Animation
The Origin of the Silver Surfer: Part 3
THE SILVER SURFER
THE ORIGIN OF THE SILVER SURFER: PART THREE
(#1875-03)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
REV. PAGES *
FEBRUARY 13, 1997
REV. PAGES
FEBRUARY 27, 1997
FINAL DRAFT
FEBRUARY 10, 1997
THE SILVER SURFER
"THE ORIGIN OF THE SILVER SURFER: PART THREE"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. A SERIES OF SCENES - (ALL SEQUENCES ARE FROM
EPISODES #1875-01 AND #1875-02 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
A QUICK RECAP of what has happened so far, SHOWING:
THE IDYLLIC PLANET OF ZENN-LA
Where NORRIN RADD and SHALLA BAL are in the Academy Courtyard
with the MASTER and other students, welcoming the KREE and
the SKRULL.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
For millennia, the peaceful
teachings of the world of Zenn-La
have brought the universe wisdom
and hope.
GALACTUS' SHIP
As Galactus' cables of destruction emerge from it, shooting
down toward Zenn-La.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Attempting to ease his eternal
hunger for energy, the
unvanquishable being called
Galactus struck at Zenn-La...
PLANET-WIDE DEVASTATION
The web of BLACK NOTHINGNESS engulfs the planet. Animals
stampede. People flee from earthquakes. The BLACKNESS GROWS!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And the destruction of the planet
appeared imminent.
NORRIN RADD AND SHALLA BAL
Reaching out to each other futilely as Galactus' ENERGY
BUBBLE carries Norrin Radd upward from the devastated world.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Then Norrin Radd, a brilliant
young student, made a fateful
covenant with the despoiler!
GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER
As GALACTUS TRANSFORMS Norrin Radd's body and mind.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
In return for the sparing of Zenn-
La, Norrin Radd gave up his home
and his love to become Galactus'
herald and scout.
DEEP SPACE
As the SILVER SURFER slaloms through a swarm of meteors.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
As the Silver Surfer, he soared to
the ends of the universe, finding
planets for his master to devour.
The Surfer's eyes GLOW BRIGHTLY, and he shoots forward into
the tube of a COSMIC WAVE, FORESHORTENING INTO WARP AND
VANISHING as:
SPACE OVER THE PLANET DRACO
A flotilla of starships leaves the system, the Surfer
watching them go.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
With his memories hidden from him,
the Silver Surfer never understood
why he was so moved by the plight
of Galactus' victims...
THE SURFACE OF EGO THE LIVING PLANET
As a volcano grows up from nowhere, attacking the Surfer with
BOULDERS OF FIRE!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Until, trapped by Ego -- a Living
Planet possessing a consciousness
of its own...
INSIDE THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND
The Surfer and THANOS SHOOT ENERGY BLASTS at each other
within the surreal version of Galactus' Control Center that
is the Surfer's mental world.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
He was forced into mental battle
with the tyrant Thanos, an entity
dedicated to universal
annihilation!
THE HATCH
Struck by one of the Surfer's ENERGY BLASTS. His memories
start to pour out of the hole!
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
During the conflict, the mental
barrier erected by Galactus was
breached, and the Silver Surfer's
awareness of his past returned...
ANOTHER ANGLE ON THE HATCH
As the hole closes on itself, leaving only a scarlike crack.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Only to be lost once more, leaving
an even greater sense of
loneliness and betrayal!
A SOLAR SYSTEM - (NEW FOOTAGE)
As the Surfer flies past various planets to Galactus' ship
and soars up to the Control Center. The Watcher's head
appears, with everything else SUPERIMPOSED OVER it.
THE WATCHER
As the Silver Surfer confronts his
master about this treachery, it is
my duty to observe all that occurs
here. For I am the Watcher...
GALACTUS' CABLES
ANGLING WITH them as they SHOOT down to a familiar blue
planet that is mostly oceans and clouds.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And this is the site of Galactus'
latest depredation...a small, blue
and green world its inhabitants
call -- Earth!
END RECAP SERIES OF SCENES and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET EARTH - GALACTUS' CABLES -
MATCHING SHOT
As more and more of the cables attack the planet, piercing
its cloud cover. We ANGLE UPWARD, to the hatch where the
cables enter Galactus' ship, as:
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Galactus! The time has come for
us to talk!
We WIDEN TO SHOW the entire vessel as, totally absorbed in
what he's doing:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
There is no need, my herald. I
have found a planet with more life
energy than I ever dared
imagine...
And, as Galactus' enormous ship FILLS THE SCREEN:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - THE COMMAND CHAIR
In it sits Galactus, although all we can SEE of his huge form
is one enormous shoulder. Across from him, an advanced
technology projects a constantly changing series of images of
the events on Earth.
Between Galactus and the images is the Silver Surfer.
Standing on his board, the Surfer loops back and forth before
his master, like a man pacing angrily.
GALACTUS
And for that reason I forgive your
failure to perform your duties --
for now.
SILVER SURFER
But I do not forgive you!
GALACTUS' EYES
Widen in surprise.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Those are audacious words, Silver
Surfer.
