THE SILVER SURFER
"INNERVISIONS"
(#1875-09)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY & ALAN SWAYZE
REV. FINAL DRAFT
APRIL 28, 1997
THE SILVER SURFER
"INNERVISIONS"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. THE PLANET JOREGPA - DAY - THE SUN
Rising gloriously over majestic purple mountains. We WIDEN
TO SEE that before the mountains are rolling hills filled
with exotic flowering plants and cascading waterfalls.
It's a sight of great beauty, and the VOICE we hear is filled
with admiration...and awe:
THANOS (O.S.)
The planet Joregpa. Quiet.
Peaceful. Serene...
A FIELD OF FLOWERS
PANNING ACROSS a botanist's paradise, where flowers
continuously bud and bloom, as though living in a world of
time-lapse photography. This is a place where fairies should
be dancing, and it fills us with feelings of peace and
tranquility.
THANOS (O.S.)
When I was a child visiting this
wonderful world I found its beauty
truly delightful!
As a group of plants literally stretch up toward the sky, we
ANGLE WITH them, and CONTINUE ANGLING HIGHER AND HIGHER,
MOVING THROUGH the atmosphere TO:
EXT. SPACE IN THE JOREGPA SOLAR SYSTEM - THE SUN
A brilliant gold orb, filled with ENERGY and life.
THANOS (O.S.)
My father, the Scientist Supreme of
the Titan System, was taking his
family on a merry holiday...
As the voice continues, we SEE a BEAM OF PURPLE ENERGY shoot
into the heart of the sun. Immediately, the golden star
HISSES and FLARES.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
2.
THANOS (O.S.)
(continuing)
And he and my mother encouraged my
brother and me to play amid the
splendor...
ANOTHER ANGLE
The PURPLE BEAM GROWS DARKER AND THICKER, and the sun FLARES
again, then DIMS.
THANOS (O.S.)
That fool Mentor plunged in with his
usual abandon, and so did I -- only
to learn a harsh truth...
The sun continues to fluctuate broadly as we FIND the source
of the PURPLE BEAM:
THANOS' SHIP
A malignant, black and purple skull, the organic environment
stays in a constant orbit between Joregpa and the sun.
THANOS (O.S.)
We had both been genetically
engineered, but for very different
qualities...
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT - THE VIEWSCREEN
(NOTE: It is always night on Thanos' ship, with everything
in darkness or deep shadow.)
On the viewscreen, delicate seeds waft on the breeze, their
golden shapes filling the sky.
THANOS (O.S.)
My brother was the curious young
scholar, who learned from everything
he saw...
REVERSE ANGLE
Revealing the blocky, ugly form of THANOS himself, standing
before a THROBBING bank of organic computers. He looks down
at himself with loathing and disgust, and, abruptly, the
sweetness we've HEARD in his voice vanishes as, thunderously:
THANOS
While I -- I was Thanos, bred to
punish and avenge...
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
3.
Thanos raises his hand angrily, and a BEAM of PURPLE LIGHT
shoots out at the center of a cluster of buds on the
computer. They darken and swell as:
EXT. SPACE IN THE JOREGPA SOLAR SYSTEM - THE SUN
A second PURPLE BEAM stabs from the ship and penetrates the
sun. Then a third, a fourth. The fluctuations become even
wilder!
THANOS (O.S.)
And everything I touched -- died!
Throbbing, the sun flares up into a NOVA!
WIDER
EXPLODING WAVES OF SOLAR GAS shoot outward, engulfing first
Thanos' ship, and then Joregpa itself. All we can SEE of the
planet is a raging inferno!
NEW ANGLE
As the planet vanishes, totally engulfed by its own sun,
Thanos' ship emerges from the flaming destruction, moving
faster and faster from what is left of the Joregpa system.
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT
Thanos turns from the viewscreen, and a look of deepest peace
comes over his face. He strides across the garden that is
the interior of his ship, and stops at the stone statue of
LADY CHAOS.
THANOS
Lady Chaos, my twin flame, I thank
you for the release -- the joy --that
our love brings...
He strokes her cold stone hand, lets out a sigh. We ANGLE TO
the viewscreen.
THANOS (O.S.)
And offer you this small gift of
annihilation -- and the promise of
more to come...
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
4.
We HOLD ON the viewscreen: All that's visible is a ROILING
SEA OF FLAME!
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER
At first he's just a tiny, gleaming dot in the darkness, but
he grows larger and larger, streaking TOWARD CAMERA in the
curl of a COSMIC WAVE as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Again do I wander the spaceways
alone...!
ANOTHER ANGLE
A large chunk of fiery debris hurtles toward him. The Surfer
barely acknowledges it, simply swooping downward and letting
the rock continue on overhead.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Only now, with Pip no longer
accompanying me, do I truly realize
how much it meant to have a
companion...
Another fiery chunk whizzes at him. This time, the Surfer
flies up over it -- and finds himself in the middle of a
stream of such debris.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Strange...These seem to be fragments
of a large body, perhaps a moon or
planet...
WIDER
As the Surfer catches another COSMIC WAVE.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Such matters, however, are not my
concern...
