Batman Vs Superman (Fake Draft)

BATMAN VS SUPERMAN
(untitled)
Written by
Chris Terrio
from a story by
Zack Snyder & David S. Goyer
3rd Draft,
January 19th, 2014
2014
WARNER BROS.
All Rights Reserved
FADE IN:
EXT. ARCTIC OCEAN -- MORNING
TWO RUSSIAN WARSHIPS, the ANATOLE and the CASSIOPEIA,
approach a RUSSIAN OIL RIG in ARCTIC WATERS.
INT. BRIDGE, CASSIOPEIA -- CONTINUOUS
Karpov 60, an INTIMIDATING RUSSIAN GENERAL, CAPTAINS the
WARSHIP. His SECOND IN COMMAND UMINSKI, 30's, stands at his
side.
KARPOV
(to Uminski, in Russian)
Hold this position.
UMINSKI
Yes General.
INT. CARGO HOLD, RUSSIAN OIL RIG -- CONTINUOUS
300 RUSSIAN OIL RIG WORKERS are held PRISONER in the CARGO
HOLD of the RUSSIAN OIL RIG.
OKSANA, 40's, A HARDENED FEMALE OIL RIG WORKER cradles a
frightened YOUNGER FEMALE OIL RIG WORKER, LUCYA, early 20's,
who SOBS in her arms.
OKSANA
(in Russian)
It's Ok. It's Ok.
They are surrounded by a ATLANTEAN HIJACKERS. The Atlanteans
wear a combination of BLACK WET SUITS and ARMOR PLATING
designed like FISH SCALES. Their faces are CONCEALED behind
MASKS. Their HANDS and FEET are BARE. They wield STRANGE
WEAPONRY which HUM with ENERGY.
MERA, a TALL, BEAUTIFUL REDHEAD ATLANTEAN walks past them
and speaks with one of her Warriors. He BOWS to her and
leaves.
She walks towards a TALL MAN with LONG FLOWING hair who sits
on top of a stack of CRATES like a King on a THRONE. He is
dressed in ARMOR. In his right hand he holds a LONG GOLDEN
TRIDENT. His left hand is SHIMMERING and BLUE as if MADE OF
WATER.
This is ORIN, KING OF THE ATLANTEANS.
MERA
(in Atlantean)
Orin. The surface dwellers
approach.
Orin steps off the crates which are marked 'MERREVALE'.
2.
ORIN
(in Atlantean)
Order the Warriors to set the
charges.
MERA
And the prisoners?
ORIN
They are pawns. When the charges
are set put them in their life
boats and release them.
(he smiles)
I will welcome our guests.
He leaves the Cargo Hold. Mera stays to watch over the
Hostages.
EXT. PLATFORM, RUSSIAN OIL RIG, ARCTIC -- CONTINUOUS
TWO RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS hover above the MAIN PLATFORM. A
SQUAD of TWELVE RUSSIAN COMMANDOES rappel down onto the
Platform their MACHINE GUNS raised and ready.
Orin emerges onto the Platform followed by a squad of his
WARRIORS who carry with them LARGE CANNON-LIKE WEAPONS.
ORIN
Get in formation. I'll attend to
these.
The King walks towards the Commandoes who AIM their GUNS at
him.
COMMANDO LEADER
(firmly, in Russian)
Drop your weapons and get down on
your knees!
ORIN
(in Russian)
I kneel before no one.
He SLAMS the HILT of his Trident DOWN.
A COMMANDO notices an Atlantean Warrior placing a CANNON the
RAIL at the EDGE of the PLATFORM and pointing it towards the
Warships.
COMMANDO
STOP!
The Commando FIRES his weapon. The Bullets BOUNCE of the
Atlantean armor but one PENETRATES the Warrior's leg. He
BUCKLES and FALLS to his knees.
With SUPERHUMAN speed Orin ATTACKS before the Commandos can
even REACT.
3.
He JUMPS high into the air and LANDS in the MIDDLE of the
Commandos.
With LETHAL EFFICIENCY he DISPATCHES the Commandos. SLICING
their ARMS and STABBING them THROUGH the LEGS with his
TRIDENT.
He KICKS the Commando Leader CLEAR ACROSS the platform as
the rest fall to the floor DISABLED and in PAIN but ALIVE.
The King turns to his Warriors and nods.
ATLANTEAN WARRIOR
OPEN FIRE!
The Warriors place the CANNONS on the RAIL and FIRE on the
Anatole.
BLUE BOLTS of DESTRUCTIVE ENERGY fire towards the Warship.
The Energy IMPACTS the HULLS of the Ship sending WAVES of
ENERGY through the vessel which INCAPACITATES the CREW who
CRUMBLE to the floor, UNCONSCIOUS.
Karpov sees the other Warship being DISABLED.
KARPOV
(to Uminski)
Call in the Fighters.
Uminski activates his radio.
EXT. SKY, ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
THREE RUSSIAN T-50 FIGHTER JETS fly high above the Arctic
waters.
INT. T-50 JET (FLYING), ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
The PILOT listens to his orders.
PILOT
What are my orders?
UMINSKI(O.S)
Request immediate attack. Terminate
the hostiles.
PILOT
Affirmit...
The Pilot pauses as he sees SOMETHING outside of the
COCKPIT.
4.
EXT. T-50 JET (FLYING), SKY, ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
Two FAMILIAR RED BOOTS walk up the NOSE of the Jet towards
the COCKPIT.
The Pilot looks up as a RED CAPE BILLOWS outside the Jet.
EXT. BRIDGE, CASSIOPEIA -- CONTINUOUS
Uminski and Karpov watch as the T-50 fly past without
completing the Airstrike.
UMINSKI
(into radio)
Request immediate attack. Repeat
Immediate attack.
There is no response.
UMINSKI(CON'T)
No response sir.
Karpov SUCKS his teeth and PONDERS his options.
Uminski looks to the sky and his eyes WIDEN.
UMINSKI
(shocked)
Sir!
Karpov looks up.
INT. PLATFORM, RUSSIAN OIL RIG -- CONTINUOUS
Orin and his Warriors look to the sky as they hear the CRACK
of a SONIC BOOM.
A RED and BLUE BLUR CRASHES down through the COMPLEX.
ORIN
(smiles)
Sky Dweller.
The Red and Blue blur SMASHES down through the CEILING and
down onto the FLOOR.
The Hostages SCREAM and COWER as the Atlanteans raise their
ENERGY WEAPONS.
Mera CALMLY steps backwards and takes COVER behind a
BULKHEAD DOOR and WATCHES.
The DEBRIS and DUST settle and standing on the DENTED floor
in the middle of the Cargo Hold between the Hostages and
Atlanteans is the MAN OF STEEL, KAL EL... SUPERMAN.
An Atlantean Warrior RUSHES Superman with his Weapon RAISED.
5.
SUPERMAN
(calmly)
I'd put those toys away.
Superman GRABS the BARREL of the Weapon and CRUSHES it with
EASE.
The other Atlanteans OPEN FIRE. BOLTS of CRACKLING BLUE
ENERGY strike Superman REPEATEDLY. He STAGGERS back as the
energy PASSES THROUGH his BODY. He SHAKES it off.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
(bemused)
That's new.
Superman tries to pull the Weapon away from the Atlantean.
But to the Kryptonian's SURPRISE the Warrior RESISTS.
The Warrior seems to be SMILING beneath his Mask.
Superman PULLS harder and the Atlantean is YANKED OFF his
feet entirely and TOSSED aside.
Superman then with SUPERHUMAN SPEED attacks the remaining
Warriors as they OPEN FIRE on his again.
He DEFLECTS their ENERGY BOLTS and DISARMS them DESTROYING
their Weapons and SCATTERING their parts across the Cargo
Hold.
He CRISS-CROSSES the interior of the complex SUBDUING the
Warriors before coming to a HALT in front of the Hostages.
They RECOIL from him and COWER.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
Don't be afraid.
(reaches out his hand)
I'm here to help.
Lucya stands up and walks up to the Man of Steel and looks
into his KIND EYES and places her hand in his.
LUCYA
(in English)
There are others.
SUPERMAN
I know. I'll take care of them. Can
you lead these people to the life
boats?
She nods. Superman smiles.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
(to Mera)
I'm giving you one chance to
surrender. That's more than those
Warships will.
6.
ORIN(O.S)
(in English)
How many chances will they give
you?
Superman looks up through the HOLE in the Rig's Roof.
Standing above him LOOKING DOWN upon him is Orin.
ORIN(CON'T)
Before they kill you?
Superman LIFTS of the floor and FLOATS up through the hole
and HOVERS over Orin before LANDING to face him.
SUPERMAN
They only killers here are you and
your terrorists. Disarm the bombs
you've planted.
ORIN
I don't kill without justification.
(gestures to the
Warships)
Unlike them.
SUPERMAN
The people here are innocent.
ORIN
And I will release them and
(gestures to the rig)
destroy this abomination.
SUPERMAN
I can't allow you to do that.
ORIN
Their machines poison my oceans.
Ruin the Earth. There is nothing of
this world but rot, decay and
death.
(points Trident at
Superman)
And you would be it's champion?
SUPERMAN
I would be it's protector.
ORIN
Why? Humans hate what they don't
understand and they can never
understand someone like you.
(softly)
I know this.
7.
SUPERMAN
You've been destroying oil
installations all over the planet.
This has to stop.
ORIN
I will never stop. I do this to
protect my people like you protect
theirs.
Superman sees Atlanteans on the Platform CHARGING up their
ENERGY CANNONS.
Before they can fire Superman uses his HEAT VISION to
DESTROY the Cannons.
The Warriors are sent HURTLING backwards from the BLAST.
Orin STRIKES Superman across the JAW with the HILT of his
TRIDENT and then STABS it toward his CHEST.
Superman CATCHES the Trident as Orin LUNGES forward DRIVING
Superman backwards.
Superman STEADIES himself. He looks at Orin's SHIMMERING
LEFT HAND.
SUPERMAN
(confused)
What are you?
ORIN
More like you than they can ever
be.
Superman GRIPS the Trident and SWING Orin over his head and
SMASHES him down INTO the Platform floor.
Orin FLIPS to his feet and SLICES the Trident ACROSS
Superman's CHEST cutting THREE SLASHES In his SYMBOL OF
HOPE.
Superman and Orin CHARGE at each other.
Uminski watches as Superman and Orin BATTLE on top of the
PLATFORM.
Karpov is on the radio awaiting orders.
UMINSKI
(to himself, in awe)
They are Gods!
Karpov receives his orders.
8.
KARPOV
(to Uminski)
Open fire on the installation.
UMINSKI
(reluctant)
That would sink it. There are 300
civilians on board.
KARPOV
You have your orders.
Uminski takes a DEEP BREATH.
UMINSKI
(firmly)
No.
Karpov turns gestures TWO SAILORS to REMOVE Uminski from the
Bridge.
KARPOV
(disgusted)
Get this coward out of here!
Uminski is ESCORTED out.
KARPOV
(firmly)
Open fire!
INT. PLATFORM, OIL RIG -- CONTINUOUS
Orin is sent SKIDDING backwards across the Platform. He
STABS his Trident into the FLOOR to stop his MOMENTUM.
He smiles.
ORIN
You're holding back.
SUPERMAN
Because I don't want to kill you.
The ROAR of ARTILLERY FIRE fills the AIR.
A SHELLS impacts the Installation. The EXPLOSIONS SHAKE the
Oil Rig.
Another Shell DETONATES between Superman and Orin SEPARATING
them.
Superman JUMPS into the air and FLIES toward the Warship.
Karpov sees the Man of Steel approaching.
9.
KARPOV
(frantic)
Fire! Fire! Fire!
EXT. ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
The Warship OPEN FIRE on Superman who PUNCHES the SHELLS
from the sky and FLIES over the Warship and uses his HEAT
VISION to DESTROY the ARTILLERY CANNONS and then DIVES down
through the BRIDGE.
Karpov THROWS himself to the floor on impact.
Superman stands over the TERRIFIED General. Before he can do
anything he HEARS the SCREAMING of the Oil Rig Workers.
He leaves and flies back towards the CRIPPLED Rig.
INT. HALLWAY, OIL RIG -- CONTINUOUS
He lands inside and lands in a SMOKING HALLWAY.
He HEARS someone STRUGGLING. He SWIFTLY follows the sound.
Mera is PINNED beneath a fallen BULKHEAD DOOR. Her STOMACH
has been WOUNDED. She's BLEEDING HEAVILY.
Superman LIFTS the DOOR off of her and TAKES her in his arms
and FLIES her out of the Hallway and out onto the Platform.
He lays her down gently.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
I can help you. Please trust me.
He uses his HEAT VISION to CAUTERIZE the wound. She GRITS
her teeth trying not to scream. Superman finishes and she
goes LIMP.
Superman looks up from Mera and sees Orin WATCHING him.
Behind him his Warriors stand WEAPONS READY and AIMED at the
Man of Steel.
Superman stands.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
She needs help. Take her and leave.
Orin STRAPS his Trident ACROSS HIS BACK and lifts Mera
GENTLY in his arms.
As he leaves he looks back on Superman for a moment.
Orin DIVES OFF the Platform and into the Ocean and SWIMS at
AMAZING SPEED into the DEPTHS. His Warriors follow.
Suddenly the Oil Rig is ROCKED by a huge EXPLOSION at it's
BASE and begins to TILT and SINK into the Ocean.
10.
Water RUSHES into the Cargo Hold and ENGULFS the Workers.
Oksana grabs Lucya and stops her from being DRAGGED away by
the CURRENT.
INT. PLATFORM, RUSSIAN OIL RIG, ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman FLIES up into the sky then DOWN INTO the OCEAN.
The Workers are totally SUBMERGED and and SECONDS away from
DEATH.
The Oil Rig SHAKES and the Water levels begin to DROP. The
Workers GASP for air.
EXT. RUSSIAN OIL RIG, ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
The Oil Rig RISES from the OCEAN carried by Superman who
slowly carries it to the nearby ICEBERG and places it down
as SOFTLY as possible.
