THE SILVER SURFER
THE HUNGER
(#2147-18)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
FINAL DRAFT
APRIL 14, 1998
THE SILVER SURFER
"THE HUNGER"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. PLANET OF BIRJ - DAY
PANNING ACROSS a landscape of heavy industry -- hi-tech
generators, smokestacks, power cables...dirt, grime, smog.
BIRJIAN MAN 1 (O.S.) BIRJIAN MAN 2 (O.S.)
Where'd he go? Keep looking! He can't
have gotten far!
The O.S. voices GROW LOUDER as we CONTINUE PANNING TO:
A HUGE HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER
Surrounded by other, similar structures. A shadowy, human-
like form flies behind it, landing with a MUFFLED THUD, and,
immediately:
BIRJIAN MAN 3 (O.S.)
There he is!
WIDER
Where three uniformed, human-like Birjians fly toward the
transformer, FIRING THE VARIOUS ENERGY WEAPONS they hold --
one like a GUN -- one a BOLO -- the third one a WHIP. The
ENERGY BEAMS hit the transformer, and it EXPLODES!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the shadowy form is BLOWN clear of the ruined structure,
and we get our first good view of TERRAX, tall and imposing,
with a fringe of dark hair hanging from low on an otherwise
bald crown.
In his hand Terrax carries not a gun but an ENERGY AXE, its
head made completely of a cascading FIELD OF FORCE. He
raises his AXE at his attackers, and the FIELD OF FORCE stabs
outward at them, like lightning.
BIRJIAN MAN 1
Watch out for his axe -- !
As the first man speaks, he and the others throw themselves
out of the way and resume FIRING, Terrax immediately moving
his axe so that its FIELD OF FORCE intercepts the BLASTS,
seeming to suck their ENERGY into it, when:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
2.
NOVA (O.S.)
Naughty, naughty...
NOVA
Comes flying down at the combatants. She holds out her
hands, BLASTING at the three attackers with her COSMIC FLAME,
and they dive for cover.
NOVA
Didn't your mothers ever tell you
three against one isn't fair?
Nova BLASTS again, the ground around the three Birjians
EXPLODING WITH FIRE. Turning, they flee through the sky.
WIDER
Still in the air, Nova circles to Terrax, who remains
standing beneath her, ENERGY AXE held high.
NOVA
(sarcastic)
No need to thank me, pal. Just
'cause I saved your hide.
TERRAX
Who are you? What're you doing
here?
NOVA
Name's Nova. And I'm just passing
through...
She gestures at the landscape around them.
NOVA
(continuing;
sarcastic)
'Til I saw this "great society"
here, I thought I had the perfect
planet for Galactus to nosh on...
NEW ANGLE
Nova starts upward again. Terrax flies after her.
NOVA
Now I gotta go dig up another
banquet before I ring the ol'
dinner bell!
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3.
TERRAX
Wait! Are you telling me you're
the herald of Galactus!
NOVA
In the --uh -- flame.
Terrax is still behind her. He smiles broadly. His tone
becomes charming, almost seductive:
TERRAX
You know, young lady, this could
be the beginning of a beautiful
friendship --
CLOSER ON NOVA AND TERRAX
Taken by surprise, Nova starts to return the smile, and
Terrax swings his ENERGY AXE -- at her! Seeing the FIELD OF
FORCE FLARE toward her, Nova tries to dart away -- but the
AXE catches her in the shoulder -- and a STREAM OF FIERY
ENERGY GUSHES from Nova into Terrax' AXE.
NOVA
Hey! I thought you wanted to be
friends.
TERRAX
Here on Birj, we have a saying --
"Love hurts!"
Again, Terrax swings his AXE -- once, twice -- and Nova CRIES
OUT as the places where the FIELD OF FORCE of the AXE have
touched her ERUPT IN FLOWING GOUTS OF FLAME. Once more, the
Terrax AXE sucks the FLAMING ENERGY right into it!
NOVA
Doesn't know what's going on, and can't stick around to find
out. She arcs away from Terrax, streaking higher in the sky,
and we HOLD as Terrax flies after her. Then, as they vanish
upward, we ANGLE TO:
TERRAX' ATTACKERS
Returning with new ENERGY GUNS -- and more uniformed men.
The first Birjian holds up his hand for them to stop.
BIRJIAN MAN 1
Hold on! With any luck, the
tyrant is finally gone!
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4.
BIRJIAN MAN 2
Whose luck?
And, as he says it, we ZOOM PAST THEM ALL TO:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET BIRJ - NOVA AND TERRAX
Where Nova is desperately trying to shake her pursuer --
whose AXE seems literally connected to her by Nova's own
STREAMING FIERY ENERGY. Nova flies faster, faster through
space, FORESHORTENING INTO WARP, Terrax WARPING with her as we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
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5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF MOROVUS - THE SILVER SURFER
On his board, WARPING INTO the system last seen in #1875-05.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
In my failed attempt to put an end
to the Kree-Skrull War I distorted
all that ever I was taught...