Bending to the task, he speeds up, slaloming around, over,
and under the debris as:
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
6.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
The Universal Library showed me that
the Dream Weaver of Zenn-La has been
taken to the planet Harmony...
The biggest chunk so far comes at him. The Surfer raises his
arm, BLASTING it into smaller pieces with his POWER COSMIC,
and continuing on.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
If it is still there, I hope to be
able to use its power to unite my
thoughts with those of my people --
and learn where in this universe they
are -- !
Suddenly, the Surfer breaks off. He stares at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE JOREGPA SOLAR SYSTEM
All that remains is the enormous white nova, and the
countless embers that were once Joregpa.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
A nova!
The IMAGE SHIFTS to that of an ENERGY FIELD with its various
GLOWING FIELDS. Even though they are no longer present, we
can SEE the BRIGHT TRAILS made by Thanos' ENERGY BEAMS.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
This is no natural occurrence!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
In spite of himself, he's intrigued. His gaze sweeps through
space around him.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Who would perform such a horrendous
act? The Kree? The Skrull?
The Surfer's look stops at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - A FAR OFF ENERGY FIELD
The TRAILS OF PURPLE ENERGY are distant and thin -- but they
lead to another ENERGY FIELD that we know is Thanos' ship.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
7.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
A vessel! I do not recognize its
configuration...
As the Surfer speaks, more PURPLE ENERGY SHOOTS from the
ship -- and another STAR BURSTS INTO NOVA!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Appalled.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
But the nature of its energy strikes
a most repugnant chord --
TIGHTENING ON his face, we
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. EGO THE LIVING PLANET - DAY - FLASHBACK (FROM #1875-
02)
Where a PURPLE BEAM from Thanos his the Silver Surfer and he
falls to the icy surface of the planet. Another PURPLE BEAM
strikes the ground before him, COALESCING into a FIELD OF
PURPLE ENERGY -- and within the field stands a familiar form:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Thanos...!
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE FAR OFF
ENERGY FIELD
We TIGHTEN PAST the ENERGY GLOW of Thanos' ship to that of
another star, with several planets circling it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The monster's course is unmistakable.
He is cutting a swath of destruction
toward --
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
His face shows his anguish as:
SILVER SURFER
Harmony!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
8.
And he soars faster, toward Thanos' ship, FORESHORTENING INTO
WARP as we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ANOTHER PART OF SPACE - THANOS' SHIP
Emerging unscathed from the second nova.
THANOS (O.S.)
What's that, my dear? Why did I
choose to give you this solar
system...?
INT. THANOS SHIP - NIGHT - THANOS
Reaching out, he touches the cheek of the statue of Lady
Chaos, then turns to the viewscreen.
THANOS
My family stopped here on the same
tour that took us to Joregpa. All
five planets were dedicated to
education...
We WIDEN TO SEE that the entire vista on the viewscreen is
one of a fiery conflagration.
THANOS
(continuing)
Mentor, of course, was welcomed with
open arms. While I was disdained for
my burgeoning strength.
(beat)
Now our power truly educates them!
Thanos LAUGHS his giggling laugh and looks back at the
viewscreen. He stops suddenly as:
THE VIEWSCREEN
Where the Silver Surfer WARPS IN near the nova and its solar
system-wide flames!
THANOS (O.S.)
The Silver Surfer? Here...?
THANOS
Beaming with delight as he turns back to the statue.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
9.
THANOS (O.S.)
Oh, Lady Chaos, thank you -- for
gifting me with the chance for
revenge!
And, as a PURPLE BEAM SHOOTS out from his finger:
EXT. ANOTHER PART OF SPACE - THE SILVER SURFER
Being pushed and pulled by the EDDIES and SHOCK WAVES of the
nearby nova, and barely able to control his board. It's a
constant battle with the COLORED ENERGY around him as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Thanos' power is even greater than I
expected!
WIDER
As Thanos' PURPLE ENERGY BEAM BLASTS from his ship. The
Surfer tries to veer away, but he doesn't have enough
control, and the BEAM grazes his shoulder. The Surfer falls
to one knee, barely staying on his board.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I must gather myself...or I have not
a chance --
Groggily, the Surfer pulls himself to his feet, and more
PURPLE BLASTS SHOOT from Thanos' ship, leaving him no choice
but to dodge and weave.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Leaning forward on the board, the Surfer holds out both arms
and FIRES A PAIR OF COSMIC BLASTS at the next PURPLE BEAM.
We ANGLE WITH them -- and Thanos' BEAM EXPLODES through the
BLASTS as though they aren't even there!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER
As the PURPLE BEAM scores a direct hit. The Surfer CRIES OUT
and goes flying backward, off his board! Flailing
desperately, he calls out:
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
10.
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
Sailing through the inferno of the nova. We WIDEN as, arcing
gracefully, it slices through the flame to the Surfer, who
does a quick flip and lands -- shakily -- on his feet.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Greatly am I weakened. I cannot
continue to fight...!
He sheers off, racing away from Thanos' ship at ever-
increasing speed.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
But neither can I allow my foe to
demolish another world -- and destroy
what may be my only chance to return
to Shalla-Bal!