The Workers SCREAM as the Oil Rig LANDS.
EXT. RUSSIAN OIL RIG, ICEBERG -- CONTINUOUS
Superman BREATHS HEAVILY.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
Why are you here?
Orin stands behind him.
ORIN
Leave them. They will destroy you
if you don't.
Superman faces the King.
ORIN(CON'T)
It's their nature.
The Workers start to flow out of the Oil Rig.
Superman looks towards the Warships and walks past Orin.
SUPERMAN
You'd better hope we don't meet
again.
Superman LEAPS into the air and flies toward the Warship.
Orin watches him as he departs.
11.
ORIN
(respectful)
We will brother. We will.
INT. DECK, CASSIOPEIA -- CONTINUOUS
The CREW of the Warship, including Karpov and Uminski, are
on the deck.
Superman lands on the Deck and MARCHES toward Karpov.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
(angry)
There were 300 innocent people on
that Rig!
KARPOV
(in Russian, terrified)
Sorry! Sorry! Sorry
Superman pauses.
SUPERMAN
(to Crew)
Does anyone speak English?
Uminski RAISES his hand.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
Those people need help and medical
attention. See that they get it.
Uminksi nods and relays Superman's orders to the Crew.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
(to Uminski)
Who ordered the attack?
Uminski doesn't say anything but LOOKS towards Karpov.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
Is that so?
CUT TO:
Karpov yells OBSCENITIES in Russian. He has been WRAPPED up
in the METAL REMAINS of the Warship's BRIDGE. His feet HANG
comically above the DECK.
EXT. RUSSIAN OIL RIG, ICEBERG -- CONTINUOUS
Oksana and Lucya watch as Superman disappears into the
heavens.
LUCYA
(in Russian)
Superman.
12.
EXT. SKY, ARCTIC WATERS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman flies HIGH above the Arctic PICKING UP SPEED as he
comes towards the PACIFIC OCEAN and skims at SUPER SONIC
SPEED across the water.
He SPINS as he gains ALTITUDE and enters the STRATOSPHERE,
BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER.
EXT. SPACE -- MOMENTS LATER
Superman SLOWS DOWN as he looks upon THE EARTH. He takes in
the sight for a moment before descending back towards the
UNITED STATES.
Floating in the distance is a LEXCORP SATELLITE.
INT. DARK ROOM
A MAN sits CROSS LEGGED on a desk in a DARK ROOM with his
back to us.
He is a BLACK SILHOUETTE against an array of COMPUTER
SCREENS which are MONITORING the scene in the Arctic and
showing BLURRED IMAGES of Superman flying through space.
The screens go BLANK and the room goes BLACK.
EXT. BARN, KENT FARM -- EVENING
Martha Kent walks toward the BARN. Her dog jumps is by her
side.
She opens the BARN DOORS and enters. She tries to PULL OPEN
the TRAP DOOR when the Dog starts barking and she hears a
familiar SWOOSHING sound.
MARTHA
(smiles)
How come you always show up at
dinner?
Standing in the doorway is her son Superman... CLARK KENT.
CLARK
Good timing.
MARTHA
(sarcastic)
Sure.
(tugs on the trap door)
Well don't just stand there. Help
me with this.
Her Son smiles and PULLS the trap door open and they both
walk down the steps into the DARK ROOM below.
Martha switches on the LIGHT and REVEALS the room which is
VERY DIFFERENT from when it used to conceal Clark's
13.
SPACECRAFT.
PASTED to the WALLS are HUNDREDS of NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS of
her son's EXPLOITS all around the world.
CLARK
You've been busy.
MARTHA
I come down her a lot these days.
I'm turning into your father.
(smiles)
When he wanted to be alone he'd
come down here. It was his fortress
of solitude.
Clark sees an OLD FRAMED PHOTO of himself and his FATHER on
the workbench. He picks it up and stares at it LONGINGLY.
It's clear he STILL misses him.
Martha leans her head against his shoulder and looks at the
photo.
MARTHA(CON'T)
He'd have been so proud of you
Clark. He was proud of you.
CLARK
I know.
(puts the photo back down
and looks around at all
the clippings)
If only the rest of the world
shared his opinion.
MARTHA
They will. They just don't
understand you right now. Or what
happened with Zod.
Clark's face HARDENS at the mention of Zod.
MARTHA(CON'T)
Look around you. Look at all the
great things you've done and the
people you've helped.
CLARK
But you've only put up the good
things they say about me.
MARTHA
Honey If I were to use the bad
things they say I could cover the
barn, the house and the outhouse.
CLARK
We still have an outhouse?
14.
They laugh.
Martha HUGS Clark and lays her head against his TORN SYMBOL
of HOPE.
MARTHA
Things will change. Someday the
whole world will see you for what
you are. Just like I do. And your
Father did.
CLARK
When you say it I believe it.
MARTHA
That's right.
(loosens her grip and
looks him in the eyes)
Now let me fix you some dinner.
CLARK
That's Ok Mom.
MARTHA
Oh can it. We do this every time. I
already have a plate out.
CLARK
(laughs)
Ok. Ok.
She lets him go and starts to MARCH up the steps.
MARTHA
And take off that damn beat up
suit. No capes at the table.
CLARK
Elvis wore a cape. You love Elvis.
MARTHA
Elvis was Elvis. He could wear
anything.
Clark smiles and follows his Mother.
INT. KITCHEN, HOUSE, KENT FARM -- LATER
Clark, dressed in a SHIRT and JEANS, is in the KITCHEN
washing the dishes while Martha sits on the couch in the
living room watching a TALK SHOW.
MARTHA
Hurry up Clark. Lois is on.
Clark puts the final dish down and walks to the LIVING ROOM
and leans against the door frame.
15.
On the television TV talk show host CAT GRANT. A BUXOM
BLONDE with an ICE WHITE smile hosts a DEBATE between LOIS
LANE and MORGAN EDGE, a SLICK YOUNG PR EXECUTIVE.
INT. WGBS-TV STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS
Cat SMILES at the CAMERA.
CAT
Good Evening. I'm Cat Grant and
joining me tonight on our panel is
Pulitzer Prize winning reporter for
the Daily Planet Lois Lane.
LOIS
Glad to be here Cat.
INT. LIVING ROOM, HOUSE, KENT FARM -- CONTINUOUS
MARTHA
(impressed)
She looks good on TV.
CAT
And to her left is Morgan Edge, PR
executive to Metropolis' own
LexCorp. The world's leading
conglomerate and a virtual economy
all by itself. Lovely to have you
here.
EDGE
Always a pleasure.
CAT
So Lois I'll start with you. It's
been a year since the attack on
Metropolis and in that time you
have been a very vocal proponent in
the media for the being known as
Kal El as an ally to Earth.
LOIS
I believe Kal El is being portrayed
unfairly in the global media and as
a witness to what transpired before
and after the events in Metropolis
I have no doubt in my mind that Kal
El can and will aid humanity in
ways that I understand the
population are finding difficult to
accept right now.
CAT
Morgan, you and LexCorp have a
different view point.
16.
EDGE
We share the same view as the
majority of the world in that there
is no evidence that this 'Superman'
isn't a very real threat to the
safety of every single human life
on this planet.
LOIS
I disagree. Just look at the good
works he's done not just in the U.S
but around the world in the last
year.
EDGE
By good works do you mean breaking
international law and causing
incident after incident. Cat, just
tonight we are getting reports that
he attacked Russian Military
personnel in Russian waters.
INT. LIVING ROOM, KENT FARM -- CONTINUOUS
Martha looks at Clark.
MARTHA
You were in Russia? How was it?
CLARK
Angry.
EDGE
(to Cat)
The Russian President is furious.
As long as we harbor Kal El it
looks like we are condoning his
actions. While he's flying around
dishing out his own brand truth and
justice the Russian government is
accusing us of aiding terrorists.
But Ms Lane would have you believe
that he's a hero.
LOIS
(to Cat)
The United States government
conceded that Kal El not only saved
millions of lives here in
Metropolis but also the entire
planet.
EDGE
Yet Ms Lane he couldn't save the
5,000 people that lost their lives
right here in our city. A death
(MORE)
17.
EDGE (cont'd)
toll that would have been much
larger had it not been for the
efforts of the city's police and
emergency workers. And what part is
Kal El playing in the
reconstruction of the city? None.
It is LexCorp that is fixing that
damage that he ultimately caused.
LOUIS
(dismissive)
This isn't a PR piece for LexCorp
Morgan.
EDGE
Just pointing out that your super
friend isn't the only one doing
good works.
LOIS
(to Cat)
Kal El possesses so much potential
as an ally of humanity rather than
being labeled an enemy. I believe
he's here to help despite what
people like Morgan would have you
believe.
MORGAN
(scoffs)
You say he's here to help but what
has he done? Lex Luthor has poured
over 5 billion dollars into the
city's infrastructure. Giving many
impoverished areas a new lease on
life including rebuilding notorious
slums like Hob's bay.
LOIS
And which is still and enclave of
violent criminal organizations
which fall under the protection of
LexCorp and their lawyers.
EDGE
There is no evidence of that and
you shouldn't concern yourself with
slanderous rumors.
LOIS
It isn't a rumor that you and Lex
where members of the most notorious
gangs ever to come out of Hob's
Bay.
18.
EDGE
It's no secret that life didn't
afford Lex and I quite the
opportunities that it did you Ms
Lane.
CAT
(interjects)
But look at Lex now.
EDGE
Exactly Cat. Lex Luthor and LexCorp
are the real heroes Metropolis
needs. Not some reckless Alien who
hides his true intentions from the
world.
MARTHA
He does not like you.
CLARK
(smiles)
Seems like that.
Cat smiles at the camera.
CAT
Well that's all we have time for.
After the break we will show you
exclusive report from our Russian
Affairs correspondent Angela Chen.
Lois thank you for joining us.
LOIS
Thank you.
CAT
And Morgan. Give my regards to Lex.
EDGE
Sure thing.
MARTHA
I think she held her own.
CLARK
She always does.
MARTHA
Why haven't you brought her around
lately?
19.
CLARK
Because you both get way too drunk.
MARTHA
(indignant)
Whatever. You gonna stay the night?
CLARK
Sure. I got a doctors appointment
in the morning anyway.
MARTHA
Ok well take out the garbage before
you leave.
Clark KISSES his Mother on the cheek.
CLARK
Sure Mom.
Lois steps off the stage where Edge is having his MICROPHONE
REMOVED.
EDGE
Don't feel too bad Lane. TV is a
lot different than sitting behind a
laptop. This is where I shine.
LOIS
If you ever get tired of being
Luthor's mouthpiece then maybe you
can pursue a career.
EDGE
You know if you keep going after
him like this Lex might start to
take it personal.
Lois looks Edge right in the eyes.
LOIS
I couldn't prove the details of
Luthor's
(emphasises)
'aggressive aquisitions' of rival
companies. That doesn't mean I
stopped looking.
EDGE
That's usually when you should.
LOIS
Usually my sources don't end up
dead.
20.
EDGE
Life can be a fragile thing Ms
Lane.
(smiles)
Take care.
Edge leaves.
LOIS
(agitated)
Self important asshole.
She removes her CELL PHONE from her pocket and turns it on.
She has a TEXT FROM CLARK.
TEXT: In Kansas. Sleeping over.
LOIS
Of course.
YOUNG MAN(O.S)
Ms Lane.
Louis looks up from her phone and sees JIMMY OLSEN, a 21
year old PHOTOGRAPHER from the DAILY PLANET. He's BRIGHT
EYED, ENTHUSIASTIC and AWKWARD.
JIMMY
(nervous)
Mr White sent me down here to meet
you.
She looks at him, CONFUSED.
JIMMY(CON'T)
I'm Jimmy. Jimmy Olsen the new
photographer.
A flash of RECOGNITION crosses Lois' eyes.
LOIS
Right Jenny's brother.
(starts to walk)
I remember you now.
Jimmy follows her periodically SKIPPING to keep up with her
STRIDE.
LOIS(CON'T)
Why are you even here?
JIMMY
(awkwardly)
Mr White sent me because you turned
your phone off and I was to tell
you not to say anything bad about
Lex Luthor. Which I didn't because
I left my damn I.D at home and they
wouldn't let me past the lobby.
21.
Lois smiles at him.
JIMMY(CON'T)
They had to call the Planet and by
the time I got here you'd already
said some stuff.
LOIS
Next time then.
AWKWARD silence.
JIMMY
So what now?
LOIS
I'm going home.
JIMMY
I could drive you. My car's
outside.
LOIS
I can get home by myself.
JIMMY
I was just asking because it's late
and all. For safety you know.
LOIS
I don't need a bodyguard Jimmy.
It's Metropolis, not Gotham.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY -- NIGHT
GOTHAM CITY is a vast URBAN SPRAWL. SKYSCRAPERS cast SHADOWS
over the DECREPIT SLUMS that SURROUND it's WEALTHY INNER
HUB.
EXT. STREET, GOTHAM CITY -- NIGHT
CARRIE, a 21 year old RED HEAD in THICK FRAMED GLASSES,
walks ALONE down the DARK Gotham street. She's frustrated,
her PHONE is DEAD and it's beginning to RAIN.
A CAB passes by. She raises her hand to HAIL it.
CARRIE
(shouting)
Hey! Hey!
It DOESN'T stop.
CARRIE(CON'T)
Asshole!
(she checks her phone
again)
Goddammit.
22.
She HEARS something. A NOISE from up ahead. She pauses,
SCANNING the area for any sign of DANGER. There's nothing.
Just SILENCE.
After a moment she looks to her phone again. On it's screen
she sees a FLASH of MOVEMENT.
She looks up but before she can react she is SNATCHED by an
UNSEEN ASSAILANT.