And, as he speaks, we ANGLE WITH HIS POV TO:
ONE OF THE IMAGES OF EARTH - MIDDLE EASTERN DESERT - DAY
With a WHIRRING ROAR, a group of Galactus' cables bore into
an oil field. Huge cracks radiate from the cables, and the
ground around them bucks like a bronco!
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
I want my life back, great
Galactus!
THE SILVER SURFER
Flies closer to Galactus' head.
SILVER SURFER
I demand my soul!
GALACTUS' HELMETED HEAD
Snaps back as Galactus starts to laugh. We ANGLE PAST his
head TO:
SECOND IMAGE OF EARTH - AFRICAN VELDT - DAY
As a herd of zebras stampedes away from the shaking ground as
Galactus' cables bore into it. The parts of the cables that
are above ground twist and writhe, pounding the grassy
countryside!
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
You violated our agreement,
Galactus...
THE SILVER SURFER
Flies away from Galactus, then back at him again. Galactus'
laughter continues as:
SILVER SURFER
I pledged that I would serve you,
not give up my past!
GALACTUS' EYES
Starting to CRACKLE and GLOW. Now his laughter stops, and
Galactus' voice takes on a hard edge:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
We will discuss this another time,
my Silver Surfer...
And, as he speaks, we ANGLE TO:
THIRD IMAGE OF EARTH - HIMALAYA MOUNTAINS - DAY
As another group of cables bore into the ground, which heaves
in a series of earthquakes that flatten a group of buildings,
causing the men and women inside them to flee!
GALACTUS (O.S.)
For now, it is your duty -- your
obligation -- to seek out my next
source of energy!
THE SILVER SURFER
Soars upward, on a level with Galactus' pupilless eyes.
SILVER SURFER
No, Galactus! It is your
obligation to return my
memories -- for now and
evermore!
GALACTUS' EYES
Within them, the ENERGY CRACKLES like lightning! No longer
does he see anything humorous here -- now there is only anger.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
I said GO!!!
GALACTUS' HAND
He presses a control on the command chair --
WIDER
A BOLT OF ENERGY ARCS from the chair --
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP
BLASTED by the energy bolt the Surfer is hurled backward from
the ship, turning ass-over-teakettle, and falling to:
EXT. THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE OF EARTH - DAY - THE SILVER
SURFER
Eyes closed, unconscious, as he and his board plummet down,
down, down toward the surface, and we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE
PANNING ACROSS the brilliant field of stars TO:
A SMALL DRONE SHIP
Projectile-shaped, covered with protuberances of various
shapes and sizes. Colored lights turn and FLASH as we WIDEN
TO SEE that it's one of a myriad of such small ships, all of
them surrounding:
A FLEET OF STARSHIPS
DRACONIAN REFUGEE SHIPS, moving through a planetary system
revolving around a double star. We TIGHTEN ON the enormous
mother ship as:
FIRST MINISTER IVAR (O.S.)
The database has analyzed the
probes' data, Lord Glenn...
INT. DRACONIAN FLAGSHIP - THE BRIDGE
So hi-tech that it is almost a clockwork environment. LORD
GLENN sits in the command chair, FIRST MINISTER IVAR at his
side. Various subordinates perform their tasks in b.g.
LORD GLENN
Process.
Ivar nods. A panel in his chest opens up. He reaches into
it and pushes a BEEPING SERIES OF BUTTONS.
CLOSER ON IVAR'S CHEST PANEL
A SCREEN FADES IN, digital and pictographic data FLASHING
ACROSS IT at high speed.
FIRST MINISTER IVAR (O.S.)
I am sorry, my lord...
BACK TO SCENE
As Ivar's chest panel closes. He shakes his head sadly.
FIRST MINISTER IVAR
This star system lacks the
essential elements. We cannot
build an advanced technology here.
Lord Glenn's metal hand BANGS down on the console before
him -- hard. Then:
LORD GLENN
We will continue our search, Ivar.
Somewhere in this universe must be
a place where we can settle in
safety...
His voice is restrained. But as he talks we TIGHTEN ON the
console and learn Lord Glenn's true feelings: His blow has
left it a smashed piece of wreckage!
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE DRACONIAN REFUGEE FLEET
Speeding up as:
LORD GLENN (O.S.)
And recover from the doom brought
upon us by Galactus and his
herald, the Silver Surfer!
The fleet FORESHORTENS, VANISHING INTO WARP as we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. EARTH - PACIFIC OCEAN - DAY - GALACTUS' CABLES
As THICK LINES OF BLACK NOTHINGNESS BURST into being all
around them. The Blackness CRACKLES AND SIZZLES, and we
WIDEN TO SEE enormous waves CLASHING together before it.
ANOTHER ANGLE
FINDING a long, silver object being tossed by the waves. We
HOLD ON it: The Silver Surfer's board.
WIDER
A huge wave CRASHES down nearby, and within the wave we SEE
another form: The Surfer himself!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
Floating, unconscious. He gets a face full of water, opens
his eyes.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What happened...?
(realizing)
Galactus brushed me away, with as
much thought as I might give a
speck of dust!
From O.S., we hear the SOUND OF ENGINES COMING CLOSER.
Treading water, the Surfer looks out at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE OCEAN
Where a United States Navy Destroyer heads toward him, big
guns aimed. From onboard SPEAKERS comes an AMPLIFIED CALL
VOICE FROM DESTROYER (V.O.)