And he FORESHORTENS INTO WARP -- just ahead of another PURPLE
BEAM! We HOLD as, with nothing left to hit, the BEAM
EXPLODES harmlessly, and then we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE ABOVE THE PLANET HARMONY - DOWNSHOT
SEEING nothing but billowing ORANGE clouds, covering
everything the way our white clouds often cover satellite
photos of Earth. We PAN ACROSS them as:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I do not have much time. Thanos
cannot be very far behind me!
THE SILVER SURFER
On his board, he swoops down into the clouds.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The Whynnm of Harmony ever have been
a paradoxical race...
EXT. HARMONY - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
ANGLING WITH him as he moves through the cloud cover.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
11.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
On the one hand, they have a
tradition as galactic warriors, while
on the other, long have they admired
the tranquility of Zenn-La...
(beat)
It was to unite these conflicting
attitudes that they were given the
Dream Weaver...
UPSHOT
As the Surfer emerges from the clouds.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Once I have warned the Whynnm, it
will be up to them to flee, or rise
up in defense --
Suddenly, the Surfer breaks off as:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE LAND BELOW
Situated on it is a primitive village of mud huts, with
strange, cowlike animals moving through the unpaved streets.
Everything is in disrepair. Even the huts are crumbling. We
PAN ACROSS the village to:
THE RESIDENTS OF HARMONY
Horse-headed and dressed and virtual rags, the Whynnm, both
men and women, leap about madly, lunging at nothing and
literally running in circles. Men spar with opponents we
can't see, LAUGHING joyfully as they land imaginary hits.
Women flip equally unseen adversaries, judo-style, SHOUTING
gleefully all the while.
FIRST WHYNNM MAN FIRST WHYNNM WOMAN
Have at you, foul miscreant! Ha! Another match for me!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Looking puzzled. He streaks down to the village, shouting
out:
SILVER SURFER
Brothers and sisters of Harmony!
Your world is in danger! The being
known as Thanos approaches on a
mission most dire!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
12.
THE RESIDENTS OF HARMONY
Ignore him. They continue feinting and jabbing and jumping
and running.
SECOND WHYNNM WOMAN SECOND WHYNNM MAN
Onward! To the next More points to us all!
challenge!
WIDER
The Surfer flies lower, circling the huts. The strange
activity continues.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Is everyone on this world mad? How
can it be that they neither see nor
hear me?
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer comes lower still, flying right between the
Whynnm -- and quickly veering out of the way as a small,
canister-like ROBOT darts past him.
The robot moves to the nearest WHYNNM FIGHTER, and its
mechanical arm uncoils, ZAPPING a small box strapped onto the
Whynnm's forearm with a GREEN LIGHTNING BOLT OF ENERGY.
Other robots are doing the same thing to other Whynnm.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Have the Whynnm become enslaved by
this robot race?
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND THE WHYNNM FIGHTER
The Whynnm shows no reaction to the robot. Instead, he ducks
an imaginary blow, then delivers a hard uppercut to no one at
all and dashes on. Seeing the Surfer, the robot ZAPS at him,
and TWIN BEAMS OF THE POWER COSMIC come from the Surfer's
eyes, absorbing the GREEN BOLT as though tasting it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(amazed)
Why, these are nutrient energies --
of the kind given by caretakers when
a patient cannot feed itself!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
13.
NEW ANGLE
Another robot darts past the Surfer, and goes into a larger
hut in the center of the village, just as several other
robots emerge from it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
That must be the center from which
the robots are dispatched.
He soars to the central hut, and carries his board to:
INT. CENTRAL HUT - DAY
There's nothing primitive in here at all. In fact, it gives
the impression of being twice as large inside as it looked
from without.
One wall is a darkened viewscreen. The rest of the place is
wall to wall machinery. Moving walkways lead down to and
come up from the bowels of the planet, and from down below
comes the THRUM OF POWER.
On the walkways are more of the little robots, moving past
mechanisms that automatically FIRE REFILLING CHARGES OF GREEN
ENERGY into their coiled arms.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The robots continue out past the Surfer, who moves deeper
into the room, sidling past the various mechanisms. As he
does so, a NEW SOUND emerges from the mix, a quiet BABBLE
THAT GROWS LOUDER AND LOUDER as the Surfer gets closer and
closer to:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE DREAM WEAVER
An organic-looking lava-lamp of a machine that could've been
created by H.R. Geiger. At its heart is a GLOWING CRYSTAL,
and at the far end of the Dream Weaver is a tube from which
CASCADES A CONTINUOUS STREAM OF GOLDEN ENERGY!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
The Dream Weaver!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Rushing to the machines. From it, we can now make out
individual words in the BABBLE:
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
14.
VARIOUS VOICES
...Challenge!...Victory!...Truth!...
Courage!...Hope!...
Then SWEEPING LAUGHTER OVERRIDES everything. The Surfer
pulls back wonderingly.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
So this is why they all behave so
strangely! On Zenn-La, the Dream
Weaver was used to give substance to
our deepest hopes and desires, so we
could all work toward them together.
(beat)
Here, its power seems to have merged
the thoughts of the entire race into
a vast group dream!