INT. ABANDONED THEATER -- CONTINUOUS
TWO MEN in DIRTY ORANGE JUMPSUITS drag Carrie, who is
KICKING and STRUGGLING, into the trash strewn ABANDONED
THEATER which is lit by a SOLITARY LIGHT. In the Theater
FIVE other MEN in identical jumpsuit huddle by that STAGE
beneath a SIXTH MAN, with ROWS of NOTCHED CARVED into his
EXPOSED TORSO, who sits atop a CHAIR on the STAGE like a
KING on his THRONE. This is SERIAL MURDERER VICTOR ZSASZ and
these are his ACOLYTES.
The five men part as Carrie is thrown roughly to the ground
in front of the stage. Zsasz looks down on her with MADNESS
FILLED EYES.
His Acolytes GRIN, GIGGLE and DROOL as their MASTER steps
off the stage and approaches the young Gothamite.
CARRIE(CON'T)
(frightened/whispering)
Please don't do this!
Zsasz smiles. SALIVA drips down his chin as he kneels down
and leans in close. Close enough for her to RECOIL from his
FOUL breath.
ZSASZ
(with relish)
You are whispering. My students
didn't bring you here to whisper.
Carrie's eyes BUG OUT when she sees the RAZOR SHARP DAGGER
Zsasz produces and brings it up to her CHEEK.
ZSASZ(CON'T)
No matter. You'll scream.
(nicks her cheek)
Soon enough.
Carrie KICKS her LEGS at the AMUSED Serial Killer. She is
RESTRAINED by the Acolytes.
CARRIE
(SCREAMS)
SOMEBODY! HELP ME PLEASE!
23.
ZSASZ
(smiles)
Good. Good.
(he licks the blood of
the blade)
That's a start.
Acolyte#1 notices SOMETHING above him. He looks up but
before he can make out what it is he is PULLED from the
floor and DISAPPEARS into the DARKNESS above.
Zsasz and his Acolytes FREEZE.
WHAM! CRACK! -- Acolyte#1 wails in PAIN before being SLAMMED
down into the ground HARD. He lays there UNCONSCIOUS and
BLOODIED.
A SHAPE descends from the DARKNESS above them.
Acolytes #2 and #3 have no time to react. Acolyte#2's knee
is BLOWN OUT as Acolyte#3's jaw is SHATTERED by a
devastating blow. Both me CRUMBLE to the ground.
Acolyte#4 SWINGS and IRON BAR at the SHADOWY FIGURE. He is
DISARMED and the bar is SLAMMED into his STERNUM. He falls
to the floor CLUTCHING his CHEST.
Acolyte#5 tries to RUN but the bar IMPACTS him across his
back SAVAGELY and he FALLS to the floor.
The DARK FIGURE steps into the LIGHT.
Carrie SCURRIES backward against the wall and sees the
SYMBOL. BLACK against GREY... A BAT.
Standing above the BEATEN and CRIPPLED bodies is GOTHAM'S
GUARDIAN, THE DARK KNIGHT... THE BATMAN.
His eyes NARROW as he focuses on his PREY, Zsasz. He steps
forward.
Acolytes #6 and #7 pull their BLADES and ATTACK.
#6's arm is SNAPPED like a TWIG. He tries to SCREAM but
can't as his face is SMASHED into the CONCRETE FLOOR.
#7 SWINGS WIDELY and the Batman effortlessly DODGES every
attack with GRACE and SPEED.
His reply is CRUSHING. Two BRUTAL STRIKES to the JAW and
finished by a STOMACH CHURNING KICK to the GUT which sends
#7 down, HARD.
ZSASZ(O.S)
(shouts)
Stay where you are!
Zsasz holds Carrie CLOSE. His BLADE against her THROAT.
24.
ZSASZ(CON'T)
(menacing)
You move and I open her up!
Batman stands motionless, SILENT.
Zsasz smiles as he PRESSES the KNIFE against her SKIN. Light
GLITTERS across the BLADE.
CARRIE
(whispers/to Batman)
Please...
A RAZOR SHARP BATARANG appears in Batman's hand.
CARRIE(CON'T)
... help!
Batman throws his weapon. His aim is accurate and it SLICES
across the MEAT of Zsasz SHOULDER, CUTTING him DEEPLY.
He SCREAMS. Taking the BLADE away from Carrie's neck.
She ELBOWS him in the CHEST and STUMBLES FORWARD holding her
THROAT.
Batman CATCHES her.
Zsasz clutches his MUTILATED shoulder and flees the Theater.
Carrie looks into Batman's COLD, EMOTIONLESS eyes. Her hand
slowly comes away from her throat. She's CUT. But
superficially.
He lets her go and FOLLOWS Zsasz out of the Theater.
She stands SILENT. Watching him in AWE.
EXT. STREET, GOTHAM CITY -- CONTINUOUS
Zsasz runs toward a PARKED VAN.
He opens the driver side door and gets inside. Sitting
SLUMPED in the passenger SEAT is a DEAD MAN. His THROAT has
been CUT.
In the back of the Van are TWO MORE ACOLYTES. Each have
MACHINE GUNS.
ACOLYTE#8
What happened?
ZSASZ
(seething)
The Bat.
They exchange WORRIED glances.
25.
Zsasz starts the engine and SLAMS his FOOT on the GAS. The
Van TEARS off down the street.
Batman APPEARS and produces a GRAPPLING GUN from his UTILITY
BELT. He AIMS at the Van and FIRES.
The Hook EMBEDS in the Van's REAR DOORS and Batman RETRACTS
the LINE and he is PULLED off his feet toward the Van. He
lands on the back of the Van and FLIPS onto the roof.
INT. VAN (MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
Zsasz realizes that Batman is on the roof.
ZSASZ
(shouts to Acolytes)
He's on the roof!
The Acolytes OPEN FIRE through the roof of the Van.
EXT. VAN (MOVING), STREET -- CONTINUOUS
Bullets RIP through the Van's roof.
Batman NARROWLY avoids the GUNFIRE.
He PRESSES a BUTTON on his Utility Belt.
INT. DARKENED ALLEYWAY -- CONTINUOUS
The ALLEYWAY is PITCH BLACK until the GROWL of A POWERFUL
ENGINE is accompanied by the ILLUMINATION of TWO HEADLIGHTS.
The Acolytes are RELOADING.
Batman SLAMS DOWN onto the HOOD and PLANTS a SMALL EXPLOSIVE
on the WINDSCREEN.
It DETONATES and the screen SHATTERS.
Batman GRABS Zsasz by the THROAT.
The Acolytes FIRE on The Dark Knight. The Bullets TEAR
through his CAPE.
Batman releases Zsasz and RUNS up onto the roof as the
Acolytes fire at him through the roof.
Zsasz GRIPS his neck and looks in the SIDE MIRROR and sees
HEADLIGHTS in the distance behind him. Coming up FAST.
Closing in the Van, ENGINE GROWLING, is an ARMORED BLACK
CAR. The BATMOBILE.
26.
Batman JUMPS from the Van and LANDS on top of his Car as
it's door SWINGS OPEN and he JUMPS inside.
Zsasz Van picks up SPEED.
The rear doors SWING OPEN and both Acolytes OPEN FIRE on the
Batmobile.
Their bullets RICOCHET off the vehicles ARMORED EXTERIOR.
Zsasz takes a SHARP corner.
Acolyte#8 LOSES his BALANCE and FALLS from the Van. He SLAMS
into the asphalt and ROLLS limply down the street.
The Batmobile SWERVES HARD to avoid running over the downed
Acolyte.
Acolyte#9, UNPERTURBED, continues to FIRE on the Batmobile.
Suddenly the Batmobile TURBO BOOSTS and OVERTAKES Zsasz's
VAN.
Zsasz watches as the Batmobile passes him and VANISHES into
the night.
He eyes BULGE as ahead of him the Batmobile has come to a an
ABRUPT HALT.
He SLAMS on the BREAKS.
Zsasz's Van HITS the armored Batmobile HARD and JACKKNIFES
over it and CRASHES.
The Van SKIDS along the TARMAC sending SPARKS flying before
coming to a halt.
After a moment the Van door CREAKS open and Zsasz CRAWLS out
BLOODY and GROGGY.
He stands, leans against the Van and steadies himself.
WHAM! The sound of FIST against FLESH reverberates behind
him.
Zsasz turns.
The Batman stands by the RUINED Van holding the UNCONSCIOUS
Acolyte #9 by the THROAT. He releases his GRIP and the
Acolyte FALLS to the ground.
The Dark Knight marches forward. His fists CLENCHED.
Zsasz pulls his BLADE and ATTACKS.
27.
With LIGHTNING SPEED the Killer SLASHES and STABS at Batman.
The Dark Knight DODGES and PARRIES before GRABBING the
Killer's FOREARM.
BATMAN
(calm)
2 Men.
He BREAKS Zsasz's arm. The Killer SCREAMS.
BATMAN(CON'T)
(angry)
4 women.
He PUNCHES Zsasz in the STOMACH sending him to his knees,
COUGHING.
BATMAN(CON'T)
(angrier)
5 children.
He CRACKS him across the JAW.
Zsasz LAUGHS and SMILES through CRACKED, BLOODSTAINED TEETH.
ZSASZ
6...
(coughs)
6 children.
Batman's eyes fill with HATE.
He SNATCHES Zsasz's WINDPIPE and begins to SQUEEZE.
In a FRENZY he starts to RAIN DOWN BLOWS.
ONE -- TWO -- THREE.
His arm is GRABBED and YANKED back.
MAN(O.S)
(firmly)
That's enough!
Batman SPINS around and finds himself FACE to FACE with a
MAN, mid 20's, MASKED and DRESSED in BLACK with A DARK BLUE
BIRD SYMBOL on his CHEST. This is DICK GRAYSON, FORMER
ROBIN, now NIGHTWING.
NIGHTWING(CON'T)
(serious)
He goes back in cuffs. Not a
coffin.
Batman UNCLENCHES his FIST and looks down on Zsasz's BLOODY
and SWOLLEN face.
Batman DROPS him.
28.
The Serial Killer still emits SOFT LAUGHTER through his
BUSTED mouth.
SIRENS can be heard.
Batman PULLS his arm free of Nightwing's GRIP and marches
toward the Batmobile.
Nightwing watches him leave and DEPARTS before the G.C.P.D
arrive on the scene.
EXT. ROOFTOP, TALL BUILDING, GOTHAM -- LATER
Batman stands on the rooftop looking out into Gotham.
WAYNE TOWER can be seen in the distance.
NIGHTWING(O.S)
This has to stop.
Nightwing DROPS down onto the roof behind him and REMOVES
his MASK.
The FORMER ALLIES face each other.
BATMAN
(unrepentant)
It was less than he deserved.
NIGHTWING
(points his finger
accusingly)
You don't get to decide that. This
is not what we do.
BATMAN
It's always what I've done.
NIGHTWING
(angered)
Bullshit! What happened to the man
who would think things through
before beating someone to a pulp?
BATMAN
(emotionless)
He was weak. Lacked conviction.
NIGHTWING
So you're just going to keep this
up until what? You kill someone? Or
yourself?
Batman doesn't answer.
NIGHTWING(CON'T)
We're not with you anymore. Not
Gordon. Not Barbara. Sooner or
(MORE)
29.
NIGHTWING(CON'T) (cont'd)
later the law is going to come
after you.
BATMAN
(turns to leave)
I'll be ready for that.
NIGHTWING(CON'T)
(coldly)
Or I will.
BATMAN
(cold)
You do what you have to.
NIGHTWING
Maybe if you did what you had to
Jason would still be here.
Batman STOPS and SPINS around, ANGRY.
BATMAN
(shouts)
You have no right!
NIGHTWING
(shouts back)
I have every right.
BATMAN
(angry)
I TRIED!
NIGHTWING
(shouts)
YOU FAILED!
Batman has NO answer. Nightwing regains his COMPOSURE.
NIGHTWING(CON'T)
What you're doing won't change
that.
(turns to leave)
Stop. Before it's too late. You
don't belong out here anymore. It's
over Bruce.
Nightwing leaves.
Batman is left alone to ponder his FORMER friend's
ACCUSATIONS.
He walks to the edge of the rooftop and removes his COWL
revealing the face of BRUCE WAYNE.
He's in his early 40's but doesn't look a day beyond 35.
Except for his EYES which are OLD beyond his years. The eyes
of of WAR VETERAN who has seen TOO MANY HORRORS.
30.
He looks at his BLOOD STAINED FISTS solemnly.
EXT. HOUSE, KENT FARM -- DAWN
It's the EARLY HOURS of the morning.
Clark, wearing his SUIT, steps out onto the PORCH carrying
TWO TRASH BAGS.
He walks towards the TRASH CANS.
Martha, in a BATHROBE steps out onto the porch. She SHIVERS
in the cold.
She pulls her robe tighter.
MARTHA
It's chilly.
Clark smiles.
CLARK
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake
you.
MARTHA
Then don't stomp down the stairs in
the A.M. I'd hoped you stay for
breakfast.
CLARK
I have to be back in Metropolis.
MARTHA
To see those quacks? I don't like
them poking and prodding you.
CLARK
(smiles as he puts the
bags in the trash cans)
They're friends Mom. No poking or
prodding.
MARTHA
If you say so.
(walks over and kisses
him on the cheek)
Take care. I'll see you soon.
CLARK
Can't go to the party without you.
I love you Mom.
MARTHA
I love you too.
She steps back as Superman TAKES off and disappears beyond
the HORIZON.
31.
EXT. MARINA, METROPOLIS HARBOR -- MORNING
THE THEMYSCIRIAN ROYAL SHIP slowly DOCKS in the METROPOLIS
MARINA.
IO, a TALL, ATHLETHIC WOMAN in her 20's, stands on the DOCK.
A RAMP descends from the Boat to the Dock.
At the top of the ramp stands a DEVASTATINGLY BEAUTIFUL
WOMAN, 20's, whose LONG LOCKS of DARK HAIR BLOW in the FALL
BREEZE. This is DIANA of THEMYSCIRA, PRINCESS of the
AMAZONS.
Io KNEELS as Diana descends the ramp.
IO
(in Amazonian)
Princess Diana.