The Surfer streaks past the moon of the nearest planet, and
we HOLD ON the wreckage of the Kree base that once flourished
there.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Making a mockery of the very
principles of Zenn-La...
EXT. UPPER ATMOSPHERE OF MOROVUS - NIGHT
As the Surfer soars down toward the surface.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Even now, my anger at the
injustice of the universe rages
unappeased...
He is lower now, and we can SEE the harsh landscape beneath
him as:
SILVER SURFER
And so am I drawn here, to
Morovus, hoping to find peace with
the most gentle being I know...
EXT. PLANET OF MOROVUS - TROLL VILLAGE - NIGHT - A YOUNG
SKRULL
Her name is PRECIOUS, and she is the Skrull equivalent of a
toddler, her background and powers -- and her innocent
curiosity -- making Precious a million times as deadly as an
Earthly rattlesnake!
Right now, she is SHAPE-SHIFTING, flicking through a series
of bizarre forms -- bat-like, snake-like, spider-like, each
of the shapes literally SPITTING FIREBALLS with the greatest
of ease as:
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6.
TROLL MAN (O.S.) TROLL WOMAN (O.S.)
Look out! There she goes And to think -- I used to
again! love kids!
We WIDEN TO SEE a group of Trolls not much bigger than the
little Skrull running for cover from the FIREBALLS. KILI
races out of one of the huts.
KILI
Precious! Is this any way for a
queen to behave?
Precious stops in mid SHAPE-SHIFT, turns toward Kili.
PRECIOUS
Neep?
KILI
Someday, you'll be back home,
ruling with kindness and not the
terror your people are used to...
ANOTHER ANGLE
Kili comes closer to Precious, who SHAPE-SHIFTS back into her
baby Skrull form. Almost PURRING, Precious rubs against
Kili, who wraps her arms around her.
PRECIOUS
Nee-eep...
KILI
How're you going to have the
strength and courage to do your
job wisely -- if you don't get
your sleep...?
Precious SIGHS. She's just starting to fall asleep when:
NEW ANGLE
The Surfer comes soaring down to them, smiles at what he sees.
SILVER SURFER
I knew I made the proper choice
when I brought you the egg of the
Skrull Mother!
KILI
(thrilled)
Surfer! You're back!
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7.
At the sound of Kili's voice, Precious is awake and alert --
like a guard dog puppy. HISSING, she spits a FIREBALL at the
Surfer. He slips to the side, and it FLARES UP harmlessly.
KILI
(continuing; to
Precious)
Precious -- the Silver Surfer's
our friend!
SILVER SURFER
It would appear, Kili, that the
hatchling has already reached the
terrible twos!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
Landing, the Surfer holds his hand out cautiously to
Precious. From his eyes comes a TRANSFORMATION BEAM --
creating a rag doll Skrull on the Surfer's palm! Precious'
eyes widen. She snatches up the rag doll and clutches it
tightly, "NEEPING" joyfully.
The hatchling opens her mouth, and instead of a FIREBALL a
long tongue like a frog's darts out and licks the Surfer's
face. He moves away uncomfortably, and Kili LAUGHS.
KILI
Precious likes you, Surfer --
Kili breaks off as Precious' tone changes again, into a
frenzied NEEP-NEEP. The Surfer and Kili follow the young
Skrull's gaze to:
THEIR POV - THE NIGHT SKY
Illuminated by a female-shaped BALL OF FIRE rapidly falling
toward them.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Well do I know that form!
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
Kili watches anxiously, and Precious jumps up and down with
excitement, as, leaping onto his board, the Surfer zooms
toward:
NOVA
Plummeting helplessly, COSMIC FIRE STREAMING from her body.
The Surfer catches her and banks into a turn.
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8.
SILVER SURFER
Nova! Can you hear me?
For a beat there's no response. Then Nova's eyes open. She
clutches him in panic:
NOVA
Silverado! Whoa, am I ever
stressed! You gotta help me --
Nova sags in the Surfer's arms.
SILVER SURFER
Nova? Nova -- !
TERRAX (O.S.)
Now this is a bonus...
WIDER
The Surfer looks up -- and we SEE Terrax soaring toward him
and Nova, the ENERGY AXE being pulled by the COSMIC FIRE that
still STREAMS from Nova.
TERRAX
I'm honored to meet a man of your
reputation, Silver Surfer. In
fact, I've often wondered if you
were all your victims say!
Swiftly, Terrax swings his AXE at the Surfer, its FIELD OF
FORCE FLARING. The Surfer swerves to avoid it, moving so his
board is perpendicular to the ground as he raises one hand to
FIRE A COSMIC BOLT.
TERRAX' ENERGY AXE
As the COSMIC BOLT hits it. The two ENERGIES SIZZLE
together, and the BOLT is sucked into the AXE, just as Nova's
FIRE has been.
THE SILVER SURFER
Realizing what's happening:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Can this be true? His weapon
seems to feed on any energy used
against it!
The AXE continues to SUCK at his POWER, and the Surfer jerks
his arm back -- so that Nova is jarred from his arms!
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9.
SILVER SURFER
Nova!