(filtered)
This is the United States
Navy...Remain where you are!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Another big wave washes over him -- with no effect.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Do these beings not realize that
their world is coming to an end?
I must help them understand!
Holding up one hand, he calls out:
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
Skims along the water to:
THE SILVER SURFER
He leaps atop it, rides the board up from the ocean.
WIDER
As the Surfer heads toward the Destroyer, calling out:
SILVER SURFER
My planetary brothers! You must
gather yourselves and flee this
world while there is still time!
THE DESTROYER
For the first time, we can SEE the SAILERS on deck, both men
and women. They stare at the Surfer in shock.
FIRST SAILOR SECOND SAILOR
It's a man! A silvery man! Whatever he is, he's wiping
out our world!
THE SILVER SURFER
Is equally incredulous as he regards them.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
They look so familiar...How can
this be...?
We TIGHTEN ON his face and
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
ENERGY CRACKLES around the crack in the hatch, and it opens
just a little wider, a MEMORY IMAGE streaming out at us and
FILLING THE SCREEN!
We HOLD ON the image, SEEING a young version of NORRIN RADD
in the Academy courtyard with the MASTER and various students.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What is this? What am I seeing?
THE MASTER
Allow me to demonstrate the true
importance of weapons here on Zenn-
La.
(holding out his hand)
Norrin Radd, if you would assist
me...?
Nodding eagerly, young Norrin Radd takes a dented old blaster
pistol from the niche in which it rests. He hands it to the
Master, places it on a large, flat rock. With a SOUND LIKE
THE RINGING OF A GONG, the weapon dissolves as we
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - PACIFIC OCEAN - DAY - BACK TO THE SILVER
SURFER
Staggering on his board from the shock of the memory he has
just seen.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
"Zenn-La...?" "Norrin Radd...?"
I do not understand...And yet
within me those names strike a
chord --
He breaks off as:
THE DESTROYER
Its guns swivel upward at him -- and FIRE!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the BARRAGE RICOCHETS off his silver skin! The Surfer
climbs steeply, then levels off as he sees:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - SQUADRON OF USN JET FIGHTERS
Coming at him through the clouds.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Aircraft! But how primitive they
are...!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Flying closer to the jets.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(curiously)
Is it possible that the
inhabitants of this world are
unable to leave it?
And, as he says it, he clamps his hands to his head in sudden
pain.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
No! Am I going mad? This cannot
be happening again...
We TIGHTEN ON his anguished face and
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
The ENERGY CRACKLES MORE STRONGLY, the crack in the hatch
opening still wider as a MEMORY IMAGE streams out at us and
FILLS THE SCREEN!
We HOLD ON the image, and SEE the young Norrin Radd running
his hands along the old spaceship in the museum on Zenn-La.
With him is another child: The young SHALLA BAL.
SHALLA BAL
But Norrin Radd -- this ship is so
primitive, so old. I can't
understand why it fascinates you!
NORRIN RADD
It's not the ship, Shalla Bal,
it's what it means -- the
adventure of soaring through
space...!
And as he turns his attention back to the ship we
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - PACIFIC OCEAN - DAY - BACK TO THE SILVER
SURFER
He reels backward, once again trying to grasp what his brain
is playing out.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Again, "Norrin Radd..." And now
"Shalla Bal..." The words taunt
me.
(falling to one knee)
Are they indeed madness -- or are
they real somehow -- ?
The Surfer breaks off as:
A GROUP OF MISSILES
Streak at the Surfer from the Navy Jets --
THE SILVER SURFER
Unable to react in time. The missiles converge on him,
EXPLODING!
THE JET FIGHTERS
TIGHTEN ON the SQUADRON COMMANDER'S jet. He starts to give
a thumbs up.
SQUADRON COMMANDER
(filtered; into radio)
Nice work, guys. Looks like we
just took out our first E.T. --
Suddenly, the Commander stops. His hand drops.
WIDER
As we SEE why: In the midst of the clearing smoke, the
Silver Surfer is staggered but unharmed. We TIGHTEN ON the
Surfer as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Cannot concentrate...Must clear my
head...
He soars away unsteadily -- still moving faster than any jet
can follow!
THE SQUADRON COMMANDER'S JET
In the cockpit, the Commander glares. We TIGHTEN TO the area
beside him: Bolted to the bulkhead is a VIDEO CAMERA. It
looks out at the sky, RED LIGHT GLOWING, as we
CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - VENICE BEACH - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Dwindling away to a tiny speck in the sky as:
FRANKIE (O.S.)
Wouldn't you know it? A genuine
hunk of a space alien comes to
visit...
We WIDEN TO SEE FRANKIE RAY, 19, great-looking, the essence
of hip, roller blading down the boardwalk, passing an
appliance store where every television set in the window is
showing the Navy's live coverage of the Surfer.
FRANKIE
And it turns out that he wants to
blow us to smithereens!
ANOTHER ANGLE
With Frankie is AMBER, her Walkman-wearing buddy. Around
them, the beach still looks as normal as Venice Beach ever
does.