The Surfer reaches for the crystal, starts to loosen it.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
I must hurry. Part of me longs to
simply take what I desire -- but I
have a duty to perform. To
communicate with the Whynnm, I must
shut down this device --
EXT. HARMONY - DAY
As everyone freezes in his or her tracks, the LAUGHTER
TURNING TO A HOWL of anguish:
THE WHYNNM
NOOOOOOO!!!
INT. CENTRAL HUT - DAY
The HOWL REVERBERATES, and the Surfer too CRIES OUT, clapping
his hands to his head.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
They cannot bear to be returned to
reality! And the Dream Weaver is
causing me to feel their pain as my
own!
He falls backward -- and as soon as he releases the crystal
the HOWLING stops. Slowly, the Surfer rises.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
15.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
My only recourse is to enter the
fantasy myself.
Straightening, the Surfer moves into the path of its GOLDEN
BEAM. His expression changes. His features lighten, and the
Surfer actually starts to smile.
TIGHTENING ON the Silver Surfer's smiling face, we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HARMONY - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY - MATCHING
SHOT - THE SILVER SURFER
Completely blissed-out, filled with a feeling of joy. We
WIDEN TO SEE that, carrying his board, he is strolling out of
an imposing classical building that looks like the Roman
Senate, and walking along a wide street that appears to
literally be paved with gold!
Instead of a primitive village, the Surfer is now in a
perfect, Greco-Roman city, surrounded by stately buildings
and fantastic gardens.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Every Whynnm the Surfer passes is dressed in flowing robes.
They are all beautiful, handsome, noble, with immaculate
manes and shining teeth.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
No wonder the inhabitants have chosen
this way to live. Why would anyone
want reality when they could be part
of this dream?
(realizing)
No! I must stay on guard against
losing myself. Too much is at stake!
Suddenly, a translucent ALIEN BLINKS into existence before
the Surfer, armed with bristling, mace-like weapons. The
translucent Alien raises his mace threateningly --
GAMMA JEN BETH
A muscular but gorgeous Whynnm woman, she leaps past the
Surfer, slashing at the Alien with a gleaming sword.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
16.
GAMMA JEN BETH
(calling out to the
Surfer)
Don't worry! I'll dispatch this
Challenger in no time!
Gamma Jen Beth's sword CLASHES against the Challenger's mace
as he matches her thrusts and parries blow for blow. The
Whynnm's response is to SQUEAL delightedly. She loves this!
NEW ANGLE
Gamma Jen Beth gives one great thrust at the Challenger, and
it IMPLODES, vanishing just as it first appeared! Other
Whynnm who have gathered around to watch the contest APPLAUD,
and Gamma Jen Beth beams, blowing kisses to all.
GAMMA JEN BETH
(to the Surfer)
Am I not magnificent? A true
champion --
She breaks off as:
BETA RAY BILL (O.S.)
Get away from that woman!
WIDER
The Surfer turns, as, heroically clad in a gleaming
breastplate and winged helmet, BETA RAY BILL, the male
equivalent of Gamma Jen Beth flies through the air to the
Surfer and the others. In his hand he carries not a sword
but a powerful hammer. The crowd makes way for him, as:
SILVER SURFER
I am the Silver Surfer. Are you in
authority here?
BETA RAY BILL
Ah, a new twist! No Challenger's
ever questioned anyone before.
Usually they just fight!
Beta Ray Bill brandishes his hammer. Gamma Jen Beth and the
others begin waving their own weapons at the Surfer as well.
SILVER SURFER
You do not understand. I come as a
friend. To warn you --
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17.
Suddenly, the Surfer stops, looks even more puzzled as he
tries to recall:
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Yes, yes -- your lives are in -- some
kind of grave peril...
His brain clouded by the dream, the Surfer trails off.
Looking the Surfer over appraisingly, Beta Ray Bill whirls
his hammer. It WHUMPS ominously.
BETA RAY BILL
Solid looking. Friendly. Oh, this
is delightful! You're the most
cleverly designed enemy the Dream has
come up with yet.
(beat)
But Beta Ray Bill, Champion of
Champions, knows what to do -- !
NEW ANGLE
Beta Ray Bill releases the hammer, and it flies directly at
the Surfer, striking him in the chest and sending him reeling.
Immediately, the hammer returns to its thrower -- and not
only he but also Gamma Jen Beth and the entire crowd charge
forward, swinging and flailing and slashing away.
The Surfer goes down, both he and his board enveloped by the
mass of beings, totally lost beneath the swarming mob. We
can SEE nothing but the Whynnm, continuing their writhing
attack, as we
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE IN THE HARMONY SOLAR SYSTEM - THANOS' SHIP
WARPING IN at the edge of the system, Harmony's sun shining
brightly in the distance.
THANOS (O.S.)
This system was my family's last stop
on our "Grand Tour..."
INT. THANOS SHIP - NIGHT - THE VIEWSCREEN
TIGHTENING PAST the different worlds in the system to
Harmony, with its distinctive cover of clouds.
THANOS (O.S.)
The second planet from the sun is
called Harmony...
As he speaks, Thanos strides to the viewscreen.
THANOS
And even then the very name filled me
with loathing!