With effort, the Surfer pulls his arm back, stopping the
CONTINUING BOLT, and bends low on his board, swooping down
after:
NOVA
About to hit the ground. We ANGLE UP TO SEE that the Silver
Surfer is still too far away to catch her in time! Instead,
holding out his arm, the Surfer creates an ENERGY BUBBLE that
envelopes the young woman just as:
TERRAX
Swinging his AXE, its FIELD OF FORCE FLARING downward to:
NOVA'S ENERGY BUBBLE
As the FIELD OF FORCE hits it. There's a FLARE OF EXPANDING
ENERGY, and the BUBBLE rocks but holds strong. The FIELD OF
FORCE pulls upward, and for a beat it looks as though it's
going to suck the BUBBLE back with it, but:
THE SILVER SURFER
ANGLING WITH HIS POWER COSMIC BOLT as he FIRES at the AXE'S
FIELD. The FIELD releases the BUBBLE, and we HOLD as the
encased Nova eases down to:
KILI AND PRECIOUS
Watching from the ground. Kili rushes to the ENERGY BUBBLE,
Precious following. Other Troll villagers come after them.
TROLL MAN TROLL WOMAN
First the hatchling and now Poor thing! I hope she's
this! What's a guy gotta all right!
do to get some rest?
Kili tries to push through the BUBBLE, can't. She peers at
Nova's still form. Beside Kili, Precious NEEPS anxiously.
The gazes of the Trolls go to:
THE SILVER SURFER
In the air, realizing that his POWER COSMIC is still locked
to the FIELD OF FORCE of Terrax' ENERGY AXE.
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10.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Again does my foe's weapon seek to
drain my power cosmic! No wonder
Nova is so weak...!
We WIDEN as the Surfer concentrates, pulling back his hands
and dropping them to his side. His BOLT stops, and Terrax'
AXE pulls back to its normal size and shape.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
It takes all my strength to break
away!
We WIDEN as again the Surfer manages to stop the AXE from
sucking at his power. Terrax smiles down at him.
TERRAX
Well done, Surfer! You're just
the kind of man I need!
SILVER SURFER
Who are you, to dare attack both
the herald of Galactus and the
Silver Surfer?
TERRAX
Why, I'm Terrax, of course. Now
come, attack me again. Your power
and Nova's will definitely be
worthy additions to mine!
Terrax' manner is calm and self-assured -- and, in its way,
charming. He's like a supremely confident politician, and
the Surfer is infuriated:
SILVER SURFER
"Come, attack" you?! How weary do
I grow of arrogant beings such as
yourself -- with your arrogance so
undeserved!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Angrily, the Surfer aims TWIN COSMIC BOLTS at Terrax, who
brings up his AXE quickly, its FIELD OF FORCE sucking in the
POWER once again. Terrax LAUGHS.
TERRAX
More power, Surfer! Give me more!
The Surfer takes the challenge:
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11.
SILVER SURFER
Very well, madman! More you shall
have!
And he turns up the POWER, his TWIN BOLTS WIDENING, COMING
OUT FASTER, FASTER at:
TERRAX' ENERGY AXE
The FIELD OF FORCE FLARES BRIGHTER and larger, completely
obscuring the LAUGHING Terrax as:
KILI, PRECIOUS AND THE TROLLS
Look up at the sky, where Terrax' AXE burns as brightly as a
small sun!
TROLL WOMAN TROLL MAN
How do they do that? It's too bright to look!
NEEPING, Precious covers her eyes, and, looking away from the
battle, Kili holds the little Skrull closer.
THE SILVER SURFER
Still FIRING, he staggers in mid-air, his whole body starting
to shake.
TERRAX
He's a very happy camper right now.
TERRAX
Now who's the arrogant one? Your
pride'll be your downfall, Surfer.
Happens every time!
WIDER
The Surfer tries to turn and fly lower, but he is linked to
Terrax' AXE like a fish on a line!
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Terrax is correct. I grow weaker,
yet cannot break away!
Again the Surfer tries to stop FIRING and fly away -- and
again his link to the AXE jerks him back upward.
THE ENERGY BUBBLE
Where Nova opens her eyes, sees what's going on.
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12.
NOVA
Surfer!
She holds out her hands, BLASTING, and the ENERGY BUBBLE
EXPLODES outward!
WIDER
As Nova's BLAST hits the FIELD OF FORCE from the AXE. Now
Terrax is the one who staggers and falls back.
TERRAX
No! Too much! My axe is
overloading --
The head of the AXE FLARES UP like a sun going Nova, and with
a SOUND LIKE AN EXPLOSION ALL THE LIGHT AND ENERGY GOING TO
AND FROM IT DISAPPEAR!
THE SILVER SURFER
Severed from Terrax at last, both he and his board go
plummeting to the ground, and Nova hurries to him as:
TERRAX
Starts to fall, then catches himself, skimming just above the
surface. We WIDEN TO SEE him nearing the Surfer and Nova,
starting to raise his AXE again, when:
PRECIOUS
Darts at Terrax, NEEPING LOUDLY. She opens her mouth -- and
a FIREBALL LIKE A NEGATIVE IMAGE BURSTS at Terrax, hitting
him squarely. Both he and his ENERGY AXE POLARIZE, GOING
FROM POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE -- and DISAPPEARING as though
they've never even been here!