AMBER
(listening to
headphones)
Aw man, these "special bulletins"
are knocking my favorite shockjock
right off the air!
FRANKIE
(wryly)
Long as they don't mess with
America's Top Forty --
THE SKY
Before Frankie can finish her sentence, we SEE the Silver
Surfer, flying wobbily overhead.
The board dives erratically --
A TRUCK
Lumbering up the street. The Silver Surfer THUNKS onto its
roof, caroms off, heading for:
FRANKIE AND AMBER
Trying to get out of the Surfer's way, they go sprawling face
down onto the sand, the Surfer landing beside them.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer GROANS, and Frankie raises her head, looking at
him in awe as he pulls himself to his feet. He shakes his
head to clear it.
SILVER SURFER
I seem to be making a habit of
falling out of this world's sky!
Frankie and Amber pick themselves up. Frankie can't help
herself: She's an inveterate wiseguy:
FRANKIE FRANKIE (ALT LINE)
Ever consider getting into Ever consider getting
a twelve-step for that? professional help?
NEW ANGLE
The Surfer regards here with puzzlement. Then an ominous
shadow appears overhead. Amber looks up, the others
following her gaze.
AMBER
Uh-oh...
WIDER
As we SEE the cause of the shadow: One of Galactus' massive
cables, plunging down from the sky.
THE SILVER SURFER
Reaches out for the two young women and leaps onto his board.
With one arm wrapped around each of them, he soars upward as:
THE CABLE
CRASHES down where they stood, SHATTERING the boardwalk and
the street. With a WHIRRING ROAR, the cable begins boring
into the ground, the earth around it shaking violently.
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
Look down at the cable. The board rocks as the Surfer's body
starts to shake.
FRANKIE
So tell me -- this a mechanical
problem...or something more
personal?
The Surfer can't respond. He grimaces in pain, and,
TIGHTENING ON his face, we
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
CRACKLING MORE POWERFULLY, the crack becoming even wider as
another MEMORY IMAGE streams out, FILLING THE SCREEN!
We HOLD ON the image, SEEING a cable plunge down at the
Academy courtyard on Zenn-La. Standing there, transfixed, is
an older Shalla Bal. An older Norrin Radd grabs her hand,
and the two of them race away!
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - VENICE BEACH - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
Careening through the sky with Frankie and Amber. The two
young women CRY OUT WORDLESSLY.
SILVER SURFER
My mind reels...Is that my past!
Is that me...!
Unable to control the board, the Surfer dives toward the
ground, and again the young women CRY OUT --
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer straightens out just in time. He deposits his
two charges -- just as the ground buckles and cracks.
WIDER
All the buildings near the beach begin rocking and shaking --
and crumbling. SCREAMING men and women run for their lives.
A HUGE CHUNK OF MASONRY
Falls from one of the buildings. It is headed right at:
A FRIGHTENED COUPLE
As they run. The woman falls, and the young man stumbles
with her. They cling to each other --
THE SILVER SURFER
Seeing it as he crumples to the ground. His eyes widen, and,
TIGHTENING ON his face, we
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
The ENERGY CRACKLES as the crack opens wider still. Another
MEMORY IMAGE streams out, FILLING THE SCREEN!
We HOLD ON the image of the garden on Zenn-La, SEEING a
tearful Shalla Ba reaching out to Norrin Radd. He reaches
toward her as well, but they move right through each other as
an ENERGY BUBBLE forms around Norrin Radd and:
SHALLA BAL
Galactus! Take me with him! Take
me with him!
Norrin Radd presses against the BUBBLE desperately.
NORRIN RADD
I will never forget you, my Shalla
Bal!
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - VENICE BEACH - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
A look of recognition comes over his face.
SILVER SURFER
Shalla Bal!
Without hesitation, he thrusts out his hand, and the POWER
COSMIC BLASTS from his fingers at:
THE FALLING MASONRY
One instant it's about to hit the two lovers...and the next
it EXPLODES INTO NOTHINGNESS, the man and woman untouched!
THE SILVER SURFER
He straightens, starting up from the ground as, for one last
time we
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER'S MIND - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
The ENERGY BLASTS LIKE THE POWER COSMIC, and the hatch itself
EXPLODES INTO NOTHINGNESS, leaving only the IMAGES of:
THE IDYLLIC PLANET OF ZENN-LA
THE MASTER'S ACADEMY
THE ATTACK OF GALACTUS
NORRIN RADD'S ROCKET FLIGHT TO GALACTUS' SHIP
THE IMAGES COME SO QUICKLY THEY ARE ALMOST SUBLIMINAL,
FLASHING OVER AND OVER as we
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - VENICE BEACH - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER AND
THE OTHERS
No longer puzzled, or shaken. No longer wobbly or weak. He
stands amid the turmoil, tall and straight.
SILVER SURFER
My Shalla Bal...!
FRANKIE
Sorry, Silverado, but the name's
Frankie Ray --
ANOTHER ANGLE
More debris falls, and, trying to dodge it, Frankie slips,
her head hitting the ground. Amber hovers over her
unconscious friend's GROANING form.
AMBER
Frankie!
(raging at the Surfer)
This is your fault! Who are you?
Why are you doing this to our *
planet?