Another PURPLE BEAM stabs out from Thanos' finger.
EXT. SPACE IN THE HARMONY SOLAR SYSTEM - THANOS' SHIP
A bigger version of the PURPLE BEAM shoots from the ship --
directly into a nearby asteroid -- which EXPLODES into
millions of pieces!
THANOS (O.S.)
It was the citizens of Harmony who
convinced my father that I would
profit by being sent to study on the
accursed world of Zenn-La!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the ship passes another piece of cosmic flotsam -- and
another PURPLE BEAM ZAPS out. We TIGHTEN ON the EXPLOSION and
CUT TO:
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
19.
EXT. HARMONY - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY - THE SILVER
SURFER
Doing his best to break free of the Whynnm without hurting
them. He pushes away one attacker, twists out of the grasp
of another, and finally manages to stand unencumbered.
SILVER SURFER
You must stop! Do not force me to
fight back!
BETA RAY BILL
But you've got to fight back.
Otherwise it's not a proper contest!
GAMMA JEN BETH
(to Beta Ray Bill)
What an excellent illusion. Even as
we improve, so does the Dream. The
Silver Surfer seems almost real --
ANOTHER ANGLE
And she charges forward once more. The others also renew
their efforts, and every weapon the Whynnm have comes into
play. Not only swords and chains of steel and hammers of
steel, but ENERGY weapons as well!
WIDER
An ENERGY BOLO winds around the Surfer, and he's staggered by
an ENERGY WHIP. The Surfer falls back -- and is hit by Beta
Ray Bill's hammer. Again, he staggers.
SILVER SURFER
I am real!
BETA RAY BILL
Then prove it. Do your worst, Enemy!
We all know the rules of the Dream --
nothing created by the Dream Weaver
can possibly defeat us!
And, as he says it, Beta Ray Bill throws the hammer right at:
THE SILVER SURFER
Getting an idea. He looks at the oncoming hammer, and his
eyes GLOW with the POWER COSMIC. We ANGLE WITH the TWIN
BEAMS as they meet Beta Ray Bill's hammer in mid-air.
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20.
The hammer SHIMMERS AND DISSOLVES -- TRANSMUTED INTO a small
orange cloud, just like those that surround the planet!
WIDER
The Whynnm GASP:
FIRST WHYNNM MAN SECOND WHYNNM MAN
Did you see that? It can't be!
BETA RAY BILL
My hammer! What'd you do?
SILVER SURFER
I transmuted it into something a
little less dangerous.
GAMMA JEN BETH
Oh yeah? Transmute this!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND GAMMA JEN BETH
Gamma Jen Beth charges forward, slashing with her sword. The
Surfer hesitates for just an instant. Then, once again, the
TRANSMUTATION BEAM shoots from his eyes.
We TIGHTEN ON the sword as it too is TRANSMUTED -- into a
gleaming metallic ribbon!
WIDER
Now it's the woman's turn to stare.
GAMMA JEN BETH
No fair! Bill -- he's beating us!
BETA RAY BILL
But the only way that could happen is
if --
SILVER SURFER
If I am real?
GAMMA JEN BETH
(amazed)
He's a genuine off-worlder!
SECOND WHYNNM WOMAN SECOND WHYNNM MAN
Does he truly have Are we in true danger?
something to warn us about?
And, as one, they turn to their leader:
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
21.
THE WHYNNM
(terrified)
BIIILLL!!!
As one, they turn to their leader, Beta Ray Bill, while we
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE IN THE HARMONY SOLAR SYSTEM - THANOS' SHIP
Moving past a large planet circled by several moons. A
series of PURPLE BEAMS ZAP out -- and the moons are
incinerated!
INT. THANOS SHIP - NIGHT - THE VIEWSCREEN - MATCHING
SHOT - THE MOONS EXPLODING
WIDENING TO SEE Thanos watching, his expression beatific. He
sighs with satisfaction, then turns toward the statue of Lady
Chaos as if he's just heard something.
THANOS
What is that, beloved?
(beat)
You would prefer a closer look at the
civilization we are about to
obliterate? Why, of course...
We TIGHTEN ON the viewscreen as another PURPLE BEAM from
Thanos' finger causes the image of Harmony to increase in
size. The POV ZOOMS IN through the cloud cover and reveals
the primitive village -- and the Whynnm, standing together.
(NOTE: There's no sign of their weapons -- because those
exist only in their dream.)
THANOS (O.S.)
Odd...the Whynnm are greatly altered
since my put-upon youth -- ?
The POV CONTINUES TO ZOOM, and we SEE the Silver Surfer, with
Beta Ray Bill at his side!
THANOS
Stares at the viewscreen.
THANOS
The Silver Surfer?! Here?
(laughing)
How exquisite! I shall not be
deprived after all!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
22.
Thanos rushes to the statue, wraps his arms around it. Then,
choking back a sob, he pulls back as though struck.
THANOS
(continuing)
Forgive me, my lady. It is just that
I am so deeply moved by this reward...
(beat)
It gives me hope that the day soon
will come when you abandon cold
stone -- and deign to appear to this
unworthy admirer in your true flesh!