WIDER
The Trolls stare, and Kili and Precious join the Surfer and
Nova. The hatchling NEEPS, and, with a GROAN, the Surfer
sits up.
NOVA
Surfer, you look like something
the cat wouldn't drag in.
(serious now)
I owe you. Big time.
The Surfer indicates Precious:
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13.
SILVER SURFER
We both owe a debt to this little
one. It would appear that Skrull
royalty has greater abilities than
outsiders know...
NEW ANGLE
As he speaks, the Surfer gets to his feet, almost loses his
balance. Nova catches him.
SILVER SURFER
Strange, still am I weak. My
power cosmic should have returned.
NOVA
Sorry, Silverado. I shouldn't've
gotten you involved. I just
didn't know where else to turn.
(realizing)
Big G! I've gotta get going. The
boss'll be climbing the walls!
Nova springs into the air -- and then she stops, standing
there above the ground, puzzled.
NOVA
(continuing)
Surfer! I can't sense where
Galactus is! My ability to always
get to what I'm looking for --
it's gone!
We TIGHTEN ON Nova's shocked face and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - GALACTUS' SHIP
Suspended in the BLACKNESS between star systems, as, calling
from within:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Nova! Have you forgotten your
master...?
We ANGLE UP the ship, TIGHTENING TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' MOUTH
Opens in another LOUD CRY:
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14.
GALACTUS
Where is my herald! WHERE?!
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
We are here, mighty Galactus!
At the voice, the huge head turns toward:
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Side by side, they soar to the control center, flying toward
a figure so huge we can see only a small section of Galactus'
torso as he sits in his command chair.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Nova, you have brought the Silver
Surfer here?
NOVA
(to the Surfer)
I told you this wasn't such a
great idea...
SILVER SURFER
(to Galactus; quickly)
Nova is not to blame for my
presence. She had no choice.
NOVA
(quickly)
It was this guy Terrax. He took
away my power to find you -- and
left the Surfer without enough
strength to go into warp by
himself!
GALACTUS' EYES
ENERGY CRACKLES within their pupil-less depths. Galactus'
VOICE THUNDERS:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Terrax? I have heard that name!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA - INTERCUTTING WITH VARIOUS
PARTS OF GALACTUS (EYES, MOUTH, HEAD, ETC.) AS NEEDED
The Surfer and Nova circle before Galactus. They both look
surprised.
SILVER SURFER
You know of this being?
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15.
GALACTUS
I am no mindless animal, Silver
Surfer, relentlessly searching for
sustenance with thoughts of naught
else --
NOVA
(to the Surfer)
Now you've insulted him.
Galactus ignores her:
GALACTUS
I know power...!
ANOTHER ANGLE
A HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE of the planet where Nova first
encountered Terrax appears before Galactus' face. We TIGHTEN
ON it as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
And Birj, Terrax' home planet, is
a veritable fountain of might...!
The IMAGE changes, SHOWING Birjian SCIENTISTS hard at work in
huge laboratories.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
With a science so advanced that
the Birjians would have rivaled
the Kree...
Again the IMAGE changes, this time SHOWING ENERGY BATTLE
after ENERGY BATTLE -- planetary war!
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
Were they not so consumed by
internal ambition and strife!
Another IMAGE change, SHOWING Terrax and his AXE.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
When last did I cast my attention
toward their constant civil war,
Terrax ruled Birj with an axe that
transfers all energy it touches
directly to its holder.
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16.
NEW ANGLE - CONTINUING TO INTERCUT THE SILVER SURFER AND
NOVA WITH GALACTUS
The IMAGES VANISH. Nova lets out a deep breath.
NOVA
I get the feeling that ruling
part's history now -- but the
creep still acts like he's got big
plans.
(to the Surfer)
What're we gonna do?
In response, the Surfer soars closer to Galactus.
SILVER SURFER
Mighty Galactus! You must help
Nova! Restore her strength, that
she can resume her duties for you!
GALACTUS
"Must?" You -- Silver Surfer, the
Ungrateful! The Rebel! The
Betrayer! -- you order Galactus?
Galactus' finger presses a stud on the command chair --
WIDER
As a BOLT OF POWER shoots out, hitting the Surfer and
hurtling him toward a machinery-laden bulkhead that the
Surfer just barely avoids in time. Now it's Nova's turn to
fly toward Galactus:
NOVA
Galactus! Don't! I've caused the
Surfer enough trouble already!
GALACTUS
As you have caused me! I reject
the Silver Surfer's demand, Nova.
And I reject you as well...
Galactus' VOICE GROWS LOUDER, and even harder:
GALACTUS
(continuing)
For eons did I traverse the
universe with no herald, no guide!
And so will I once more!
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17.