CLOSER
The Surfer's only response is to kneel before Frankie. He
looks down at her. From his eyes comes a BEAM OF SILVER
HEALING ENERGY, which bathes Frankie in its light.
AMBER
Mouth agape, incredulous, as she witnesses:
FRANKIE
Opening her eyes. She looks up at the Surfer.
FRANKIE
You have a hard time making
friends, don't you?
(realizing)
Hey, it doesn't hurt anymore.
WIDER
The Surfer smiles at her.
SILVER SURFER
I used my power cosmic to heal you.
FRANKIE
Not bad. How about giving some of
that action to the rest of the
planet?
THE SILVER SURFER
TIGHTENING ON him as, with incredible resolve:
SILVER SURFER
Now that I know who I was -- and
who I am -- that is exactly what
I shall do!
Leaping on his board, he soars skyward. We ANGLE WITH him,
his face set with defiance as he shouts out:
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Galactus! Our bargain is over!
You have deceived me, and I serve
you no more!
(beat)
I will stop your carnage! Even if
it costs me my life!
And, as he continues higher, higher, heading out of the
Earth's atmosphere, we CONTINUE ANGLING WITH the Silver
Surfer and
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' EYES
Within them, ENERGY CRACKLES. We WIDEN TO SEE as much of
Galactus' huge head as we can -- and to realize that he is
gazing at projections of various images of Earth, including:
ONE OF THE IMAGES OF EARTH - MIDDLE EASTERN DESERT - DAY
Strands of Blackness are coalescing into a SIZZLING web of
destructive ENERGY, while towering oil wells collapse and an
entire oil field starts to burn!
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Galactus...!
GALACTUS' EYES
The Surfer's VOICE IS LOW AND DISTANT, and Galactus pays it
no attention. He simply continues to gaze at:
SECOND IMAGE OF EARTH - AFRICAN VELDT - DAY
Covered by Blackness. All that remains is a waterhole, where
zebras and giraffes -- even lions and hyenas -- wait
together, trapped, as the Blackness closes in.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Galactus...!
GALACTUS' EYES
The Surfer's VOICE IS CLOSER NOW, but still Galactus' ignores
it, preferring instead to look at:
THIRD IMAGE OF EARTH - HIMALAYA MOUNTAINS - DAY
Blackness SIZZLES over flattened mountains, and a massive
earthquake opens a fissure that swallows up a convoy of
Chinese Army trucks.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
GALACTUS -- !
GALACTUS' HELMETED HEAD
The Surfer's VOICE IS MUCH CLOSER, but all Galactus can do
now is throw his head back in pleasure from the energy he is
absorbing. Oh...and one more thing:
GALACTUS' HAND
Presses a button on his command chair as:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET EARTH - THE SILVER SURFER
Soaring to Galactus' enormous ship. From his mouth comes a
BLUE COMMUNICATIONS BEAM:
SILVER SURFER
(calling out)
Galactus! When I agreed to become
your herald it was to save lives,
by leading you away from sentient
beings!
(beat)
This world is populated by men and
women who think, who feel, who
dream --
He heads toward the Control Center --
WIDER
Before the Surfer can even get near his destination, a RING
OF ENERGY FLARES out from Galactus' ship -- heading right at:
THE SILVER SURFER
Swiftly, he rides the board in the direction of the attack,
shooting right into the center of the ENERGY RING the way he
might enter the tube of a wave.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer leans forward, lowering himself so he can fit
through the tube. The ENERGY RING hits a large meteor,
another, and they SHIMMER, POLARIZING FROM POSITIVE TO
NEGATIVE and back -- and then VANISH IN A CASCADE OF POSITIVE
AND NEGATIVE SPARKS!
THE SILVER SURFER
Safe within the tube. He passes through cleanly, looks to:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE CENTRAL HATCH OF THE SHIP
Where the cables of destruction join with Galactus' ship.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
This planet has not the time for *
me to argue with one who will not
even deign to answer...
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
As he flies closer to the hatch.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Instead, I shall have to apply the
power cosmic more directly --
Again, he releases twin BLASTS OF POWER --
WIDER
The BLASTS SHOOT toward the cables, SPARKS FLYING as we
CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - ROME - DAY
Galactus' cables bore into the ground, and in the upheaval
the walls of the Coliseum go CRASHING to the ground!
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET EARTH - THE HATCH
The cables shudder and shake, but hold firm.
THE SILVER SURFER
Continues to BLAST at them as we
CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - LONDON - DAY
The ground heaves and shakes -- and tower of Big Ben topples,
engulfed by the Blackness!
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET EARTH - THE HATCH
MORE SPARKS FLY -- and the nearest cable FLARES UP REDLY, a
big chunk of it disintegrating as:
THE SILVER SURFER
Allows himself a satisfied smile.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Just as the power of Galactus
created these engines of
destruction -- the power he has
given me shall destroy them!
He pours it on, BLASTING away as we
CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - PARIS - DAY
The sky is a CRACKLING WEB of Blackness, lightning-like
ENERGY lashing out and blowing the Arc de Triumph to
smithereens!
