' gaze.
THEIR POV - THE SURFER'S MIND
Galactus isn't here, but all his machinery is, TWISTED AND
ELONGATED NIGHTMARISHLY, SO THAT IT SEEMS TO STRETCH OUT TO
INFINITY!
THANOS (O.S.)
Your whole life should be here.
Your accomplishments. Fears.
Failures. Instead -- there is
emptiness. Darkness. A void... *
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND THANOS
The Surfer shakes his head, still weakened.
SILVER SURFER
My life is serving Galactus. I am *
nothing else.
This infuriates Thanos. He gestures with the back of his
hand, and a BEAM OF PURPLE LIGHT knocks the Surfer across the
"room."
THANOS
Serving Galactus? I have no
interest in how to serve anyone!
I want the secret of controlling
your master!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer pushes himself up from where he lies slumped
against a grotesque version of Galactus' command chair. He
laughs.
SILVER SURFER
Do you not understand? Galactus
can never be controlled! If every
being -- every power -- in the
universe came together just for
that very purpose, still would
they fail!
THANOS
(frustrated)
He cannot be invincible! He is
not God! The answer is here! It
must be here!
Thanos stalks through the Surfer's mind. He stops before:
THE HATCH OF A STARSHIP
A DISTORTED VERSION OF THE POINT WHERE GALACTUS' CABLES ENTER
GALACTUS' SHIP. The hatch is huge, looming over everything
else, and it CRACKLES WITH BLACK NOTHINGNESS.
THANOS (O.S.)
What might this be? Your past *
perhaps? Mountains of memories *
hidden from you, locked away like
a silver treasure!
THANOS
Gathers himself, and begins to grow, larger and larger, so
that he is no longer dwarfed by the hatch, as:
THANOS
I will possess that treasure!
And PURPLE ENERGY SHOOTS from his hands!
THE HATCH
As the PURPLE ENERGY HITS IT! The Black Nothingness FLARES
UP, everything POLARIZING from positive to negative.
THE SILVER SURFER
Holds his hands up to his head, crying out in agony.
SILVER SURFER
No! You must stop! I have no *
answers!!! *
THE HATCH
The POLARIZING STOPS -- and the hatch is unscathed!
THANOS
Speaks without looking away from the hatch:
THANOS
This is where the truth lies,
Silver Surfer. Do you not want to
be set free?
And he FIRES again!
THE SILVER SURFER
Again cries out.
SILVER SURFER
I am afraid!
And the Surfer FIRES A COSMIC BLAST!
THANOS
The giant form of Thanos reels back. He FIRES once more,
this time with both hands, directly at:
THE SILVER SURFER
The Surfer's hands go up. He too FIRES.
WIDER
The Silver Surfer's BLASTS meet Thanos' BEAMS, but instead of
exploding the two forces BOUNCE OFF EACH OTHER, breaking up
into A MYRIAD OF LINES OF ENERGY that BOUNCE off each other,
CAROMING all around the Surfer's mind, until:
THE HATCH
As the Surfer's own COSMIC ENERGY hits it. A HOLE appears in
the hatch -- and out of the hole spills:
NORRIN RADD'S LIFE ON ZENN-LA - SERIES OF SUBLIMINAL
SCENES
We could call this "Great Moments in the Life of Norrin
Radd," as IMAGE AFTER IMAGE FLASHES. It's all there,
streaming out of the hole:
THE IDYLLIC PLANET OF ZENN-LA
Peaceful and serene.
THE MASTER'S ACADEMY
Where Norrin Radd studies with the Master.
THE GROUNDS OF THE ACADEMY
Hand in hand, Norrin Radd strolls with Shalla Bal.
THE ZENN-LA SKY
Where the Watcher appears.
THE GROUNDS OF THE ACADEMY
As Norrin Radd contacts Galactus.
THE SCULPTURE GARDEN
Norrin Radd assuring Shalla Bal:
NORRIN RADD
I will never forget you, my Shalla
Bal...
THE IMAGES COME SO QUICKLY THAT WE CAN BARELY SEE THEM,
FLASHING OVER AND OVER, EACH TIME IN A DIFFERENT ORDER. THEY
APPEAR FASTER AND FASTER, BLURRING INTO A BLINDING GOLDEN
LIGHT that throbs and HUMS and KEENS with ENERGY!
THE SILVER SURFER
Watching all this, dropping to his knees in awe.
THANOS
He too falls to his knees -- but in pain! His giant figure
SHRINKS, becoming smaller and smaller.