His finger presses the stud again, and two more BOLTS OF
POWER shoot out, hitting both the Surfer and Nova and sending
them flying backward, to:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - GALACTUS' SHIP
As the Surfer and Nova go sailing from it. The two fo them
CRY OUT WORDLESSLY as more BOLTS OF POWER shoot out, hitting
them again and again. With the Surfer barely hanging onto
his board, and Nova spinning out of control, we HOLD the
moment and
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - GALACTUS' SHIP
Where the Silver Surfer and Nova spiral off toward opposite
sides of the huge ship. Holding onto his board with one
hand, the Surfer reaches for the young woman with the
other -- even as she reaches out to him.
SILVER SURFER NOVA
Nova!!! Surfer!!!
One last BOLT OF THE POWER COSMIC shoots out from the ship,
forking into two parts and hitting them both, so that not
only do the Surfer and Nova miss each other, the Surfer falls
from his board!
We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer, spinning upside-down, and heading
directly at:
A ROGUE MOON
Large enough to FILL THE SCREEN -- and getting LARGER as it
COMES CLOSER TO CAMERA, until:
THE SILVER SURFER
CRASHES into the moon! Huge chunks fly everywhere, sending
the Surfer bouncing from one to another like a human billiard
ball. Frantic, he looks around.
SILVER SURFER
To me --
The Surfer breaks off as:
THE SILVER SURFER'S POV - NEARBY SPACE
THE IMAGE JOLTS AND BOUNCES as the Surfer does the same. At
first we SEE nothing. Then we FIND:
THE SILVER SURFER'S BOARD
Smashing and being smashed, just like the Surfer! It
wrenches itself out of the way of another chunk and banks
around toward CAMERA -- and the Surfer -- as:
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
-- My board!
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19.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
As the board sweeps up to him, and the Surfer lands on it,
knees bent, shakes his head to clear it as:
NOVA
Is having her own problems. Several of the chunks are
heading straight at her, and although when they touch the
young woman they BURST INTO FLAME, still they send her
SMACKING from one to another.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As the Surfer sweeps toward her, pulling Nova into the crook
of his arm. He shoots the curl of a COSMIC WAVE, emerging
beyond the shattered moon.
NOVA
Whew! Looks to me like if we're
gonna survive, you and me're gonna
have to hang real close.
SILVER SURFER
If not for Terrax, neither of us
would have need such support.
NOVA
Speaking of Mr. Bad Hair Day...
The Surfer follows Nova's gaze to:
TERRAX
WARPING IN nearby. Seeing the Surfer and Nova, he smiles his
almost-charming smile:
TERRAX
My friends! So good to see you
again!
(raising his axe)
Thanks, Silver Surfer. My new
power to travel at Warp speed is
positively invigorating.
(beat)
And, of course, I owe Nova for the
way I was able to home right in.
WIDER
The Surfer lets go of Nova, and, warily, the two of them
circle, keeping their distance from Terrax.
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20.
The head of his AXE FLARES out at them, and both former
heralds arc farther away.
SILVER SURFER
I will not allow your weapon to
touch either of us again, Terrax!
Terrax flies toward them. Again, the Surfer and Nova arc
farther away.
TERRAX
All that saved you before was that
mysterious Skrull child who sent
me to the far end of the
universe...
(looking around)
And I don't see her here now --
NEW ANGLE
Terrax stops. His eyes are fastened on Galactus' ship -- and
with his discovery comes a quick change of plan.
TERRAX
Galactus!
SILVER SURFER
If you are so foolish as to think
to absorb the power of the
Devourer of Worlds himself --
The Surfer's words are a threat. He POWERS UP, fits
beginning to GLOW. Terrax' response is to LAUGH.
TERRAX
Give me some credit, will you,
Surfer? My limits may keep
changing, but at least I know them.
Again Terrax swings his AXE toward them, and the Surfer and
Nova dodge its FIELD OF FORCE.
TERRAX
(continuing; still
LAUGHING)
Now why don't you just stand
back -- and learn?!
We ANGLE WITH Terax, as, contemptuously ignoring the Surfer
and Nova, he flies after:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
21.
GALACTUS' SHIP
Starting to move on. A COMMUNICATIONS BEAM SHOOTS to it from
Terrax' forehead as, quickly, he calls out:
TERRAX
Mighty Galactus!!! I, Terrax of
Birj, beg for an audience!!!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Watching from the distance.
NOVA
What's Ter-Rocks-in-His-Head up to
now? I don't get it.
SILVER SURFER
Galactus will never deign to speak
with such as he!
The Surfer soars closer. Behind him, Nova hesitates, then
follows as:
GALACTUS' SHIP
SPEED UPS, A WARP FIELD FORMING BEFORE IT. Terrax hurries
after, and his words come out even more quickly now:
TERRAX
Your herald, Nova, can no longer
do the job of guiding you to
planets with the energy you
need --
The WARP FIELD GROWS LARGER. Galactus' ship begins to
enter --
TERRAX
Pours on the speed, starting to close in.
TERRAX
I, however, am another story...