EXT. EARTH - VENICE BEACH - DAY - THE BLACKNESS
CRACKLING AND SPARKING. We WIDEN TO SEE that the destructive
force is hanging over the crest of a huge TSUNAMI WAVE which
is headed right toward:
A GROUP OF TERRIFIED MEN AND WOMEN
SHOUTING in fear as they rush past the wrecked buildings,
trying to put as much distance as possible between themselves
and the wave.
FIRST MAN FIRST WOMAN
L.A.'s falling into the Help us! Can't somebody
ocean! help us?!
FRANKIE AND AMBER
In the middle of the mob. Frankie looks around frantically
for somewhere to go.
FRANKIE
There's gotta be a way out of
this --
Her eyes find something we can't see, O.S.
FRANKIE
(continuing)
There!
AMBER
(following her gaze)
Frankie, are you nuts? We've got
to get to high ground!
FRANKIE
Hey, we can't get any higher up
than that! Everybody! This way!
And, racing along on her roller blades, Frankie leads the
others to:
A HOT AIR BALLOON
Tethered beside a deserted hut with a sign that says,
"BALLOON TOURS OF THE BEACH! CREDIT CARDS WELCOME! Frankie
and Amber almost crash into the basket of the balloon.
FRANKIE
Hope the owner doesn't freak 'cuz
I didn't run my card through.
She climbs inside. Amber clambers over the top of the basket
to join her.
WIDER
As Frankie helps the others get in. She starts throwing out
the ballast. Slowly, the balloon begins to rise as:
THE TSUNAMI WAVE
Hits the beach with a ROAR! It sweeps away the remains of
the buildings as though they're made of cardboard!
THE HOT AIR BALLOON
As the tsunami wave hangs over it. Frankie tosses out the
last of the ballast, and the balloon shoots upward, clearing
the CLASHING water by mere inches!
FRANKIE AND AMBER
They and the others are drenched -- but alive. They look
down at the flood.
AMBER
You did it! If there's one thing *
you've always been good at, it's *
being in the right place at the *
right time. *
FRANKIE
(filled with resolve) *
Way I see it, the right place now *
is wherever those alien attackers *
are. I've gotta fight!
AMBER
I hate to break it to you,
Frankie, but this is a balloon,
not a rocket ship --
Amber stops suddenly -- and with good reason. With a WHOOSH
OF IMPLODING AIR, her friend vanishes!
Frantically, Amber starts looking all around the balloon, but
it's useless as we
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CLOSE ON THE HATCH
SPARKS FLY as another COSMIC BLAST hits one of the cables.
When they FADE AWAY we SEE that the cable has been severed,
and it floats away.
THE SILVER SURFER
Swooping at the hatch. He holds out his hands for another
blast. The power cosmic FLICKERS around his fingers like
little silver flames, but nothing else happens.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
All this effort has drained my
power cosmic. I must replenish it
quickly.
He looks around and sees:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE SUN
As a sunspot whirls across its face.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Starting toward it on his board.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
That should do --
His words change to a CRY OF PAIN as:
ANOTHER ANGLE
A BOLT OF ENERGY SLAMS into the Silver Surfer from behind,
his entire body POLARIZING FROM POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE and
back! He and his board twist and spiral helplessly until:
NEW ANGLE
Another BOLT OF ENERGY hits both the Surfer and his board,
forming a BUBBLE that whirls them around and holds them in
place while:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Audacity is one thing, my Silver
Surfer...but rebellion is quite
another!
Shaken, too weak to even more, the Surfer stares at:
GALACTUS
For the first time, we SEE him not in his command chair, but
standing out in space beside his ship.
GALACTUS
You have accomplished something,
Silver Surfer, that no force in
the universe ever has before.
THE SILVER SURFER
Eyes fastened on Galactus, he is barely able to speak:
SILVER SURFER
What is that...?
We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer's hands as he raises them --
GALACTUS' MOUTH
Forms a wry smile.
GALACTUS
You have forced me to interrupt my
repast...
THE SILVER SURFER'S HANDS
He cups his palms, as though waiting for someone to throw him
a ball.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
I do not know whether to
congratulate you for this unique
deed...
THE SUN
Wisps of energy from the sunspot pull away, as though being
sucked into space. We ANGLE WITH them as they glide toward:
THE SILVER SURFER'S HANDS
As the energy pierces the BUBBLE and reaches the Surfer's
palms. They start to SIZZLE AND SPARK.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Or vaporize you!
WIDER ON THE SILVER SURFER
As, within the BUBBLE, he gets to his feet. His voice is
hard:
SILVER SURFER
Do what you will, my former
master, but I cannot allow you to
kill anymore!
The ENERGY BUBBLE SHATTERS as the Surfer BLASTS through it.
We ANGLE WITH the BLAST and
CUT TO:
INT. AN UNKNOWN LOCATION
PANNING a shadowy darkness, where all we can SEE is what
looks like a maze of cylindrical tunnels. The only SOUNDS
are a RHYTHMIC PULSING OF ENGINES and:
FRANKIE (V.O.)
Frankie girl -- what've you gotten
yourself into now?
We FIND Frankie curled up near a junction in the tunnels,
peering into the shadows.
FRANKIE (V.O.)
(continuing)
One minute I'm dodging a tidal
wave, and the next I'm in the
absolute middle of nowhere...