DIANA
(in Amazonian)
Stand Io. You do not have to bow to
me. I am not my Mother.
Io stands and Diana embraces her.
DIANA
It has been too long.
IO
I wish we could meet under better
circumstances your Highness.
DIANA
I know. Tell me Io. Tell me what
has happened to Mala. Where is our
sister?
INT. MEDICAL CENTER, THEMYSCIRIAN EMBASSY -- LATER
An ELDERLY PRIESTESS stands over the SEMI CONSCIOUS body of
ORANA, an AMAZONIAN WARRIOR.
Orana has been SEVERELY wounded and is CLINGING to life.
Diana is led into the room by Io.
The Priestess BOWS as Diana approaches Orana.
The Princess CARESSES Orana's face.
DIANA
(to Io)
Who did this?
32.
IO
Men came and stole our sisters
away. Only Orana returned to us.
Tortured and next to death.
Diana kneels beside Orana.
DIANA
Orana.
Orana's eyes struggle to focus.
ORANA
Diana?
DIANA
I am here sister. You must tell me
who did this?
ORANA
(weak)
They kept us in a tomb filled with
horrors.
(takes a labored breath)
Their King kept us prisoner.
Orana passes out.
DIANA
Rest sister.
(stands and turns to Io)
Who is this King?
IO
The one who rules this place. The
city bears his mark. We should
never have come here. Its a world
ruled by animals.
Diana looks at her fallen fellow Amazonian.
DIANA
We are here because your Queen
commands it. We need to find where
our sisters are being held.
IO
There is one who will give us the
location.
Io gestures to the Doorway where Morgan Edge stands,
GRINNING.
EDGE
(cocky)
I may not understand the lingo but
I figure you might be wondering
where the other lady is being kept.
33.
DIANA
(in English)
And you would tell us?
EDGE
Sure. For the right price.
DIANA
I won't barter for life of one of
my sisters.
EDGE
Then your sister won't have life
much longer.
Suddenly A GOLDEN LASSO is WHIPPED around Edge's neck and he
is PULLED to his knees.
The Lasso begins to GLOW with GOLDEN ELECTRICITY.
Edge's EYES begin to GLOW
DIANA
Is my sister alive?
EDGE
(hypnotic)
Yes.
DIANA
Where do they keep her?
EDGE
Lexcorp Research and development.
Three miles south outside the city
limits.
Diana REMOVES the Lasso.
Edge holds his neck.
EDGE(CON'T)
(confused)
What did you do to me?
DIANA
I let you live.
(to Io)
Get this beast out of my sight.
Io picks Edge from the floor and escorts him, ROUGHLY, out.
Diana GRIPS the Lasso TIGHT with BOTH HANDS.
EXT. S.T.A.R LABS, METROPOLIS -- DAY
S.T.A.R LABS is a HUGE CIRCULAR BUILDING located near the
METROPOLIS HARBOR.
34.
INT. HAMILTON ROOM, S.T.A.R LABS -- CONTINUOUS
The MAIN LABORATORY is a VAST room littered with COMPUTER
MONITORS and SCIENCE EQUIPMENT beneath a GIANT SKYLIGHT.
SUNLIGHT fills the room.
HEAD SCIENTIST PROFESSOR SILAS STONE, 50's, is compiling
DATA on his TABLET.
T.O MORROW, a SCIENTIST in his 50's sits at his computer
screen monitoring SATELLITE FEEDS. He notices something on
his screen.
MORROW
(to Silas)
He's here.
SILAS
Good. Open the skylight.
Morrow presses a few keys on his computer and the GLASS ROOF
opens up.
MAN'S VOICE(O.S)
He's late.
Silas turns and smiles at COLONEL JOHN STEWART. A TALL,
BROAD SHOULDERED FORMER MARINE. His UNIFORM is EMBLAZONED
with a S.T.A.R Labs logo on his SHOULDER.
STEWART
You need to tell him to keep to the
schedule if we don't want the
higher ups to find out about our
arrangement.
SILAS
I'm sure he has his reasons.
STEWART
I'm sure we'll hear about it on the
news.
HOVERING just above the Skylight is Superman. He floats down
into the middle of the room.
SUPERMAN
(to Silas)
Professor Stone.
(to Stewart)
John.
STEWART
Kal.
Silas notices the DAMAGED suit.
SILAS
Long night?
35.
SUPERMAN
Long year.
STEWART
(annoyed)
You where scheduled over an hour
ago.
SUPERMAN
(apologetic)
Sorry. I had dinner with my Mom.
Silas smiles. Stewart RAISES an EYEBROW.
SILAS
Follow me.
Superman follows Silas through the Laboratory and towards a
RESEARCH CENTER.
Morrow walks over to Stewart and hands him a Tablet.
MORROW
Take a look at this.
Stewart looks it over. It's a NEWS ARTICLE.
IT READS: SUPERMAN ATTACKS RUSSIAN TROOPS.
STEWART
(weary)
Swell.
INT. RESEARCH CENTER, S.T.A.R LABS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman is SHIRTLESS and laying on a TABLE.
Attached to his CHEST are ELECTRODES which send INFORMATION
to Silas' MONITOR.
SILAS
(in awe)
It's amazing.
SUPERMAN
What is?
SILAS
Kryptonian physiology. So different
yet so similar to our own. I can
never get used to it.
SUPERMAN
(smiles)
Took me 30 years.
36.
SILAS
Your vitals are perfect. Heart
rate, blood pressure, brain
activity. All perfect. Yet still
you haven't tapped your full
potential.
(turns off the monitor)
There is so much we can learn from
you. So much that could benefit us.
SUPERMAN
Not everybody shares that
enthusiasm.
SILAS
Not everybody has vision Kal or can
see past their fears. Which is
understandable. Once the gods were
above us and now they walk among
us. It's a frightening concept for
most.
SUPERMAN
The ones who are attacking the oil
rigs. They're not like me but
they're not like you either.
Something else entirely. I know
it's hard to believe.
SILAS
I believe you.
Silas sits down beside the Man of Steel.
SILAS(CON'T)
Not everything remarkable on this
Earth comes from elsewhere.
SUPERMAN
What do you mean?
SILAS
That we are at a dawning of a new
age. An age of Gods and Monsters.
SUPERMAN
You're not frightened.
SILAS
Not when you stand for us.
Silas stands and puts his hand on Superman shoulder.
Superman puts his hand on his.
SILAS(CON'T)
Come on. I have something to show
you.
37.
INT. RED ROOM, S.T.A.R LABS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman follows Silas to through the RED ROOM. A TOP SECRET
section of S.T.A.R Labs that houses varying kinds of
EXPERIMENTAL TECHNOLOGY.
SUPERMAN
What is this place?
SILAS
This is the Red Room. It's where we
keep our advancements that for
whatever reason the greater public
isn't quit ready for yet.
They come to a LARGE CONTAINMENT CAPSULE.
SILAS(CON'T)
Here it is.
Silas inputs a code into the KEYPAD on it's side. It opens
with a HISS.
Inside is a BLUE BODY SUIT.
SILAS(CON'T)
It's a prototype for a new space
suit. Highly durable yet very
flexible. We'll have to make a few
changes but I'd like you to have
it.
SUPERMAN
I can't accept this. You've already
taken too many risks.
SILAS
You have to.
(gestures to the tears in
Superman's suit)
We can't have the savior of the
world in rags.
SUPERMAN
(concedes)
Thank you Silas.
SILAS
We'll have it finished before I
leave for Washington. I do wish
you'd come with me. Speaking to the
President would help your cause.
SUPERMAN
I want to address the Leaders of
the World as a whole before I speak
to them individually.
38.
SILAS
I understand.
(He closes the Capsule)
The Conference. Do you think you're
ready?
SUPERMAN
I think so. It's been a year. At
this point they will have to accept
me.
SILAS
Still hopeful I see. And if they
don't?
SUPERMAN
Well that's up to them. I'll
continue trying to help regardless.
Will you be there?
SILAS
Of course. I was hoping to bring my
son but he has other things on his
mind.
SUPERMAN
The big game?
SILAS
Every game is a big game to Victor.
I suppose it has to be when your a
quarterback.
They walk towards the exit.
SILAS(CON'T)
I'd imagine you'd have made quite
the player yourself.
SUPERMAN
My Mother wouldn't let me.
SILAS
Afraid you'd hurt someone?
SUPERMAN
She was afraid they'd hurt me.
SILAS
(laughs)
I don't think there's anything out
there that can hurt you.
INT. CLONING FACILITY, PROJECT CADMUS -- DAY
PROJECT CADMUS is a large UNDERGROUND LABORATORY.
PROFESSOR SASHA FEDEROV, a CHECHNYAN SCIENTIST, stands in
front of a giant INCUBATION CHAMBER which is a REVERSE
39.
ENGINEERED KRYPTONIAN GENESIS CHAMBER.
He looks on the CONTENTS of the Chamber with a mix of PRIDE
and AWE.
FLOATING in the Chamber is a HUMANOID FORM which is COVERED
in GREY MUSCLE TISSUE and SINEWS.
EXT. LEXCORP PLAZA -- DAY
LEXCORP PLAZA is a TALL OFFICE BUILDING in DOWNTOWN
METROPOLIS.
The MARBLE SIGN in it's COURTYARD READS: 'LEXCORP PLAZA.
HOME OF THE DAILY PLANET.'
PERRY(V.O)
(angry)
Are you out of your damn mind?
INT. PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE, DAILY PLANETS OFFICES, LEXCORP
PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
PERRY WHITE, the EDITOR IN CHIEF, SLAMS a STACK of PAPERS
down on his desk. He's PISSED.
Lois stands in front of him, DEFIANT.
PERRY(CON'T)
You go after Lex Luthor on national
television? What the hell were you
thinking?
LOIS
(unrepentant)
It was a debate. I was defending my
position.
PERRY
By slandering Metropolis' favorite
son? How do expect to rally support
from the public when you're trying
to crucify Metropolis' favorite
son?
LOIS
Morgan Edge has been taking every
opportunity to turn what happened
into a PR stunt for Lexcorp. All on
the basis that Kal is a threat to
the world.
PERRY
And he isn't?
LOIS
You know he isn't.
40.
PERRY
I know what he did for us. I also
know what happened despite that.
People are still scared and if you
want to change that pursuing old
grudges isn't the way to do it.
LOIS
It's not about that.
PERRY
It's been about that for the last 5
years Louis. Let it go.
LOIS
My investigation got a man killed.
Would you let it go?
PERRY
(sighs)
You can't touch him Lois. Nobody
can.
(he turns and stares out
the window in deep
thought)
I grew up in Hob's Bay Lois. I know
the type of person that survives a
place like that. What that person
is capable of.
(turns back to Lois)
Luthor runs the show. It's not by
chance were in a building he owns.
At anytime he could buy the Planet
right out from under us. You keep
this up and he will bury us. You
can't fight this battle on two
fronts.
Lois weighs Perry's comments.
LOIS
(reluctant)
I'll back off. For now.
PERRY
(firmly)
For good.
(takes his seat)
I want you to cover the Conference.
LOIS
I told you I won't.
PERRY
It's non negotiable Lois. It's the
largest gathering of world leaders
this city has ever seen. And they
are here to see Superman. You have
to be there.
41.
LOIS
This isn't fair Perry.
INT. BULLPEN, DAILY PLANET OFFICES, LUTHOR PLAZA --
CONTINUOUS
Clark, wearing his GLASSES, sits at his desk eaves dropping
on Perry and Lois' conversation with his SUPER HEARING.
Jimmy sits on the desk beside him eating a bowl of nachos.
Jimmy is talking but Clark isn't paying attention.
JIMMY
Clark?
Clark realizes that Jimmy has asked him a question.
CLARK
Sorry Jimmy I zoned out there for a
second. What was that?
JIMMY
I asked have you seen him up close?
CLARK
Who?
JIMMY
Who do you think? Superman. I been
talking about him for the last 5
minutes. Honestly buddy you need to
get your hearing checked.
CLARK
No. I didn't start working until
after the whole thing.
JIMMY
Damn. I want to see him in action.
You know last month he stopped a
cruise liner from sinking.
Clark turns his attention back to Perry's office where he
can see Lois and Perry's ARGUMENT getting very HEATED.
CLARK
(disinterested)
Sounds neat.
Lois STORMS out of Perry's office, SLAMMING the door behind
her. EVERYONE in the bullpen STOPS and STARES.
CLARK(CON'T)
Lois?
LOIS
(angry)
Not now Smallville!
42.
Clark stands, grabs his coat and CHASES after Lois. He
clumsily BUMPS into people as he does.
CLARK
(awkward)
Sorry! Sorry!
EXT. STREET, LUTHOR PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Clark catches up with Lois as she exits the Plaza doors.
CLARK
(concerned)
Hold on. Whats wrong?
Lois stops.
LOIS
Don't pretend that you didn't hear
everything.
CLARK
I thought it would be more polite
to ask.
LOIS
This is such a bad idea. Someone
else needs to cover that
Conference.
CLARK
It's not like you to be afraid of a
few world leaders.
LOIS
I don't need to watch you get
crucified by a bunch of scared
bureaucrats. Are you sure about
this?
CLARK
No.
(smiles)
But I have to try.
She HUGS him tight laying her head on his chest. He WRAPS
his arms around her.
CLARK(CON'T)
We'll figure this out.
LOIS
I know.
(smiles))
Fly me to Cancun?
CLARK
(laughs)
Sure.
43.
They link arms and stroll down the BUSY street past
BILLBOARDS that ADVERTISE LexCorp's latest COMPUTER SOFTWARE
'LEXICON 5'
CLARK(CON'T)
My Mother's coming into town.
LOIS
(genuine)
Really?.
CLARK
That's not an excuse to get
liquored up.
LOIS
Your Mother's a bad influence.
CLARK
You influence each other.
They laugh.
CLARK(CON'T)
I want to take her to the Spire
opening.
LOIS
I don't know why you even want to
go to Luthor's Ball.
CLARK
Mom's a country girl she's never
been to a high society event. She'd
love it. Plus it's an excuse to
wear a suit.