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CONTROL CENTER - WALL OF IMAGES
Showing VIEW AFTER VIEW of Terrax as:
TERRAX
A man of power, and pride, and
ambition...
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
22.
We PAN TO Galactus' control chair, HOLDING ON his finger. It
is raised, poised above the control stud as:
TERRAX (O.S.)
This I swear -- with Terrax as
your herald, never would the
Mighty One know hunger again!
GALACTUS' EYES
Widen in surprise --
EXT. DEEP SPACE - GALACTUS' SHIP
Halfway into the WARP. The Surfer and Nova soar after it,
facing across the top of the ship -- at Terrax. Now it's the
Surfer who calls out:
SILVER SURFER
Galactus! You cannot listen to
this man! He has attacked us, and
robbed us of our power -- !
TERRAX
Mighty Galactus, would you really
want a herald shackled by morality
or scruples?
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' MOUTH
At this, even Galactus has to smile. He starts to LAUGH!
EXT. DEEP SPACE - GALACTUS' SHIP
Slows, the WARP FIELD PULLING BACK from it, SHRINKING, until
at last it DISAPPEARS.
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Seeing what's happening, hearing Galactus' LAUGHTER.
NOVA
(appalled)
The Big Guy's falling for it!
SILVER SURFER
(enraged)
Galactus, no! I will not allow
you to give Terrax what he seeks --
And, like a dive bomber, the Surfer zooms toward:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
23.
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' MOUTH
Galactus' LAUGHTER STOPS, his amusement vanishing. His voice
THUNDERS like that of a wrathful god:
GALACTUS
You again...?
GALACTUS' EYES
Narrow, filling with angrily CRACKLING ENERGY.
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Ah, Silver Surfer, well do I
remember how once your presumption
amused me. It seems so long ago...
WIDER - INCLUDING WHATEVER WE CAN SEE OF GALACTUS
He rises from his chair, standing at his full height within
the Control Center. The movement creates such a powerful
wind that it blows the Surfer backward, and he wobbles on his
board.
Now Galactus' voice takes on a new tone -- one of great
sadness.
SILVER SURFER
Galactus -- heed me --
But Galactus ignores him:
GALACTUS
Now, however, is my reaction
merely one of disdain. You have
tried my patience for the last
time, Silver Surfer -- and I will
be pestered by you no more!
GALACTUS' HAND
Makes a sweeping, backhanded gesture -- and with that gesture
comes a GREAT ENERGY WAVE OF THE POWER COSMIC, sweeping
toward:
THE SILVER SURFER
Who knows there's only one thing he can do. The Surfer bends
low, turning and desperately racing upward, the leading edge
of the ENERGY WAVE moving after him, as:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
24.
EXT. DEEP SPACE - GALACTUS' SHIP
As the Surfer flies up from it -- and is joined by Nova. The
ENERGY WAVE sweeps closer to both of them, until, just as
it's about to catch them, both the Surfer and Nova
FORESHORTEN INTO WARP and are gone!
TERRAX
Smiles grimly, again, calling out:
TERRAX
Mighty Galactus --
And from inside the huge ship:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Silence! You are correct, Terrax,
when you say my other heralds have
failed me. But if you would
replace them, first must you prove
yourself...
From Galactus' ship comes what we should be able to recognize
after all this time as a SUMMONING BEAM, shooting directly at
Terrax' AXE. The AXE FLARES, Terrax staggering from the
impact, as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
(continuing)
Take this "gift," of the beam that
will summon me -- and satisfy my
growing Hunger...!
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' MOUTH
Opening in a ROAR:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
Now!!!
We TIGHTEN CLOSER ON Galactus' mouth, his final word
REVERBERATILNG throughout space, and
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PLANET OF MOROVUS - TROLL VILLAGE - DAY - PRECIOUS
Rocking her doll and NEEPING excitedly as:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
25.
KILI (O.S.)
Well, Precious, how do you like
your new home?
WIDENING, we SEE Nova, Kili, Precious, and the rest of the
Trolls looking on as the Silver Surfer flies across the
village, using his TRANSMUTATION BEAM to TRANSFORM the huts
into homes that look much more like the architecture we've
seen in PREVIOUS EPISODES on Zenn-La.
ANOTHER ANGLE
The Surfer finishes the job, flying to Nova, Kili, and
Precious while the Trolls CLAP and call out gratefully:
TROLL WOMAN TROLL MAN
Oh...it's beautiful! Now that's what I call a
handy guy!
NOVA
Sure this is to code, Silverado?
SILVER SURFER
(not getting the
Earth joke)
I had to do something to stop
myself from feeling so -- helpless!
NOVA
(sarcastic)
Hey, what's the big deal? It's
not like this is the first time I
ever got aced out of a job...
PRECIOUS
Scampers off like any child to peer playfully into the
closest new home, touching its door and its windows
curiously, as, behind her:
NOVA (O.S.)
(beat)
So Terrax is out there using our
power -- to lead Galactus who
knows where for who knows what?
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Whatever he is doing, it not for
the benefit of the universe, or
even Galactus. It is for his own
vile purpose!