ANOTHER ANGLE
Frankie gets up, moves to the junction.
FRANKIE (V.O.)
Or am I? Let's see how that *
"right place at the right time" *
stuff really holds up... *
She picks a tunnel, starts walking through it as we
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET EARTH - GALACTUS
As the Silver Surfer's COSMIC POWER BLAST hits him -- and
absolutely nothing happens. Galactus just laughs.
GALACTUS
"Former master?" "Former," you
say...?"
THE SILVER SURFER - INTERCUTTING AS NECESSARY WITH
VARIOUS PARTS OF GALACTUS
The Surfer soars closer to Galactus -- and BLASTS at him
again! Again, nothing happens as:
GALACTUS
Can it be that I have been wrong
about you, Silver Surfer -- and
you are neither audacious nor
rebellious -- but simply mad?
SILVER SURFER
Perhaps I was, to believe that I
could make any agreement with you!
But now I know the truth --
The Surfer BLASTS once more --
ANOTHER ANGLE - INTERCUTTING AS NECESSARY
This time Galactus holds out his hand and a RING OF ENERGY
catches the BLAST and turns it back at the Surfer...who
barely manages to dodge in time.
GALACTUS
And because of that you would
attempt to destroy your creator?
For, make no mistake about it,
your creator I am!
Galactus FIRES ANOTHER ENERGY BOLT, and again the Surfer
dodges it as:
GALACTUS
(continuing)
I took away your memories because
it was necessary, Silver Surfer.
I knew that with them you would
never be able to serve me!
Galactus FIRES again. Again the Surfer dodges...but he's
slowing down.
SILVER SURFER
Galactus, can you not understand?
I no longer care about what you
have done to me. It is what you
are doing to this world!
Another BOLT from Galactus. The Surfer barely slips away
from it in time.
GALACTUS
This planet dies so that I may
live -- a course of events that
has occurred a billion times
before!
NEW ANGLE - INTERCUTTING AS NECESSARY
Galactus is just toying with the Surfer, and the Surfer knows
it. He flies in closer, watching Galactus' every move as he
waits for the next attack.
SILVER SURFER
But it has been wrong a billion
times before! This place reminds
me of Zenn-La, and given time it
too might become such a refuge!
(beat)
But even if it did not, still
would its life be sacrosanct! I
must make my stand!
GALACTUS
Your stand will destroy you!
SILVER SURFER
Better to perish for what I
believe in than endure forever as
a traitor to life!
GALACTUS
Then so be it!
And, simultaneously, both the Silver Surfer and Galactus
BLAST at each other with both hands!
WITH GALACTUS' ENERGY BLAST
As it HITS THE SURFER'S BLAST, VAPORIZING IT INTO
NOTHINGNESS. GALACTUS' BLAST CONTINUES at the Silver Surfer,
who stands on his board, arms outstretched, taking the full
brunt of an EXPLOSION THAT FILLS THE SCREEN as we
CUT TO:
EXT. EARTH - MIDDLE EASTERN DESERT - NIGHT
Where the oil field smoulders. As we WATCH, the Blackness
thins, the ENERGY within them FLICKERING as they disappear.
The massive cables of destruction retract, pulling up, out of
the ground!
EXT. EARTH - AFRICAN VELDT - NIGHT
Here too the Blackness vanishes, the cables retracting. The
various surviving animals start to come out of hiding...
EXT. EARTH - HIMALAYA MOUNTAINS - NIGHT
The ground stops moving. A holy man and his followers
approach the soldiers...and offer them food...
EXT. EARTH - VENICE BEACH - DAY
The water ebbs back into the ocean. We TIGHTEN ON Amber in
the hot air balloon. She lets out a great sigh...
CUT TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - THE SILVER SURFER -
MATCHING SHOT
He is in an ENERGY BUBBLE, unconscious. After a beat, his
eyes open.
SILVER SURFER
(amazed)
I live...!
He looks around, his gaze going upward, to:
THE PROJECTED IMAGES
Where the reawakening of Earth continues as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(shocked)
And so does the planet...
WIDER - INTERCUTTING BETWEEN THE SILVER SURFER, VARIOUS
PARTS OF GALACTUS, AND THE PROJECTED IMAGES AS NECESSARY
The Surfer turns away from the projections, looks at Galactus
seated once again in the command chair.
SILVER SURFER
You have abandoned it. But --
why...?
Galactus' eyes are steady. No longer do they GLOW...or
CRACKLE with energy. He doesn't answer directly -- not yet:
GALACTUS
Since the dawn of time, the
purpose of my life has been -- my
continued survival. To that end
have I devoted all my great power.
(beat)
But you, Silver Surfer, in your
willingness to pay the ultimate
price for the well-being of others
you do not even know, have
demonstrated a strength and
courage that even Great Galactus
shall never possess.
Galactus sounds subdued, almost as though he's in pain. He
forces himself to continue:
GALACTUS
(continuing)
Norrin Radd, we can trust each
other no more. Consider this
world a parting gift.
The Surfer looks at Galactus closely. The importance of
Galactus' words sinks in.
SILVER SURFER
(incredulous)
You will release me? I can go...?