LOIS
Clark Kent in a suit? I can't
imagine it.
He smiles before his ATTENTION is drawn to a CROWD of PEOPLE
that are GATHERED near a WALL. He stops.
Lois looks CONCERNED.
LOIS(CON'T)
(solemn)
Clark don't.
Clark gives her a PAINED look and walks toward the crowd.
He makes his way through and sees the wall is COVERED by
HUNDREDS of PHOTOS and KEEPSAKES.
It's a MEMORIAL to the LIVES LOST a year before.
Clark SCANS the wall. He sees MEN... WOMEN... CHILDREN...
FATHERS... MOTHERS... SONS... DAUGHTERS.
44.
The TURMOIL is evident on Clark's face.
Lois TOUCHES his arm gently.
LOIS
Clark?
CLARK
(overwhelmed)
There's so many.
LOIS
(softly)
I know. Come on.
Clark takes one last LOOK over his shoulder as Lois LEADS
him away.
INT. OVAL OFFICE, WHITE HOUSE -- DAY
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DIANE NELSON, a tall,
slender woman in her 50's, sits behind desk. Her SERIOUS
eyes drifting back and forth between the three people
sitting in front of her.
GENERAL SWANWICK, Head of the UNITED STATES NORTHERN
COMMAND, sits to her right along with Silas Stone and to her
left is...
AMANDA WALLER, a STERN and FOCUSED SENATOR with an
INTIMIDATING PRESENCE.
PRESIDENT NELSON
So what are our options?
WALLER
Honestly very few. The world is
watching our every move on the
Superman. We have to take a
definitive action.
PRESIDENT NELSON
Which is?
WALLER
(forthright)
Engagement.
SWANWICK
I must advice against this course
of action. Superman has in my
opinion more than proved himself as
an ally.
WALLER
(to Swanwick)
He's proved himself as a liability.
(MORE)
45.
WALLER (cont'd)
(to President)
Russia is pushing for some sort of
action and if we don't act now we
risk looking weak.
PRESIDENT NELSON
What do you suggest?
She hands her a THICK FILE stamped: CADMUS
The President FLIPS through it.
PRESIDENT NELSON(CON'T)
What am I looking at here?
WALLER
Last year we recovered several
items from Metropolis after the
attack. Two items in particular. An
advanced incubation system and a
body. Which Cadmus Cadmus has
managed to successfully duplicate
the Alien D.N.A.
The President looks INTRIGUED. Swanwick looks SURPRISED.
PRESIDENT NELSON
Which means?
WALLER
Which means Ma'am why worry about a
Superman when we can have our own.
SILAS
(to Waller)
You and I both know the results of
Cadmus are inconclusive at best.
WALLER
(dismissive)
I have assurances from the head of
the project Professor Sasha Federov
the worlds foremost authority on
genetic engineering that a subject
is ready for field testing.
PRESIDENT NELSON
(to Silas)
Does S.T.A.R Labs have any
alternatives?
SILAS
We are researching several courses
of action. None of which involve
weaponizing alien technology.
46.
WALLER
(to Swanwick)
Courses of action that are leading
to nothing.
(to President)
Mrs. President the world is
changing. I and I'm sure S.T.A.R
Labs have been monitoring several
occurrences all over the world. The
attacks on oil platforms by
terrorists whose technology is
something we have never encountered
before. Reports of an entity in
Central City that moves faster than
sound. Cadmus can counter these
very real threats. All we need is
your signature.
The President PONDERS her decision as she reads the file.
PRESIDENT NELSON
Why am I only hearing about this
now?
WALLER
Up until a few months ago there was
nothing to tell. Just research,
experimentation, no concrete
results.
PRESIDENT NELSON
Who's funding this project?
WALLER
Several different institutions.
SWANWICK
I must advice against this Mrs
President.
PRESIDENT NELSON
(to Swanwick)
I had the Russian President on the
phone for over three hours this
morning General Swanwick. We need
solution and I believe Ms Waller
has provided us with one
Waller smiles SELF SATISFIED.
PRESIDENT NELSON(CON'T)
I can't give you a definitive
answer until after the Conference.
but as of now...
(places the file on her
desk)
You have my support.
47.
WALLER
Thank you Mrs. President.
INT. HALLWAY, WHITE HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Stewart stands outside the Oval Office doors.
The doors open.
Waller leaves the Office followed by Swanwick and Stone.
SWANWICK
(angry)
This is unacceptable Amanda.
WALLER
I'm just doing what you would in my
position.
(turns to Silas and
smiles)
And don't presume to think that I'm
unaware of the Alien's relationship
with S.T.A.R Labs Professor Stone.
SWANWICK
Cadmus is a mistake.
WALLER
Cadmus will make sure that Superman
will think long and hard before
acting against our interests. The
game has changed. There's a living
weapon patrolling our skies and
it's about time we had our own.
(turns away and walks
down the hallway)
This is an arms race and I intend
to win.
Swanwick is FRUSTRATED.
STEWART
(to Swanwick)
Who's your new girlfriend?
SWANWICK
Amanda Waller.
STEWART
So that's the 'Wall'?
SILAS
Who's funding Cadmus?
SWANWICK
I have no idea Silas.
48.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE - LATER
Stone and Stewart leave the White House grounds and walk
towards a waiting CAR and DRIVER.
Standing by the Car is a Silas' Son VICTOR STONE. A STAR
QUARTERBACK. He wears a METROPOLIS UNIVERSITY JACKET.
STEWART
(concerned)
We need a strategy Silas.
SILAS
I know John. I didn't see this
coming. Cadmus is off the books.
STEWART
Black Ops?
SILAS
No. It's privately funded. And
that's whats worrying me.
STEWART
The only person with that the
resources is...
SILAS
A big problem John.
Victor opens the back passenger seat for his Father.
STEWART
(to Victor)
How's the arm Vic?
VICTOR
Like a cannon.
STEWART
Better be I got money on you.
VICTOR
Then you'll be buying the drinks
after man.
SILAS
Come on Victor.
Victor gets in beside his Father and closes the door.
SILAS(CON'T)
(to Stewart)
I'll see you in Metropolis.
The Car pulls off.
49.
EXT. LEXCORP ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER,
METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS -- NIGHT
A LEXCORP HELICOPTER LANDS on the HELIPAD atop the SPRAWLING
LEXCORP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX located just
outside the CITY LIMITS.
The Complex is HEAVILY GUARDED by ARMED LEXCORP SECURITY
GUARDS who stand at each CORNER of the Helipad.
MERCY GRAVES, late 20's, a STRIKING WOMAN in a BUSINESS
SUIT. steps out onto the Building where she is greeted by
BRUNO, the HEAD of SECURITY, who is FLANKED by TWO SUITED
SECURITY GUARDS.
BRUNO
(faux politeness)
It's always good to see you Mercy.
MERCY
(smiles)
A pleasant lie Bruno, but a lie
nonetheless.
BRUNO
Well I tried.
MERCY
And like everything in your life
you'll have to try a little harder.
BRUNO
So why are you slumming it with the
grunts?
MERCY
I'm overseeing the disposal of the
material.
BRUNO
I see. Well better you than me.
Don't wait on around on my account.
He gestures toward the HELPIPAD ENTRANCE.
Mercy enters the the Complex. Bruno and the Suited Guards
follow.
A HOODED and CLOAKED FIGURE DASHES at AMAZING SPEED through
the GROUNDS and JUMPS HIGH through the air and lands ON TOP
of the COMPLEX in the MIDDLE of the Helipad.
Before the Guards have time to REACT the Figure STRIKES,
DISARMS and INCAPACITATES them.
The Figure REMOVES her hood to REVEAL Diana in a SLEEK BODY
SUIT as the WONDER WOMAN.
50.
INT. HALLWAY, LEXCORP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER --
CONTINUOUS
Mercy, Bruno and the Guards walk down the STERILE WHITE
HALLWAY followed by the Security Detail.
SUDDENLY the LASSO is WRAPPED around Bruno's NECK and he is
DRAGGED backwards OFF HIS FEET.
Mercy turns to see Bruno SMASH VIOLENTLY into the WALL at
the end of the Hallway.
Wonder Woman TAKES OUT the Security with TWO SWIFT KICKS.
They SLAM into the walls and to the FLOOR UNCONSCIOUS.
MERCY
(angry)
You just made the last mistake of
your life.
Mercy PULLS a GUN which Wonder Woman WHIPS out of her hand.
Like LIGHTNING Mercy ATTACKS the Amazon with a series of
PUNCHES and KICKS which are all BLOCKED.
Wonder Woman COUNTERS with a KICK to Mercy's GUT which sends
her backwards.
Mercy, DEFEATED, tries to RUN but CLUTCHES at her THROAT as
the Lasso WHIPS around her neck. It GLOWS.
WONDER WOMAN
(menacing)
You hold one of my people prisoner.
MERCY
(hypnotic)
Yes.
WONDER WOMAN
Take me to her.
INT. SUB BASEMENT, LEXCORP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER
-- CONTINUOUS
Mercy, still under the Lasso's THRALL, stands with Wonder
Woman outside the GLASS DOORS of a LABORATORY deep beneath
the Research Center.
WONDER WOMAN
Open it.
Mercy places her hand on a SCANNER beside the door. It
RECOGNIZES her PALM PRINT and the doors SLIDE OPEN.
Wonder Woman PUSHES Mercy inside.
Inside the room is a LIQUID FILLED TANK where MALA, late
20's, FLOATS UNCONSCIOUS.
51.
A SCIENTIST, 40's, STANDS SHOCKED as he watches Wonder Woman
DRAG Mercy towards the Tank.
WONDER WOMAN
(to Scientist)
Release her!
SCIENTIST
(frightened)
I can't!
The Amazon WHIPS the Lasso from Mercy who falls to her knees
and around the Scientist's NECK.
SCIENTIST(CON'T)
(hypnotic)
I can!
The Scientist operates the Tank and the liquid is DRAINED
from it.
The Tank OPENS and Wonder Woman RUSHES to CATCH Mala before
she FALLS to the floor.
WONDER WOMAN
Mala!
Mala's eyes SLOWLY OPEN.
MALA
(in Amazonian, groggy,
confused)
Diana?
WONDER WOMAN
(in Amazonian)
I've come to take you home.
She LIFTS Mala of her feet CARRYING her out of the
Laboratory.
After she leaves Mercy, holding her throat, turns to the
cowering Scientist.
MERCY
(horse)
Why are you standing there. Sound
the alarm!
EXT. LEXCORP RESEARCH CENTER, METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS --
CONTINUOUS
The ALARMS are RINGING throughout the Complex.
CRASH!!! -- the ENTRANCE DOORS SHATTER as TWO SECURITY
GUARDS are TOSSED through them.
Wonder Woman EMERGES from the Entrance CARRYING Mala in her
ARMS.
52.
She RUNS at INCREDIBLE SPEED away from the Complex as GUARDS
on the Roof OPEN FIRE on her.
When she comes to the PERIMETER FENCE she JUMPS over it,
CLEARING it by 40 FEET.
She LANDS and VANISHES into the NIGHT.
Mercy appears on the Roof, SEETHING as she RUBS her neck.
EXT. RIVER, METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS -- CONTINUOUS
Wonder Woman lays Mala down a RIVER.
WONDER WOMAN
Rest Sister. You're safe now.
MALA
(frail)
He wants to kill him. He hates him
so much.
WONDER WOMAN
Who? Who are you talking about?
MALA
He wants to kill their New God. He
wants to kill the Superman!
EXT. WAYNE MANOR -- NIGHT
Wayne Manor is a HUGE 19th CENTURY ERA MANSION.
INT. HALLWAY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
ALFRED, 70's, is an ELDERLY but still very SPRY BRITISH
BUTLER walks down the hallway towards Bruce Wayne's STUDY
carrying a tray of food. Inside he approaches an ANCIENT
GRANDFATHER CLOCK and TURNS the hands to 10:48 then -- CLACK
-- the clock UNLOCKS and PULLS AWAY from the wall revealing
a HIDDEN DOORWAY. He enters. The Clock RETURNS to it's
original position behind him.
INT. BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS
Alfred walks down a STONE STAIRCASE illuminated by a series
of LIGHTS on the ROCK CEILING above. BATS SCREECH past over
head as he descends further down into the VAST CAVERN.
THE BATCAVE is huge. Housed inside the vast EXPANSE is an
array of HI-TECH GADGETS and WEAPONRY. Old now, showing
signs of WEAR and TEAR after YEARS of use.
Alfred passes the parked Batmobile.
In the back of the Cave sitting atop a LANDING PAD is the
BATWING. A JET which is covered in DIRT and DUST from years
of IDLENESS.
53.
Alfred makes his way up a set of steps to an ELEVATED
PLATFORM where Bruce Wayne sits in front of THREE LARGE
COMPUTER MONITORS. Each screen tells a different news story.
RIGHT SCREEN: SERIAL KILLER VICTOR ZSASZ APPREHENDED.
MIDDLE SCREEN: SUPERMAN ATTACKS RUSSIAN TROOPS.
LEFT SCREEN: U.N CONFERENCE TO MEET ON ANNIVERSARY OF K-DAY.
Bruce is FOCUSED on the MIDDLE SCREEN.
Alfred puts the tray on the desk beside the computer
screens.
ALFRED
I brought you some dinner Master
Bruce. One must never obsess on an
empty stomach.
Bruce glances at the food but doesn't reply.
Alfred looks at the images on screen and sees Superman
HOVERING above Metropolis in SHAKY AMATEUR FOOTAGE.
ALFRED(CON'T)
If the criminals of Gotham are
lacking your interest might I
suggest turning your attention to
Central City's rogues before
tackling an alien.
Wayne still doesn't reply.
ALFRED(CON'T)
(weary)
Try and eat something.
He turns to leave.
WAYNE
I saw Grayson.
Alfred STOPS when he hears the NAME.
WAYNE(CON'T)
He's turned his back on me. They
all have.