Thanos' words have the ring of truth. There can be no doubt
that they come deep from his heart...
CUT TO:
EXT. HARMONY - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY - MATCHING
SHOT - BETA RAY BILL'S FACE
Filled with consternation as:
BETA RAY BILL (O.S.)
Please, Silver Surfer -- you must
tell us what peril Harmony is in!
We WIDEN TO INCLUDE the Silver Surfer, reaching out to his
board. It flies directly into his grasp, and he turns back
to Beta Ray Bill with his brow furrowed:
SILVER SURFER
It is so difficult to remember...
(beat)
I was coming here to -- to get
something. And on the way I
encountered -- someone --
The Surfer breaks off, distracted. He takes a step along the
wide avenue, another, as though trying to find his way. Beta
Ray Bill moves along with him.
BETA RAY BILL
It's hard to concentrate here in the
Dream State, I know. Our awareness
comes and goes...
Beta Ray Bill points. The Surfer looks toward:
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
23.
THEIR POV - THE OTHER WHYNNM
Gamma Jen Beth and the others are already moving off in other
directions, pursuing new translucent CHALLENGERS. The
Challenger take to the air, trying to escape by flying
away -- but the Whynnm soar after them, a WHOOPING, HOLLERING
BATTLE BEGINNING!
BETA RAY BILL (O.S.)
You see? Even my own people have
already forgotten --
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND BETA RAY BILL
The Surfer looks at Bill blankly.
SILVER SURFER
Forgotten what?
BETA RAY BILL
Why -- why --
(realizing)
I too no longer know!
From O.S. comes the WHISTLING OF WIND, and their gazes go to:
THE SKY
Where one of the Challengers comes swooping down at them!
THE SILVER SURFER AND BETA RAY BILL
Beta Ray Bill holds out his hand -- and a new hammer, just
like his old one, appears in his grasp. The translucent
alien comes closer, and the Whynnm leader swings the hammer
at it -- and sends the Challenger careening away.
SILVER SURFER
Excellent!
WIDER
The Surfer APPLAUDS. Beta Ray Bill bows grandiosely -- and
more Challengers fly at them. The Surfer raises his hands,
and they GLOW with the POWER COSMIC.
SILVER SURFER
Allow me --
And he FIRES, BLASTING the translucent aliens away!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
24.
BETA RAY BILL
Oh, well done!
The two men clap each other on the shoulder. They're
completely lost in what they're doing, with no sense of
anything but the dream.
SILVER SURFER
Victory!
BETA RAY BILL
Challenge!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Another group of Challengers encircles them. The Surfer and
Beta Ray Bill move together, back to back -- and when the
Challengers attack, the two men are ready, the Surfer
BLASTING while Beta Ray Bill hurls his hammer at their foes!
BETA RAY BILL
(as the Challengers
scatter)
Courage!
SILVER SURFER
Truth -- !
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND BETA RAY BILL
As the Surfer stops, stunned. His smile vanishes.
SILVER SURFER
But this is not the truth! I have
been caught up in -- the Dream!
Turning away from Beta Ray Bill, he starts purposefully
toward the big building from which he first emerged.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
Beta Ray Bill -- we must leave this
false world immediately.
BETA RAY BILL
"Leave?" You want to return to
reality?
SILVER SURFER
Of course. We must turn off the
Dream Weaver. How else will remember
the danger?
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
25.
Beta Ray Bill stays where he is. He looks stunned.
BETA RAY BILL
No!!!
And, without hesitation, he hurls his hammer!
THE SILVER SURFER
As the hammer slams the Silver Surfer to the ground. We
ANGLE WITH the hammer as it circles back through the air to:
BETA RAY BILL
The hammer SMACKS into his hand, and he jumps into the air,
flying at:
THE SILVER SURFER
Getting back on his feet -- just in time to sidestep the
oncoming Beta Ray Bill and leap onto his board. We WIDEN TO
INCLUDE both of them as the Surfer takes to the sky!
SILVER SURFER
Beta Ray Bill! Why do you fight me?
You said you want to save your planet!
BETA RAY BILL
Of course I do! But you ask too much!
(as they circle each
other warily)
On Harmony, our Dream is the reality.
It means glory! Success!
THE FIGHT - VARIOUS ANGLES AS NEEDED
Again Beta Ray Bill throws the hammer -- and again the
Surfer's eyes GLOW, this time TRANSMUTING it into SPARKLING
particles of dust.
SILVER SURFER
It means the end, Beta Ray Bill -- of
your entire world!
Beta Ray Bill isn't giving up. He flies forward again,
wrapping his arms around the Surfer in a bear-hug. They're
nose to nose, wrestling around the sky as:
BETA RAY BILL
For us reality was already an end!
My people were so confused.
(more)
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
26.
BETA RAY BILL (cont'd)
Our spiritual side longed for the
Harmony our planet's named after...
(squeezing tightly)
But our warrior side gloried in
battle! We felt paralyzed!
The Surfer concentrates, and, within the Whynnm's grasp, his
silver skin GLOWS.
BETA RAY BILL
(continuing)
By using the Dream Weaver, we were
able to fulfill both desires!