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
26.
The Surfer's voice rises in a SHOUT so angry that Precious
NEEPS with fright, once more spitting out a NEGATIVE FIREBALL
that hits the wall of the home -- and instantly the entire
building POLARIZES FROM POSITIVE TO NEGATIVE...and VANISHES
just as Terrax did!
THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
As they see what's happened. Kili rushes to Precious and
hugs her.
NOVA
Silverado! You scared the poor
kid!
KILI
The loss of Shalla Bal has changed
you, Surfer. No longer do you
follow the ways of Zenn-La.
SILVER SURFER
Those ways took my beloved from
me...!
WIDER
The Surfer's frustration is growing. He flies a wide circle
around the village.
SILVER SURFER
How foolish I was to think I could
find comfort here -- or anywhere!
I must seek out Terrax and prove
to him that justice can prevail!
KILI
(concerned)
"Justice?" Or the Silver Surfer?
SILVER SURFER
They are one and the same!
The Surfer soars skyward. Nova takes off after him.
NOVA
Hey, Wild Bill -- you can't go
warping anywhere without me!
Nova streaks across the sky.
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
27.
KILI AND PRECIOUS
Watch them go. Kili hugs the little Skrull closer to her.
KILI
I'm afraid for the Surfer,
Precious. His biggest enemy isn't
Terrax -- it's himself!
And, as they turn their gazes back upward, we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PLANET OF BIRJ - DAY
TILTING UPWARD from the heavily industrialized landscape to
SEE Terrax swooping down into its atmosphere. He stands as
though striding the sky, and calls out:
TERRAX
People of Birj...!
A GROUP OF BIRJIAN WARRIORS
Come flying up from the landscape below, including the three
Birjian men we SAW before. They approach Terrax with their
weapons at the ready.
BIRJIAN MAN 1 (O.S.) BIRJIAN MAN 3 (O.S.)
Terrax! What's the Tyrant doing
here?
WIDER
Terrax smiles, waves his ENERGY AXE. It FLARES ominously.
TERRAX
I knew you'd be happy to see me --
BIRJIAN MAN 2
Go back to wherever you've been,
Terrax. Or suffer the
consequences!
Terrax LAUGHS. His AXE head FLARES OUT WITH A COSMIC BOLT
just like one the Surfer would FIRE -- and the nearest
Birjian flies hastily sideways, barely escaping in time.
TERRAX
Let's talk about those
"consequences. I think you'll see
they're a lot different now --
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
28.
And, as the ENERGY AXE FLARES agaom, SHOOTING A BOLT that
sends everyone diving for cover:
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET BIRJ - THE SILVER SURFER AND
NOVA
WARPING IN TOGETHER, Nova leading the way. A tendril of
COSMIC FLAME unites her with the Surfer.
NOVA
This is Terrax's homeworld! You
sure he's come back here?
SILVER SURFER
You doubt my ability to follow an
energy trail?
NOVA
Well excuse me. Can I help it if
I'm not used to needing a map?
ANOTHER ANGLE
They fly closer, and the Surfer points toward the far away
surface.
SILVER SURFER
I see why you thought this planet
would be suitable for Galactus --
(flying on)
And why it is not!
Nova follows the Surfer's gesture to:
EXT. PLANET OF BIRJ - DAY - THE SKY
Where Terrax waves his AXE, and it forms a FIERY ENERGY IMAGE
of Galactus. He speaks loudly.
TERRAX
Behold a simple little cosmic
entity -- by the name of --
BIRJIAN MAN 1 BIRJIAN MAN 2
Galactus! The Devourer of Worlds!
TERRAX
Devastation, by any other name, is
still devastation...
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
29.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET BIRJ - THE SILVER SURFER AND
NOVA
The COSMIC FLAME that unites them WISPS TO NOTHINGNESS as
they fly down toward the distant Terrax. From Terrax'
forehead the SUMMONING BEAM stabs out toward the stars.
TERRAX (O.S.)
At my word, Galactus himself will
make this, your cozy home, his
next repast...
SILVER SURFER
Terrax speaks the words that
strike terror into any civilized
being! But what can he hope to
gain?
EXT. PLANET OF BIRJ - DAY - THE SKY
Two of the Birjians exchange gazes and start to circle around
to opposite sides of Terrax, getting ready to attack. Seeing
them, Terrax sweeps his axe through the sky, and the ENERGY
IMAGE of Galactus FLARES UP even larger, engulfing both
warriors!
ANOTHER ANGLE
As, with WORDLESS CRIES, the two attackers fall back down
toward the surface of the planet, the IMAGE of Galactus
VANISHING as the AXE sucks in the attackers' ENERGY!
TWO OTHER WARRIORS
Swoop down to catch their comrades before they crash, while:
TERAX
LAUGHS louder.
TERRAX
I can, of course, lead him
elsewhere. But there's a price...!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
Zooming downward, closing in on Terrax as:
TERRAX (O.S.)
Our Civil War has to end. With me
as Birj's undisputed ruler!
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
30.