ALFRED
(honestly)
He's turned his back on the part of
you that reminds him of what we've
lost.
WAYNE
He hates me.
54.
ALFRED
It's not hate Master Bruce it's
hurt. He mourns the brother and
blames the father.
WAYNE
And who do you blame?
ALFRED
I blame the one who took him. Not
the one who loved him.
(Alfred puts his hand on
Bruce's shoulder)
But I do regret the loss of a man
who sought diplomacy over violence.
I miss that man.
(beat)
Everything's ready for your visit
to Metropolis.
He SQUEEZES Bruce's shoulder before leaving.
Bruce is still for a moment before standing and walking over
to a LARGE GLASS DISPLAY CASE.
Inside the case is a DARK RED and BLACK TACTICAL ARMOR
(CHEST PIECE, GLOVES, BOOTS) which stands beneath a DARK
GREEN HOODED CLOAK and a BLACK FACE MASK.
Bruce places his hand on the glass and stands for a moment.
His WEARY eyes filled with the HURT of a FATHER who has lost
a SON.
INT. CORRIDOR, PROJECT CADMUS -- DAY
The HALLWAY is DARK. ELEVATOR DOORS open ILLUMINATING the
Hallway.
Amanda Waller steps out and walks down the Hallway towards
two HUGE REINFORCED DOORS. Her footsteps ECHO as she does.
When she arrives at the door she faces A CONTROL PANEL. She
SPEAKS into it.
WALLER
(into control panel)
Waller, Amanda. Clearance MOS 17
The Reinforced Doors OPEN UP slowly revealing the CLONING
FACILITY.
Waller steps inside and the doors close behind her.
Federov, SURPRISED, rushes toward her.
FEDEROV
Mrs. Waller. I wasn't aware you'd
scheduled a visit.
55.
WALLER
I didn't. I'm here in an unofficial
capacity. I wanted to get a closer
look at what we're making here.
(Waller walks toward the
Incubation Chamber)
When will it be ready?
FEDEROV
On schedule.
WALLER
This project is a big risk Federov.
I can't afford any mistakes.
FEDEROV
I promise you our subject will be
perfect. It's my finest work.
WALLER
Show me.
Federov presses a few BUTTONS on the Chamber's CONTROL PANEL
and the screen RAISES revealing its CONTENTS.
Waller is visibly UNIMPRESSED by the Creature.
WALLER
It doesn't look like much to me
Federov.
FEDEROV
Relatively speaking neither does
Superman but then again you're not
here for aesthetic.
WALLER
I'm here for results which this...
FEDEROV
(with pride)
Ultimate.
WALLER
Ultimate can provide.
FEDEROV
Trust me. You won't be
disappointed. The Ultimate is
superior to the Superman in every
way.
WALLER
It had better be if and when the
Alien goes rogue.
(leans in close to look
at the Creature)
I've seen enough.
56.
Federov closes the Chamber.
FEDEROV
General Swanwick has been demanding
access to the Project.
WALLER
Swanwick is a fool. A decrepit
relic that can't see beyond the
barrel of his gun. He thinks he has
his weapon and doesn't want anyone
else to have theirs.
FEDEROV
He does have authority.
WALLER
The only authority here is me
Federov. I'll deal with Swanwick
you focus on getting your Ultimate
operational.
She starts to walk towards the doors.
FEDEROV
So what to I tell him?
WALLER
Only what you're allowed to.
FEDEROV
Which is?
WALLER
Nothing.
EXT. STREET, LEXCORP TOWER -- DAY
A M.C.P.D PATROL CAR is parked outside of LEXCORP TOWER, a
HUGE SKYSCRAPER.
Sitting in the Car is OFFICER JAMES HARPER, a BROAD
SHOULDERED COP in his 40's. The passenger door opens and his
partner GUY GARDNER, an ATHLETIC MAN in his late 20's. He
has COFFEE CUPS and DONUTS.
GARDNER
That's a strong black coffee for me
and...
(hands Harper his cup)
And a decaf green tea for Grandma.
Harper takes the cup.
HARPER
(sarastic)
Witty.
57.
GARDNER
Donut?
HARPER
No thanks. I brought a salad.
Harper opens up a CONTAINER full of LEAFY GREENS and GRILLED
CHICKEN.
GARDNER
Suit yourself.
A LEXCORP VAN passes them. Harper looks at it with DISDAIN.
HARPER
Would you look at that. He's
everywhere.
GARDNER
(eating his donut)
Who?
HARPER
Who do you think? Luthor. He's got
his damn trucks and billboards
everywhere.
GARDNER
It's always been like that Jim. Far
as I remember.
HARPER
Not always Guy. It just sticks in
my throat how a little punk like
that can end up with everything. I
must have busted him and his
cronies a dozen times when they
were kids. Never could get anything
to stick. Bastard was always to
smart for us.
GARDNER
He's put a lot of money into
Metropolis.
HARPER
Considering how much he's taken out
of it it's only right. You want to
know how he came by all that cash?
GARDNER
Sure I could use a few pointers.
HARPER
When he was just some brat on the
street him and his punks ran a
protection racket down in the Bay.
Bled good folks dry. He takes that
(MORE)
58.
HARPER (cont'd)
cash and uses it to make a computer
program then sells it to big firm
out west for a billion.
Gardner WHISTLES at the number.
HARPER(CON'T)
It gets better. He then uses that
cash and makes a better program
makes the one he made first look
like a calculator. Turns that
billion into billions.
GARDNER
Sounds like good business.
HARPER
That's not the point. Point is he
got his start by taking out of the
pockets of decent people. Guys a
crook and the whole damn world
loves him.
GARDNER
He's rebuilding th city after those
aliens blasted it.
HARPER
He's still a crook. Just a rich
crook.
GARDNER
I'll take him over Superman any
day. Better the devil you know Jim.
HARPER
You been watching the box? He's
been doing a lot of good out there
in the world.
GARDNER
That'd be fine by me if he stayed
away from Metropolis. I don't like
that space man flying around here.
Aliens weirds me out.
A BLACK LIMO pulls up outside the LexCorp buildings MAIN
ENTRANCE.
GARDNER(CON'T)
Who's this now?
Alfred steps out of the Limo and opens the Limo passenger
door and Bruce Wayne emerges dressed in a EXPENSIVE SUIT.
HARPER
(surprised)
That's Bruce Wayne.
59.
GARDNER
(unimpressed)
Who?
Alfred gets back into the Limo while Wayne enters LexCorp
tower.
INT. LOBBY, LEXCORP TOWER -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne walks through the Lobby and stops when he notices
there is a BASKETBALL COURT located to his right. HIP YOUNG
TECHNICIANS and COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS WALK back and forth.
Mercy awaits the Billionaire Gothamite. She has a SCARF
around her neck to CONCEAL her BRUISES.
She reaches out her hand to Wayne.
MERCY
(perky)
Mercy Graves. Assistant to Mr.
Luthor. It's a pleasure.
Wayne takes her hand and cracks a smile.
WAYNE
The pleasure is all mine.
(points to the court)
Nice decor.
MERCY
(smiles)
A perk for the minions. Lex
believes a entertained workforce is
a productive workforce.
WAYNE
Nice policy.
MERCY
Effective policy.
She leads Wayne towards the GLASS ELEVATOR BANKS. They step
inside and Mercy presses the TOP FLOOR.
The Elevator lifts off.
As the lift climbs Wayne observes each floor.
Many of the Floors are filled with ROWS and ROWS of COMPUTER
MONITORS each manned by a YOUTHFUL TECH GENIUS.
WAYNE
I remember when LexCorp was a
warehouse by the Bay.
60.
MERCY
Lex's goal has always been meeting
ones potential. He believes LexCorp
is an example to which everyone can
strive to.
The Elevator comes to a halt and the doors slide open and
Wayne steps into the SPACIOUS 125th floor PENTHOUSE.
The ROOM is HUGE and ROUND bordered BY WINDOWS which offer a
PANORAMIC view of Metropolis. A BALCONY jutts out of the
side of the Penthouse.
Wayne steps inside and the doors close behind him.
Sitting CROSS LEGGED on his desk in front of an ARRAY of
COMPUTER SCREENS is the RICHEST man on the PLANET, ALEXANDER
'LEX' LUTHOR, 30, the C.E.O of LexCorp. He is one part TECH
GENIUS, one part RUTHLESS business man and two parts
METROPOLIS STREET TOUGH. His SHAGGY MANE of HAIR hangs below
his eyes and a detailed SLEEVE TATTOO of the METROPOLIS
SKYLINE creeps up his right arm.
His EYES say it all. Behind them BURN the FIRES of
UNPARALLELLED GENIUS. A POWERFUL INTELLECT enabling him to
accomplish anything he bends his will toward. Within the
boundaries of his mind he is GODLIKE.
Wayne observes the IMAGES that captivate the youthful
billionaire... THE MAN OF STEEL.
LUTHOR
Look at it. So sleek. So powerful.
WAYNE
He's an impressive specimen.
LUTHOR
'It' Wayne
(shifts around to face
him)
It's an alien. And a trespasser and
it doesn't belong on this planet.
Perhaps you share my view?
WAYNE
Superman isn't the reason for my
being in Metropolis.
LUTHOR
Your reason being Metropolis
itself.
WAYNE
I can't help but take an interest
in the city's tragic circumstances.
61.
LUTHOR
(half smiles)
And profitable circumstances.
WAYNE
Neither of us would have gotten to
where we are if we didn't look at
the bottom line.
LUTHOR
I got to where I am through hard
work and innovation. You by
accident of birth. I assure you we
view our bottom lines very
differently.
He HOPS of his desk and walks past Wayne to a BAR near the
ELEVATOR. In comparison Luthor is much SMALLER that the
POWERFULLY BUILT Gothamite. Yet his CONFIDENCE more than
matches Wayne's stature.
Luthor reaches into the FRIDGE and removes and ENERGY DRINK.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
(cracks open the can)
I'd offer you a drink but I don't
have any gingerale.
WAYNE
We both want the same thing Lex. To
help Metropolis. Our past
differences shouldn't get in the
way of that.
LUTHOR
(takes a gulp)
Past differences? As I recall you
called me an amoral, arrogant brat.
WAYNE
Yes on the very same day you
launched your first satellite.
Luthor smiles.
WAYNE(CON'T)
And a cyber attack crippled mine.
LUTHOR
(smirks and leans back
against the Bar)
Coincidence Wayne. The world is
full of it.
WAYNE
Apparently so. Took us quite a
while to get it operational again.
62.
LUTHOR
I liked that satellite. It was
quaint. Whatever happened to it?
WAYNE
An alien in a black onesie kicked
it out of the sky.
LUTHOR
(amused)
Ouch.
WAYNE
I'm here to help. The rebuilding of
Metropolis is my main priority.
Pooling our resources would better
serve it's citizens. I'm willing to
let bygones be bygones. If you are?
LUTHOR
An alien spacecraft blasted a hole
in the city where I was born. I'm
not about to let a few limp insults
from a trust fund baby overshadow
that.
(finishes his drink and
crushes the can)
Do you really think you would have
gotten past the lobby if I was
holding a grudge.
WAYNE
I'm glad we can put it aside. I
don't think either of us relishes
continuing this war for contracts.
LUTHOR
(dismissive)
Wayne enterprises is a powerful
company but not enough to challenge
me in my own backyard. I am
LexCorp. LexCorp is Metropolis.
Those contracts are mine. But
despite your company's limitations
there are things I can use it for.
It'll allow me to focus on more
important matters.
Wayne looks back at the Monitors.
WAYNE
Superman?
LUTHOR
(irritated)
It's not a man. It's an alien. And
by the time the world finally
absorbs that this...
(MORE)
63.
LUTHOR (cont'd)
(gestures out of the
window towards the
ruined sections of
Metropolis)
... could happen again.
Wayne look out on the RUINED and IN REPAIR structures. His
face reflects his CONCERN for the City.
WAYNE
What would you suggest?
LUTHOR
When a dog bites a man we put it
down. Because we understand what
it's capable of. That thing isn't
one of us and doesn't deserve the
understanding that the government
is affording it.
WAYNE
You sound like you want to kill
him?
LUTHOR
There comes a time when even a god
must die.
WAYNE
You've seen what he... 'It' can do.
All that power. All that strength.
LUTHOR
It might be hard for someone like
you born with the silveriest of
spoons to understand. I spent my
childhood on the streets. I joined
a gang. It's survival. I didn't
have much of a choice. I learned
there that there was always someone
bigger, stronger but never smarter.
By the time I was 15 that gang
answered to me. Strength is nothing
Wayne. Resolve is everything.
WAYNE
Then why not use that resolve to
find a peaceful solution.
LUTHOR
There is no peaceful solution with
an invader.
WAYNE
How about one that doesn't involve
you going toe to toe with a god.
64.
LUTHOR
(amused)
Toe to toe? I don't go toe to toe
with anybody. You don't become the
general by charging the frontlines
with the rest of the troops.
WAYNE
Too smart for that?
Luthor raises and eyebrow and smiles.
WAYNE
I'm glad you reconsidered and
alliance.
LUTHOR
I'm not usually one to second guess
myself but you don't become a
billionaire at 18 by ignoring the
bigger picture.
(walks past Wayne and
returns to his position
on the desk)
I'll have Mercy send some contracts
over. I'm sure we can find
something for you to do. However
minimal.
WAYNE
I look forward to it. I'll be at my
Metropolis offices.
Luthor doesn't reply. He just stares at the Computer
screens and the BLUE and RED clad source of his VENDETTA.
Wayne turns and walks toward the Elevator.
LUTHOR
6'2". 225lbs.
Wayne steps into the Elevator.
WAYNE
You got me exactly.
LUTHOR
(smiles)
I was talking about the Batman.
Wayne pauses as the Elevator doors slide shut.
Luthor smiles. Assured in his SUPERIORITY.
EXT. SKY ABOVE METROPOLIS -- DAY
Superman, in his NEW SUIT now with FLOWING RED CAPE and HOPE
SYMBOL on it's chest, HOVERS SERENELY among the CLOUDS with
his eyes CLOSED as he LISTENS to the SOUNDS of the City.