SILVER SURFER
"Fulfill" them? Or betray them?
BETA RAY BILL
We've become stronger, smarter --
SILVER SURFER
So much stronger that you can only
defeat phantoms? So much smarter
that you cannot even remember your
last thought?
The GLOW BURSTS from the Surfer, and, with a YELP, Beta Ray
Bill lets go, falling backward, and down toward the ground.
NEW ANGLE
The Surfer swoops down, catching Beta Ray Bill by the scruff
of the neck just as he's about to hit the ground. The Whynnm
twists in his grasp.
BETA RAY BILL
We've made life perfect!
SILVER SURFER
What you have made it is false...!
He pulls back up, Beta Ray Bill firmly in hand.
SILVER SURFER
(continuing;
disgusted)
You have perverted the power of the
Dream Weaver by using it not to meet
new challenges but flee them!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
27.
BETA RAY BILL
No! You're wrong! We're the Whynnm!
We're -- we're --
We TIGHTEN ON Beta Ray Bill as he breaks off. His face and
voice fill with pain:
BETA RAY BILL
(continuing)
There must be something good about
us...something worth saving...
WIDER
Beta Ray Bill sags defeatedly. Slowly, the Surfer nods.
SILVER SURFER
There was once. There will be again.
Still holding onto Beta Ray Bill, he soars to:
INT. SENATE BUILDING - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY
As the Surfer and Beta Ray Bill sweep in through the wide
entrance. There, in the center of what appears to be a great
chamber, is the Dream Weaver, its GOLDEN BEAM filling the
room.
Beta Ray Bill leaps from the Surfer's grasp and goes to it,
a control pad popping open at his touch. He stops, looks at
the Surfer.
BETA RAY BILL
(afraid)
If Harmony's brought back to reality
too quickly, the shock may be too
much for us all.
SILVER SURFER
I believe in you, Beta Ray Bill.
Beta Ray Bill's fingers move over the pad, and we TIGHTEN ON
the GOLDEN BEAM. It starts to get thinner, narrower, as:
EXT. HARMONY - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY
Where Gamma Jen Beth is fighting it out with a Challenger.
Suddenly, it DISAPPEARS! She looks around, puzzled.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
28.
GAMMA JEN BETH'S POV - THE GLORIOUS STREET
The whole environment FLICKERS, and for a beat we SEE the
reality of the primitive huts. Then the wide avenue is back.
GAMMA JEN BETH (O.S.)
What's going on?
INT. SENATE BUILDING - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY - THE
BEAM OF THE DREAM WEAVER
Thinning still more. We WIDEN TO SEE more FLICKERING, as the
grand chamber turns into a central hut. Then it too FLICKERS
back as:
EXT. HARMONY - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY
All the Challengers are VANISHING now, the FLICKERING
becoming faster and faster. The Whynnm too are changing,
their glorious appearances ALTERNATING with their true,
ragged state! They SHOUT AND SCREAM:
FIRST WHYNNM MAN FIRST WHYNNM WOMAN
No! Stop! Help us! Somebody!
INT. SENATE BUILDING - INSIDE THE DREAM STATE - DAY
As the GOLDEN BEAM GROWS STILL THINNER. Beta Ray Bill falls
to his knees, hands clapped to his head, and the Surfer too
goes down, as, from all around them we hear:
THE WHYNNM (O.S.)
Don't take us from the DREAM!!!
But it's too late, as we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HARMONY - DAY
The real Harmony, Gamma Jen Beth and the other dazed
inhabitants staring at their surroundings as though seeing
them for the first time. We PAN ACROSS the confusion TO:
INT. CENTRAL HUT - DAY
The robots are still, and all machinery has stopped. The
Surfer pulls himself to his feet, and Beta Ray Bill follows
his lead. The Surfer's expression is determined.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
29.
SILVER SURFER
My mind is clearer now. I can
remember -- Thanos! He is on his way
to this system -- with the power to
cause your sun to go nova!
Unsteady on his feet, Beta Ray Bill goes to the front of the
hut, looks out at the village.
BETA RAY BILL
It's no use, Surfer. The Dream kept
me from remembering how low we've
sunk. We don't have any way to fight
him. Or even get off the planet!
SILVER SURFER
(indicating the
walkway underground)
What about all your technology?
BETA RAY BILL
We converted it to the support system
for the Dream. Our only link to the
outside universe is -- this...
Beta Ray Bill goes to the wall and flicks on:
THE VIEWSCREEN
PANNING ACROSS the Harmony system -- and FINDING Thanos'
ship, nearing the sun.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
It is he!
THE SILVER Surfer AND BETA RAY BILL
As the Whynnm nods sadly.
BETA RAY BILL
Then it's also...good-bye.
He holds out his hand. The Surfer extends his own -- and
then his gaze goes past Beta Ray Bill.
SILVER SURFER
Wait! You do have a weapon!
(moving to the Dream
Weaver)
I know a little about Thanos. What
if for the first time in his
existence, he felt fulfilled...?
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
30.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Beta Ray Bill gets the idea. He pushes past the Surfer, sets
to work:
BETA RAY BILL
It'll take some adjustments --
(as he starts them)
I'm not sure we've got enough power
to reach Thanos' ship...