Galactus' eyes narrow. His voice grows stronger, and is
filled with indignation and wrath:
GALACTUS
You must go. And with you take
the power cosmic. Not as my
blessing, but as my curse.
(beat)
The power shall be like a brand,
marking its bearer for all time.
Let us see if those for whom the
Silver Surfer has been so willing
to sacrifice can ever overcome
their fear and hatred of you.
WIDER
The Surfer takes this in. Then, glancing around the control *
room, he raises his hand.
SILVER SURFER
My board!
From O.S., the board flies to him, the ENERGY BUBBLE
VANISHING as the board reaches it. Leaping onto the board,
the Silver Surfer soars from the control center to:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET EARTH - GALACTUS' SHIP
As the Surfer sweeps out. He looks back for just a beat, and
the communication beam forms as:
SILVER SURFER
Mighty Galactus, I shall prove you *
wrong about the people of the *
universe... *
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(thunderously)
Go! You are condemned!
The Silver Surfer catches a COSMIC WAVE. Faster and faster
he moves, FORESHORTENING INTO WARP AND VANISHING as:
EXT. GALACTUS' CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' EYES
Glistening, as though moist...From O.S. we HEAR A SCRAPING
SOUND, and Galactus' head turns to:
GALACTUS' POV - DUCTWORK
A series of tubes running up to the control center from the
bowels of the big ship. At the entrance to one of the tubes
a female, human figure pushes back a metallic seal.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As Frankie Ray emerges from the tube -- and gazes at the
control center in awe.
FRANKIE
Oh, man -- talk about out of the
frying pan and into the fire...
Then she sees:
FRANKIE'S POV - GALACTUS
His eyes are still fixed on her.
BACK TO FRANKIE
Terrified.
GALACTUS' EYES
Like the eyes of God.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
You are from the planet below. *
How do you come to be here? *
FRANKIE
Summoning all her courage.
FRANKIE
Guess it just must be my lucky day. *
GALACTUS' EYES
From them comes a GLOWING LIGHT. He seems to be looking
right inside her.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
You have a rare gene, triggered by
the power cosmic itself...
FRANKIE
Is BATHED IN THE LIGHT as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
It enables you to unerringly find
whatever you seek...
GALACTUS' EYES
The LIGHT STOPS. Galactus looks thoughtful. Then:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
I do not know what a frying pan
is...
FRANKIE
As Galactus continues:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
However, I can extend to you --
the gift of fire.
And, as Frankie tries to sort this out, we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE
Its star-blazing glory SUPERIMPOSED OVER the head of the
Watcher. From the distance, a fiery orange figure BLAZES
toward us, and the Watcher's eyes follow her movements as:
THE WATCHER
On a planet known as Earth, there
lived a young woman named Frankie
Ray.
(beat)
Now, she has a new form and a new
name -- Nova, herald of Galactus!
As the figure gets nearer, we SEE that here, flying faster
than the fastest starship, is NOVA, a living woman of
flame -- with Frankie's features!
THE WATCHER
(continuing; turning
his attention to US)
But what of the original herald --
the Silver Surfer? A free man,
noble and pure, he streaks to his
new life...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET ZENN-LA - THE SILVER SURFER
WARPS IN.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Zenn-La! The most beautiful
planet in the universe! Soon I
will be in the loving arms of
Shalla Bal --
The Surfer stops short. He looks in disbelief at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - ZENN-LA'S LOCATION
No planet orbits here. We PAN TO SEE a sun. Some moons.
But no Zenn-La!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Stricken. His voice is filled with anguish:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What has happened? Where is Zenn-
La?
WIDER
Beyond the Surfer, in the place where Zenn-La should be, an
ENERGY BUBBLE appears. It comes toward toward the Surfer,
and when he touches it the BUBBLE EXPLODES, an IMAGE OF
GALACTUS appearing!
GALACTUS
Norrin Radd! I said that you
could leave me, and I have kept my
word.
(beat)
But never did I say you could
return to Zenn-La!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The huge figure vanishes, and in its place we SEE the
translucent form of the Watcher.
SILVER SURFER
(stunned)
Watcher! Where is my world?
Where is my home...? Tell me --
please!
THE WATCHER
I cannot tell you. So mighty is
Galactus that he has moved Zenn-La
to a place where it is hidden even
from me.
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
Drifting on his board. His face shows his pain. Behind him,
the Watcher too shows his sorrow.
THE WATCHER
Truly, I am sorry.
The Surfer doesn't reply. He's like a man who has made it
through hell -- and now has to go back again! Then he lifts
his head high, and his voice resonates through space:
SILVER SURFER
I will find you, Shalla Bal! No
matter how long or dangerous the
way -- no matter what travail I
must endure -- never will I stop
searching! This I swear by our
love!
We ANGLE WITH the Silver Surfer as he rides the cosmic waves,
the Watcher looking on.
THE WATCHER
Behold the Silver Surfer, bound no
one knows where! Will he find
glory or tragedy? Victory or
defeat? His true destiny is yet
to unfold.
(beat)
I am the Watcher. It is my task
to note all events of significance
in the cosmos. This task brings
me great joy...and great sorrow...
Faster and faster the Surfer moves, and as he FORESHORTENS
INTO WARP, we FREEZE FRAME and
FADE OUT:
THE END
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