65.
VOICES(O.S)
(uncertain)
I can't be certain...
(polite)
Two sugars please...
(affectionate)
You're beautiful...
INT. METROPOLIS BANK -- CONTINUOUS
Frightened PATRONS lie FACE DOWN on the floor of the Bank
while TWO MASKED and ARMED BANK ROBBERS stand guard while
THIRD proceeds to INTIMIDATE the BANK MANAGER by JAMMING a
GUN in his FACE.
BANK ROBBER#3
(hands two large
rucksacks to Bank
Manager)
Money in the bags. 50's and 100's
(shouts)
Now!
BANK MANAGER
(calmly)
Ok. Just stay calm. We'll do
anything you want.
The Bank Manager hands the rucksacks to a YOUNG FEMALE BANK
TELLER who proceeds to comply with the Bank Robber's
demands.
BANK ROBBER#2
(to Bank Robber#3)
Hurry it up!
BANK ROBBER#3
(turns his head away from
the Manager)
I'm on it!
With the Bank Robber momentarily DISTRACTED the Bank Teller
presses the SILENT ALARM.
INT. M.C.P.D PATROL CAR (PARKED) -- CONTINUOUS
Harper is at the wheel PEELING an ORANGE. Gardner is SIPPING
a Coffee when a CALL comes over the Radio.
RADIO
All cars. All Cars. We have a 2113
at the First national Bank on Smith
and Byrne.
Gardner SNATCHES the SPEAKER.
GARDNER
(into speaker)
This is Car 59. We are en route.
66.
Harper puts the orange down STARTS the engine.
GARDNER(CON'T)
(excited)
Finally!
The Bank Teller STUFFS the MONEY into the rucksacks while
being held at GUNPOINT by Bank Robber#3
BANK ROBBER#3
(impatient)
Hurry it up!
She moves FASTER.
INT. M.C.P.D PATROL CAR (MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
Harper and Gardner Patrol car has arrived at the scene.
GARDNER
(smiling)
We got them!
EXT. STREET, METROPOLIS BANK -- CONTINUOUS
The GETAWAY CAR is parked across the STREET from the Bank.
The GETAWAY DRIVER sees the Patrol Car arriving and watches
as Harper and Gardner jump out. A S.W.A.T Van pulls up
behind them and and the S.W.A.T TEAM pours out of the Van
and TAKES POSITION.
He FRANTICALLY picks up his WALKIE TALKIE.
GETAWAY DRIVER
Shit!
(frantic, into Walkie
Talkie)
Somebody hit the goddamn alarm!
Bank Robber#1 listens to the Getaway Driver on his Walkie
Talkie.
BANK ROBBER#1
(angry)
Dammit! They hit the alarm!
Bank Robber#3 out of FRUSTRAION turns and STRIKES the Bank
Manager ACROSS the back of his head with his GUN.
He then turns his attention to the TERRIFIED Bank Teller.
BANK ROBBER#3
Get up bitch!
67.
She stands and he PUSHES her ROUGHLY towards the Patrons.
BANK ROBBER#2
(freaking out)
What the hell are we going to do?
BANK ROBBER#3
Shut up! We're going out the front
as planned.
(gestures to the Patrons)
Grab some cover.
Bank Robber#1 GRABS a TEENAGE GIRL from the floor. Her
BOYFRIEND gets up and RUSHES the Bank Robber.
BOYFRIEND
(yells)
Get your hands off of her!
The three Bank Robber's proceed to BEAT him DOWN.
The Patrons SCREAM.
Bank Robber#2 FIRES into the ceiling.
BANK ROBBER#2
(shouts)
Shut up!
EXT. SKY ABOVE METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman's eyes SNAP OPEN and he ROCKETS toward the City.
Bank Robber#3 GRABS Bank Robber#2's arm.
BANK ROBBER#3
Quit it you idiot!
Gardner looks around IMPATIENTLY.
GARDNER
(impatient)
Why are we just standing here?
HARPER
It's called protocol Guy.
GARDNER
It's called sitting on our as...
Gardner is CUT OFF as a RED and BLUE blur SPEEDS past and
THROUGH the Bank Entrance.
68.
Bank Robber#3 is SWEPT OFF his FEET and SLAMMED into the
wall and to the floor.
Bank Robber#2 DROPS to the floor and SCURRIES toward the
exit.
Bank Robber#1 finds himself FACE to FACE with the Man of
Steel and OPENS FIRE but the PULVERIZED BULLETS BOUNCE
HARMLESSLY off Superman's CHEST and he CRUSHES the GUN in
ONE HAND.
Bank Robber#2 CRAWLS out of the Bank and towards the Cops.
Superman HOVERS out of the Entrance holding the other Bank
Robber's by the BACK of their JACKETS.
HARPER
(impressed)
Would you look at that.
Gardner SCOWLS.
Superman LANDS and PLACES the Robber's on the ground.
SUPERMAN
They're all yours.
Harper nods to Superman as he CUFFS and ARRESTS the Bank
Robbers.
The Patron's SLOWLY exit the Bank and look in AWE at their
SAVIOR.
Harper's ORANGE hits Superman on the back of the head.
He turns to see Gardner who looks PISSED.
SUPERMAN
(polite)
Is there a problem officer?
GARDNER
(angry)
Yeah. I don't see a badge. You
can't just turn up and do our jobs
when you feel like it.
SUPERMAN
Just trying to help.
(Superman points across
the street at the
Getaway Car)
You might want to question that man
over there. I think he might have
something to do with the robbery.
69.
Gardner looks around see the Getaway Driver who's EYES BUG
OUT when he is discovered.
The Getaway car FLEES the SCENE.
GARDNER
Goddammit!
Gardner and Harper JUMP into their Patrol Car and GIVE
CHASE.
Superman watches and smiles then takes off.
The Cops, Bank Robbers and Patrons watch as he flies away.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP PLAZA -- DAY
Luthor sits on his desk and DOWNS an energy drink.
He has been watching the Bank Robbery on his Computer
Monitors.
Mercy steps out of the Elevator.
MERCY
The contracts have been sent to
Wayne Enterprises.
LUTHOR
That should make the trust fund
baby happy.
MERCY
What about the break in at the
research center?
LUTHOR
(uninterested)
What about it?
MERCY
I think it deserves some attention.
Luthor shifts around on his desk to face his assistant.
LUTHOR
It's of no concern. We have what we
need and we're on schedule.
MERCY
There are security concerns at the
complex. Very serious concerns.
Somebody sold us out to the
Themyscirians.
LUTHOR
(matter of fact)
It was Morgan.
70.
MERCY
(shocked)
You knew.
LUTHOR
Morgan has a mercenary nature. He
saw an opportunity and exploited
it.
MERCY
And what's to be done.
He HOPS off his desk and walks over to the window and looks
out over his CITY.
LUTHOR
We exploit the opportunity. Contact
Cain.
She nods.
MERCY
There is the matter of the
conference. Have you reconsidered
attending?
LUTHOR
Why waste my time. I already know
how all of this will play out.
MERCY
I'll take care of the other matter.
She leaves.
Luthor returns to his seat and activates the Monitors which
display SEVERAL DIFFERENT ANGLES of a LARGE GATHERING of
people.
EXT. CENTENNIAL PARK, METROPOLIS -- DAY
SEVERAL MILITARY HELICOPTERS fly over Metropolis's largest
park, CENTENNIAL PARK.
The Park has been CORDONED off to the PUBLIC. Over a
THOUSAND Military personnel, ARMY and MARINES, guard the
Park.
In the Middle of the Park a STAGE and a PODIUM has been
ERECTED. HUNDREDS of SEATS surround the PODIUM in ROWS.
Around the seats is yet another PERIMETER guarded by
MARINES. TANKS CIRCLE the Perimeter.
FIGHTER JETS make SWEEPS over head.
EXT. MAIN ENTRANCE, CENTENNIAL PARK -- CONTINUOUS
The MAIN ENTRANCE is guarded by DOZENS of ARMED MARINES.
71.
SEVERAL WORLD LEADERS and UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS enter the
PARK.
Behind railings HUNDREDS of REPORTERS and PAPARAZZI take
PICTURES as the DIGNITARIES arrive.
Bruce Wayne's Limo pulls up. He exits the Limo ans is
spotted by the Media and enters the Park to a CHORUS of: Mr.
Wayne! Mr. Wayne!
EXT. STREET, CENTENNIAL PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Lois, followed by Jimmy, walks towards an ENTRANCE to the
Park which is GUARDED by TWO MARINES.
Jimmy is FIDDLING with his CAMERA.
LOIS
(irritated)
Get your ass in gear Olsen!
JIMMY
Sorry I was just getting so many
good shots.
LOIS
I thought you wanted to see
Superman?
JIMMY
He's here already?
LOIS
He's about to be.
Lois walks toward the Entrance but is stopped by a MARINE.
Lois FLASHES her CREDENTIALS.
MARINE#1
Centennial Park is off limits to
press.
LOIS
I'm Lois Lane. As a liaison with
Superman I have expressed
permission to be here by the U.S
government.
The Marine turns to his FELLOW SOLDIER who gets on the radio
to get confirmation on Lois' claims.
MARINE#2
She checks out. Let her through.
She moves past the Marines. Jimmy follows.
72.
JIMMY
(awkwardly)
I'm with Superman too.
LOIS(O.S)
(irritated)
Come on Olsen!
He rushes past.
INT. SECTIONED OFF AREA, CENTENNIAL PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Wayne walks through a SECURITY CHECK into a SECTIONED OFF
AREA of the Park. He cordially smiles as the ASSORTED WORLD
LEADERS present.
MAN(O.S)
(booming)
Bruce Wayne!
Bruce turns to se GENERAL CANDY, the HIGHEST RANKING U.S
ARMY FIGURE present. He stands with Swanwick, Silas and
Stewart.
WAYNE
General.
CANDY
You've met General Swanwick and
Professor Stone before right?.
SWANWICK
Mr. Wayne.
He and Wayne shake hands.
SILAS
Mr. Wayne Good to see you again.
WAYNE
Professor.
They shake hands.
Candy SLAPS Stewart on the shoulder.
CANDY
And this is John Stewart. The
toughest S.O.B to ever come out of
the Corps. Used to be my right hand
man before he went to work for the
eggheads.
STEWART
(to Wayne)
Sir.
73.
CANDY
So what's your interest in Big Blue
Wayne?
WAYNE
The same as everyone else. I want
to hear what he has to say.
CANDY
(dismissive)
Unless it's the oath of allegiance
I'm not interested.
WAYNE
I think there's more at stake here
than patriotism General. This is to
determine if the Superman is an
ally to the world not just American
interests.
CANDY
Look around you Wayne. Everybody
here wants to know who the Alien
calls boss. Let's just hope its
Uncle Sam.
STEWART
Well it's certainly not Mother
Russia.
CANDY
(laughs)
I have to give it to him, he knows
how to piss the commies off.
STEWART
Looking at the faces here it seems
he knows how to piss the whole
planet off.
WAYNE
(to Stewart)
And whats your take?
STEWART
Same as you. I'm going to wait and
see.
CANDY
(laughs)
John here has mellowed out some but
trust me if Big Blue starts any
more trouble this here's the last
guy he'd want to mess with.
WAYNE
Good to know.
74.
CANDY
Mr. Wayne here isn't a fan of us
Military types. His company won't
build us any fancy gadgets.
WAYNE
My company doesn't build weapons. I
don't see war as good business.
CANDY
Well lucky for us and our boys on
the front LexCorp does.
Waller walks past flanked by TWO ARMED BODYGUARDS.
WAYNE
Who's that?
SWANWICK
Amanda Waller.
CANDY
She used to be the Warden of Belle
Reve before she became Senator.
She's a mean piece of work. They
don't call her the 'Wall' for
nothing.
The GATHERING STARTS to CONVERGE towards the ASSEMBLY AREA.
STEWART
Looks like this party's about to
start.
Wayne and the others follow the crowd as they flow towards
the Assembly Area.
INT. ASSEMBLY AREA, CENTENNIAL PARK -- CONTINUOUS
The WORLD LEADERS and the assorted MILITARY OFFICIALS have
taken their seats.
The SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS take the Podium.
SECRETARY GENERAL
This is a solemn occasion. A year
ago today this city and our entire
civilization experienced an event
unprecedented in our collective
histories. Our world changed. We
are now at a precipice. A turning
point that will determine the
future of our planet. And we'd
these words I give you
(gestures towards the
sky)
Kal El.
75.
A HUSH goes over the CROWD. Superman FLOATS above them and
lands on the stage.
MARINES raise their WEAPONS and the TANKS train their
CANNONS on the Kryptonian.
Superman takes the Podium and looks out over the Assembly.
Lois watches him with CONCERN. Jimmy SNAPS pictures.
SUPERMAN
(takes a breath)
My name is Kal El. I stand in front
of you today as a gesture of peace.
I know that my presence here has
changed how the human race
perceives itself. As a child I was
sent here from my world Krypton but
Earth has always been my home. It
is where I was raised. Everything I
know, everything I am comes from
here. I am one of you.
A DIPLOMAT yells from the audience.
DIPLOMAT(O.S)
(shouts)
You are not one of us!
SUPERMAN
I understand your fears. But I am
not your enemy.
President Nelson stands up.
PRESIDENT NELSON
And what are our assurances?
SUPERMAN
All I can give you is my word.
PRESIDENT NELSON
That just isn't enough. If we are
to trust you then we must know you.
SUPERMAN
I believe all the world needs to
know is that I am here to help. To
protect. I offer myself to humanity
freely and without condition.
A RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT stands.
RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT
(angry)
You attacked Russian Military.
76.
SUPERMAN
They were firing on innocent
civilians. Russian civilians.
RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT
(shouts)
Lies! That was an act of war.
The Conference ERUPTS.
The President holds up a FILE.
PRESIDENT NELSON
This file contains a list. In the
past year you have been involved in
several international incidents.