NOVA
Surfer! This bozo's blackmailing
his own planet!
SILVER SURFER
Terrax is an abomination -- who
must be stopped!!!
WIDER
As the Surfer POWERS UP. He FIRES TWIN COSMIC BOLTS at
Terrax -- !
NOVA
Surfer, don't -- !
Quickly, she BLASTS with her COSMIC FLAME, the two FORCES
meeting in an EXPLOSION!
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND THE OTHERS
The remaining Birjian warriors exchange looks and fly off.
Terrax rocks with LAUGHTER, and breaks off the SUMMONING BEAM
abruptly.
TERRAX
Too bad your bolt didn't reach my
axe, Surfer. I can always find a
good use for more of the power
cosmic!
SILVER SURFER
(to Nova)
Once again did I act without
thinking. You have saved me from
what could have been a tragic
mistake --
WIDER
Nova stops as Terrax raises his AXE once again.
TERRAX
And if you do think, what happens
then? Any attack just makes me
stronger...
As he speaks, Terrax flies at both the Surfer and Nova, his
AXE's FIELD OF FORCE FLARING outward again.
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
31.
TERRAX
(continuing)
Birj is only the beginning. With
Galactus as my ultimate weapon --
the entire universe will lie at my
feet!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The FLARE GROWS WIDER, large enough to engulf both the Surfer
and Nova! She turns to him desperately.
NOVA
Silverado! There's no way to beat
this guy. We gotta get out of
here!
A TENDRIL OF COSMIC FLAME stretches out to the Surfer, starts
to pull him away with Nova. At first the Surfer goes with
it. But then, looking back:
SILVER SURFER
No! Never could I live with
myself if I allowed this madman to
succeed!
(quickly)
The only being who has had an
effect against Terrax is the
Skrull hatchling...
We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer as he breaks away from the TENDRIL
OF FLAME, turning to face the the oncoming FLARE. Holding
out his arms, he starts his TRANSMUTATION BEAM.
NOVA
(panicked)
What the ginseng're you doing?!
SILVER SURFER
If I can use my transmutation
power to recreate Precious'
fireballs...
And he FIRES a COSMIC BOLT that passes through the field of
his TRANSMUTATION BEAM -- and is TRANSFORMED INTO A SERIES OF
NEGATIVE FIREBALLS!
WIDER
The NEGATIVE FIREBALLS hit the FLARE, and it POLARIZES,
VANISHING, just before it reaches the Surfer and Nova.
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
32.
The Surfer continues FIRING AND TRANSMUTING, and more
NEGATIVE FIREBALLS continue at Terrax as:
SILVER SURFER
Nova! Quickly -- the axe -- !
And, as the Surfer says it, the first of the NEGATIVE
FIREBALLS hits Terrax. He too POLARIZES -- but just as he
VANISHES:
NOVA
Flies in and grabs the ENERGY AXE from Terrax' VANISHING
hands! We WIDEN as she holds it up triumphantly, then looks
down at:
NOVA'S POV - GROUND BELOW
Where the Birjians have gotten reinforcements -- and an army
of warriors heads toward them!
NOVA (O.S.)
Hope you weren't expecting a big
thank-you --
BACK TO SCENE
As the Surfer soars to her, takes the AXE.
SILVER SURFER
We must reabsorb what it has taken
from us --
He reaches out, taking Nova's hand, then concentrates, the
AXE STARTING TO GLOW --
THE BIRJIAN ARMY
Getting closer. Their ENERGY WEAPONS START BLASTING!
THE SILVER SURFER AND NOVA
The AXE'S FIELD OF FORCE FLARES, and the ENTIRE AXE
EXPLODES!!!
WIDER
The ENERGY BLASTS STRIKE the air where the Surfer and Nova
were -- but they're no longer present! We TILT UPWARD,
ANGLING TOWARD:
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
33.
EXT. SPACE OVER THE PLANET BIRJ - THE SILVER SURFER AND
NOVA
Side by side, streaking away from the planet.
SILVER SURFER
Again are we ourselves!
NOVA
(excitedly)
Yes!
(worried)
But all the time I've been Nova,
I've been with Galactus. Without
him what'll I do? Where'll I go?
SILVER SURFER
Anything you wish, Nova. Anywhere!
We WIDEN TO INCLUDE MORE OF THE SPACE PANORAMA. The Surfer
and Nova continue toward the edge of its star system.
NOVA
What about Big G? What'll he do?
SILVER SURFER
What he ever has. He will survive.
We WIDEN FARTHER as they FORESHORTEN INTO WARP and we
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE - A DEAD WORLD
Overrun by Galactus' CRACKLING cables of destruction. We
ANGLE FROM the world TO:
EXT. GALACTUS' SHIP - CONTROL CENTER - GALACTUS' EYES -
MATCHING SHOT OF THE CRACKLING ENERGY
Within the pupil-less depths we SEE something shiny --
wet? -- as:
GALACTUS (O.S.)
My heralds...
FADE OUT:
THE END
BRODY THE SILVER SURFER 2147-18 FINAL DRAFT 04/14/98
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