SILVER SURFER
Do not worry about the power.
And, to prove his point, the Surfer's hands GLOW. Beta Ray
Bill grins, turns a few more knobs.
BETA RAY BILL
(stepping back)
It's ready. But we'll only get one
shot. Amplifying the Dream Weaver so
it can effect a being as powerful as
Thanos will destroy it!
As the implications of this hit him, the GLOW vanishes from
the Surfer's hands.
BETA RAY BILL
(continuing)
Hey, you okay?
The Surfer looks over at:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - THE VIEWSCREEN
Where Thanos' ship has gotten still closer to the sun.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Slowly, he nods.
SILVER SURFER
I was thinking of...a loved one. I
have not seen her for some time.
(determined)
Turn it on.
WIDER
Beta Ray Bill turns on the machine, and the Silver Surfer
unleashes twin BOLTS OF THE POWER COSMIC into it!
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
31.
At first nothing happens -- and then, as the Dream Weaver
smoulders, bursts into flame, and EXPLODES!, the GOLDEN BEAM
BURSTS forth, stronger and thicker than ever, SHOOTING
straight upward at:
EXT. SPACE IN THE HARMONY SOLAR SYSTEM - THANOS' SHIP
In perfect position for its attack on the sun as:
THANOS (O.S.)
And now, my love -- we say goodbye to
the last of my childhood tormentors!
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT - THANOS' FINGER
As a PURPLE BEAM SHOOTS out. We ANGLE TO the viewscreen,
where more PURPLE BEAMS SHOOT from the ship and into the sun,
which EXPLODES into a blazing fireball.
The FIREBALL fills the viewscreen, and, through it, we SEE
tongues of flame sweeping across the surface of Harmony and
reducing it to molten ash!
LADY CHAOS (O.S.)
My darling...
THANOS
Reacts as though struck. He whirls to see:
THE STATUE OF LADY CHAOS
Its cold gray stone takes on a lifelike hue, and the stone
CRACKS jaggedly into a thousand pieces, all of which fall
away, revealing the living, moving, exotically beautiful form
of LADY CHAOS herself!
LADY CHAOS
(smiling)
You make me so proud!
BACK TO THANOS
Stands there, speechless from shock and excitement. He drops
to his knees, and, finally:
THANOS
My -- my -- my Lady!
We WIDEN TO INCLUDE Lady Chaos. She gestures regally.
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
32.
LADY CHAOS
Come, Thanos! Let us move to our
next catastrophe.
(lovingly)
Nothing shall ever separate us from
our ecstasy -- not even the Final
Nothingness itself!
Thanos tries to reply, but no words will come out. He's too
busy shaking with joy!
EXT. SPACE IN THE HARMONY SOLAR SYSTEM - THANOS' SHIP
FORESHORTENING INTO WARP AND VANISHING!
EXT. HARMONY - DAY - THE SILVER SURFER
He and Beta Ray Bill walk through the village, and everywhere
they go, the raggedy Whynnm JEER and BOO.
SECOND WHYNNM MAN SECOND WHYNNM WOMAN
Why did you ever come here? Go away, Silver Surfer!
Look what you've caused! And take that traitor, Beta
Ray Bill with you!
BETA RAY BILL
My people and I have the hardest
challenge of all now, Surfer --
living in the real world.
Gamma Jen Beth stomps forward, confronting the others angrily:
GAMMA JEN BETH
How dare you talk that way! We're
Whynnm! We stand for courage!
Victory! Hope!
The BOOING stops. The Surfer turns to Beta Ray Bill.
SILVER SURFER
Something tells me that the challenge
has a good chance of being met.
The two men clasp hands, and the Surfer calls out:
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
To me, my board!
The board sails to him from where it's been leaning against
one of the huts, and the Surfer leaps up on it. We ANGLE
WITH him as he soars up through the atmosphere to:
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
33.
EXT. SPACE ABOVE THE PLANET HARMONY
As the anguished Surfer leaves the planet behind.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
On Zenn-La, the Master would have
said that by sacrificing my needs for
those of others I too met a
challenge...
He starts going faster and faster.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
But the only time I will feel
victorious is when my arms are around
Shalla Bal, my lost love...
And, as he FORESHORTENS INTO WARP we
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. THANOS' SHIP - NIGHT - THE VIEWSCREEN
SHOWING space streaming by at WARP SPEED.
THANOS (O.S.)
Oh, my love, my love...there are not
words to describe how I feel now that
you are with me at last...
As he talks, we WIDEN TO SEE Thanos, smiling like a school
boy. When he gets no response, he turns -- and his HOWLS OF
ANGUISH fill the night as he sees:
THANOS' POV - LADY CHAOS
VANISHING in the reverse of how she appeared: Her skin
solidifies and turns gray -- hardening into the shell-like
stone of the statue she really is!
We TIGHTEN ON the cold face of the statue. As usual, it
remains silent, Thanos' HOWLS continuing, OVER, as we
FADE OUT:
THE END
BRODY/SWAYZE SILVER SURFER 1875-09 REV. FINAL DRAFT 4/28/97
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