THANOS
No! You are from Zenn-La! Eons *
ago, did I study there! Eons ago,
did I fail! Never again can one *
such as I face Zenn-La's shining *
light!... *
We WIDEN, THE GOLDEN LIGHT FILLING THE SCREEN as we
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET OF ICE - DAY - EGO'S GIANT FACE
Staring in wonder at:
THE SILVER SURFER AND THANOS
The Surfer is on the ground before Ego's giant face. Within
his PURPLE ENERGY FIELD, Thanos too is on his knees.
CLOSER ON THANOS
Writhing in pain.
THANOS
My lady -- protect me!
His voice rises to a SCREAM. For just a beat Thanos is
surrounded by the GOLDEN LIGHT WE SAW within the Surfer's
mind.
Then, with a THUNDEROUS CLAP, the GOLDEN LIGHT IS GONE -- and
so are Thanos and the PURPLE ENERGY FIELD!
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
As the hole melts in on itself like a quickly healing wound,
resealing. We TIGHTEN ON the area where the hole was: A
small, narrow CRACK still remains!
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. THE PLANET OF ICE - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Still on the ground, a look of confusion on his face.
Slowly, he rises, and we WIDEN TO INCLUDE EGO, who nods
toward where Thanos was.
EGO
Silver Surfer! I am in your debt.
(at the Surfer's look)
The nova that brought you here was
caused by that being. If I had
not aided in your entrapment, I
would have perished like that star.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer holds up his hand, and his board flies to him. He
leaps upon it, circles the giant head.
SILVER SURFER
Are you not afraid you will still
perish, when I summon Galactus?
EGO
I am not without resources, as
you have seen. And with Thanos
gone, my mobility has returned --
And, as Ego says this, the entire planet RIPPLES -- and
vanishes, leaving the Surfer on his board -- in deep space!
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER
Stares into the blackness where Ego was.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Mobility, indeed...
The Surfer's tone is wry. Then, very serious now:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Thanos! I will remember the name *
of one who is so evil -- yet has *
given me so much to think about...!
The Surfer peers into the blackness.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing) *
So many memories! But as swiftly *
as they appeared, did they vanish, *
returning to their prison inside *
my own mind... *
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE UNIVERSE
SCANNING the levels of energy. One huge ENERGY SIGNATURE
stands out in the distance.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I must find Galactus... *
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
His eyes start to GLOW.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
For now I know that my master has *
stolen my past, my life!
Face set determinedly, the GLOW in his eyes BRIGHTENING, the
Surfer moves in the direction of the huge ENERGY SIGNATURE,
faster and faster.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Galactus! There will be a
reckoning!
(beat)
I will regain my soul!
And, as he FORESHORTENS INTO WARP, we
CUT TO:
EXT. THANOS' SHIP
Spinning wildly through space. It begins to slow, righting
itself as:
THANOS (O.S.)
My lady, I have failed you. I am
not worthy, I know...
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT - THANOS
Move through the dark garden. Above him, the "sky" FLASHES
WITH PURPLE LIGHTNING. His voice is a whimper.
THANOS
Please -- do not turn away from me
now. Let me right this grievous
wrong.
Thanos kneels before something we can't see.
THANOS
(continuing)
I will give you the universe, I
swear!
He reaches out, takes what looks like THE SHADOWY,
OUTSTRETCHED HAND OF A WOMAN.
THANOS
(continuing)
And then, my beloved Lady Chaos --
together we shall destroy it!
We WIDEN, and, illuminated by MORE LIGHTNING FLASHES, we SEE
that Thanos has been talking to a STONE STATUE OF AN
EXOTICALLY GARBED WOMAN.
Pressing his lips to the cold, damp stone hand of the statue
of LADY CHAOS, Thanos kisses it, and we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. A NEW SOLAR SYSTEM - THE SILVER SURFER
WARPS INTO the system. He soars past a small planet that is
little more than a chunk of ice.
WIDER
He continues past two more small planets, each with a variety
of rings around them.
ANOTHER PLANET
Green and yellow, with vast layers of rings that cast dark
shadows, making this world appear striped. The Surfer moves
past it to:
AN ENORMOUS GAS GIANT PLANET
Yellow and orange, with a great red hurricane spinning within
it. The tracking beam and the Surfer continue on.
A PLANET OF RED ROCK
Emerging from an asteroid belt, we ANGLE WITH the Surfer as
he continues past the planet. Finally, he reaches:
GALACTUS' SHIP
In orbit around a planet we can't see. The Surfer flies up
to:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - COMMAND CENTER - THE SILVER SURFER
Comes barreling in.
SILVER SURFER
Galactus -- !
GALACTUS' HELMETED HEAD
Doesn't move from where it's facing.
GALACTUS
(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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