Russia, Great Britain, China. The
list goes on and on. You
consistently interfere with world
affairs with no regard to the
consequences or legal ramifications
of your actions.
SUPERMAN
I help where I can. I'm here to
save lives. I can't afford to stop
and consider what politicians will
be inconvenienced by my actions.
PRESIDENT NELSON
And as noble as your motives may or
may not be. You cannot expect us as
a species to simply sit back and
allow you to dictate the course of
our history without our consent.
Where is your authority?
SUPERMAN
Honestly I have none. I am not here
to be a dictator. I'm here to serve
the people of this planet in any
way I can.
PRESIDENT NELSON
And therein lies the problem. Who
do you really serve? At the end of
the day Kal El you answer to no one
but yourself and that is a
frightening concept.
Stewart, who sits between Silas and Swanwick, leans toward
the Professor.
STEWART
I gotta give it to the lady. She
ain't scared of no one. Man or
alien.
Silas nods.
77.
The President holds up a SECOND DOCUMENT.
PRESIDENT NELSON
I hold in my hand a United Nations
Bill. Signed and ratified by every
member state that demands you
surrender yourself to it's
authority. If you are truly here to
serve then serve the people of
Earth by abiding by it's laws and
institutions.
SUPERMAN
That is something I cannot do.
PRESIDENT NELSON
Can't or won't.
SUPERMAN
I am here to serve all humanity
regardless of their allegiance.
What you are asking my to do is
take orders and eventually take
sides.
PRESIDENT NELSON
Then I do not see how we can allow
you to enforce your will on our way
of life, regardless of your
intentions. You're not leaving us
much in the way of options.
The BRITISH PRIME MINISTER stands.
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER
You must agree to the U.N Bill.
The Conference ERUPTS with CHEERS of SUPPORT for the BILL.
SUPERMAN
But I will not be a prisoner or a
pawn for government interests and
that at the end of the day is what
the Bill means. It's submission to
an authority that I cannot
recognize because it prevents me
from serving all the people of the
world. I will pledge myself to
humanity but not to it's leaders.
I'm sorry Mrs. President.
The Conference YELLS and MURMERS.
Wayne sits in silence pondering this turn of events.
Waller smiles to herself.
SWANWICK
This is all Waller needs.
78.
STEWART
What do you mean?
SWANWICK
Superman has just thumbed his nose
at every bureaucrat and politician
on the planet. The President will
sign off on Cadmus. This is exactly
what she wanted.
The Conference has gone CRITICAL.
Lois shakes her head in DISGUST at the REACTION of the
ASSEMBLY.
SUPERMAN
Please understand. I do this for
the good of the world. Not despite
it. I'm sorry.
He LIFTS off and takes to the sky. The sound of a SONIC BOOM
echos through the Park as he leaves.
WALLER
You will be.
INT. ACE O' CLUBS BAR, HOB'S BAY, METROPOLIS -- NIGHT
BIBBO BIBBOWSKI, an UNSHAVED BEAR OF A MAN, tends BAR in the
DINGY Hob's Bay BAR.
There are a FEW CUSTOMERS, MOSTLY DRUNKS.
Through the entrance walks Mercy, carrying with her a
BRIEFCASE. She walks past the bar towards a BOOTH in a
darkened CORNER of the room.
Sitting in the Booth is DAVID CANE, 50's, one of the World's
DEADLIEST ASSASSINS.
MERCY
I would have preferred if you had
picked a more discreet location.
CAIN
Plain sight has always been my
favorite form of discretion.
(gestures for her to sit
down)
Have a seat.
Mercy sits in the Booth opposite the Assassin. She puts the
Briefcase on the table.
MERCY
So I'm assuming you have agreed to
our proposal or why else would I be
here Mr. Cain.
79.
CAIN
Once you've agreed to my price.
MERCY
It's reasonable. It'll be half now
and half on completion.
She SLIDES the Briefcase over to him.
CAIN
And this is?
MERCY
One of the provisions of the
agreement.
Cain OPENS the Briefcase. He SMILES at the CONTENTS.
MERCY(CON'T)
Consider it a gift. Good faith
gesture but the Client insists you
use it. If you don't we'll know and
the agreement will be void.
CAIN
Fair enough.
Mercy nods and stands.
CAIN(CON'T)
It's very public. You sending a
message?
MERCY
In a manner of speaking.
She leaves.
INT. CLONING FACILITY, PROJECT CADMUS -- NIGHT
Federov sits at a Computer Terminal reading over endless
DATA and COMPUTER CODE.
LUTHOR(O.S)
Burning the midnight oil?
Federov jumps out his seat, STARTLED.
Luthor steps out from behind the Ultimate's Incubation
Chamber and SMILES.
FEDEROV
(worried)
Luthor! What are you doing here?
Luthor presses the control to open the Chamber and looks at
the sleeping Ultimate.
80.
LUTHOR
Just checking up on my investment.
FEDEROV
If anyone finds you in here...
LUTHOR
They'll forget they saw me or end
up being forgotten. There's
something I need from you.
FEDEROV
I can't. Not again.
Luthor gets close to the COWERING Scientist.
LUTHOR
You can and you will.
(gestures to the
Ultimate)
You've already done what I needed
you to do. What else can't you do?
FEDEROV
(pleading)
Please.
Luthor walks past Federov to the Computer Terminal and
casually attaches a FLASHDRIVE to the HARDDRIVE.
LUTHOR
There was an incident at the
research center. An attack. Some of
the material was taken.
FEDEROV
The subjects?
LUTHOR
It's insignificant. But I want to
make sure there are no setbacks on
this end.
Federov watches the code FLASHING across the Computer
Screen.
FEDEROV
(worried)
That's the Umltimate programming
data! If Waller finds out.
LUTHOR
I don't see how she will.
(removes the flashdrive
and puts it in his
pocket)
And if she does I'll make sure
you'll be back in the shack in
Chechnya where I found you.
81.
Federov LOWERS his head as Luthor passes and PATS him on the
back.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
Keep up the good work. It's what
you live for.
As he walks he receives a CALL on his CELLPHONE.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
(into phone)
Success?
INT. LIMO (MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
Mercy sits in the back of the Limo on her Cell.
MERCY
Was there ever any doubt?
LUTHOR(O.S)
Not at all. I'll see you at the
party.
She hangs up.
INT. DIANA'S LOFT, THEMYSCIRIAN EMBASSY -- NIGHT
Diana stands POISED. She HOLDS her SHIELD tight against her
chest and her SWORD pointed in front of her. Her eyes are
CLOSED.
Suddenly she EXPLODES into a SPECTACULAR COMBAT ROUTINE. She
SWINGS her Sword with expert GRACE and FLUIDITY.
She is FRIGHTENING and BEAUTIFUL to BEHOLD. Her speed is
SUPERNATURAL. SHe is a BLUR of FLESH and STEEL moving in
PERFECT SYNC.
She finishes and DROPS to one knee her Sword and Shield by
her side.
She OPENS her eyes.
In front of her arranged like an ALTER is her ARMOR
(CHESTPIECE which is MOLDED into an EAGLE, SILVER GAUNTLETS,
and a HELMET shaped like the SPARTAN WARRIORS VISOR with a
RED STAR emblazoned upon its BROW)
She RESTS her forehead on the HILT of her Sword and PRAYS to
her GODDESS.
Io enters.
IO
Your highness. The arrangements
have been made.
Diana stands and places her Shield with her Armor.
82.
DIANA
Good. Let me meet this little King.
EXT. STREET, THE SPIRE -- NIGHT
It is the GRAND OPENING of Lex Luthor's SKYSCRAPER, THE
SPIRE. At 150 STORIES it is the TALLEST STRUCTURE in
Metropolis.
LIMO'S and SPORTS CARS pull up outside. CELEBRITIES and
DIGNITARIES walk the RED CARPET into the Skyscraper.
INT. BALL ROOM, THE SPIRE -- CONTINUOUS
The Spire's BALL ROOM is host to the WORLD'S ELITE.
The REVELLERS party and mingle amid the TABLES which are
stocked with DELICACIES and DISHES from all over the world.
Clark and Lois walk through the PLUSH PARTY.
LOIS
You look uncomfortable.
CLARK
It's the suit. It's a little tight
around the neck.
LOIS
Give it here.
Lois adjusts his collar.
LOIS(CON'T)
Better?
CLARK
I like my other one better.
LOIS
Well you can't wear that here. Half
the people here are from countries
that want you arrested.
Clark smiles.
Martha appears behind them in a BEAUTIFUL DRESS and with a
GLASS of CHAMPAGNE.
MARTHA
(excited)
I just saw Bruce Springsteen. He's
got more grey hair than me.
(she pinches Clark's
cheeks)
Look at you in a suit.
CLARK
Are you drunk?
83.
MARTHA
(shakes the glass)
On this stuff. Not hardly. They got
any of the good stuff?
Louis points to the other side of the room.
LOIS
I saw a bar over that way. What do
you say we prop it up?
CLARK
(exasperated)
Lois!
LOIS
Babe. I'm at a party thrown by a
man I loath. If you think I'm not
going to have a few shots you're
mistaken.
CLARK
(relents)
Fine. Just don't let Mom get
wasted.
MARTHA
(indignant)
Aw don't yourself.
Martha grabs Lois' arm and leads her towards the Bar.
MARTHA
(to Lois)
He brought his suit didn't he.
LOIS
It's in the car. He wanted to wear
it under his clothes.
Martha laughs OUT LOUD startling some guests.
PERRY(O.S)
(calls)
Lois.
Lois sees Perry and Jimmy among the Attendees.
LOIS
(to Martha)
I'll catch up.
Martha heads to the bar while Lois joins Perry and Jimmy.
PERRY
I didn't expect you to turn up.
84.
LOIS
Far be it from me to let old
grudges color my professionalism.
PERRY
(sarcasm)
I'll bet.
(firmly)
Don't make a scene.
LOIS
Honestly I'm here for the drinks.
If you'll excuse me.
Lois leaves to join Martha at the bar.
JIMMY
(to Perry)
You think she's telling the truth.
PERRY
Of course not.
Bruce Wayne walks through the room followed by Alfred. A
WAITER offers him some champagne. He declines.
ALFRED
Should I see if they have gingerale
Master Bruce.
WAYNE
Please.
Alfred leaves to get the gingerale.
Wayne continues to walk through the party until he spies a
Woman in a STUNNING RED DRESS standing looking out of the
window at the CITY LIGHTS.
He approaches her.
WAYNE
I can tell you didn't grow up in a
city.
Diana turns to face Wayne.
DIANA
Not like this. How could you tell?
WAYNE
City people are rarely so taken
with the lights.
(reaches out his hand)
Bruce Wayne.
Diana shakes his hand.
85.
DIANA
Diana.
WAYNE
A pleasure to meet you.
DIANA
Likewise Mr Wayne.
WAYNE
Please Bruce. I can't place your
accent.
DIANA
I come from Themyscira.
WAYNE
I've heard it's beautiful. I've
never been.
DIANA
My country doesn't interest men
like you. We are not Monaco. We
have no casinos.
WAYNE
(jokingly)
I could have some built for you.
DIANA
I'm sure.
WAYNE
What brings you to Metropolis?
DIANA
I am looking for someone.
WAYNE
Lucky someone. Perhaps I can help
you find them.
The Attendees of the party turn their attention to the Ball
Room's entrance.
Luthor has arrived dressed in a SLEEK BLACK SUIT with Mercy
on his arm.
He walks to the center of the room and the crowd GATHERS
around him.
DIANA
(polite)
I won't be needing your help, thank
you. Excuse me Mr. Wayne.
WAYNE
Bruce.
86.
She walks past Wayne towards the crowd. As she does Jimmy
SMILES at her.
JIMMY
(confident)
Hey there.
She IGNORES him and walks past him.
JIMMY(CON'T)
(rejected)
Bye there.
Martha, visibly TIPSY, appears and links arms with him.
MARTHA
I think you're punching a little
above your weight.
Jimmy nods as she leads him toward the crowd.
Luthor TAKES THE FLOOR.
He TAPS a SPOON against a WINE GLASS to get everyones
attention.
LUTHOR
Ladies and gentlemen let me thank
you for coming.
The crowd ERUPTS in APPLAUSE.
Clark pushes his way AWKWARDLY past people.
He STOPS when he sees Diana. She sees him too and both LOCK
EYES. Recognizing each others HIDDEN POWER.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
And I like to welcome you to the
Spire. She was started less than a
year ago today. I built it to honor
the city and the strength of its
people. She will stand as a beacon.
Shining even brighter than the star
that is my home, Metropolis. To
light the way for mankind. As a
tribute to our potential. An
example of the greatness we are
capable of achieving. A symbol we
can touch. That represents the
dream within us all. Of the heights
humanity can aspire to and the
depths of human sacrifice to be.
The people of this city raised the
Spire and it is they who I honor
here tonight. I believe in
humanity. I believe in us.
He raises his glass to THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE.
87.
Luthor, withMercy, moves through the crowd.
LOIS(O.S)
Very inspiring.
Luthor turns to see Lois and Martha by the bar.
Mercy steps in front of her Boss, DEFENSIVELY.
LUTHOR
(to Mercy)
It's fine.
(to Lois)
It's a nice surprise to see you
here.
LOIS
Wouldn't miss it. It was quite a
speech.
LUTHOR
Thank you Ms. Lane. You're not the
only one who's good with words.
LOIS
Except I don't write fiction.
LUTHOR
You write slander.
LOIS
Perry White maybe bound by some
misplaced Hob's Bay code of honor.
But I'm not. You may live far above
the law but all that means is you
have further to fall.
Luthor smiles at Lois' VEILED threat.
LUTHOR
The only thing I'm above Ms. Lane
is indulging in fantasy. Enjoy the
party.
Luthor leaves. Mercy GLOWERS at Lois before following him.
MARTHA
Slimy little punk.
INT. EMPTY ROOM, HIGHRISE -- CONTINUOUS
Cain, dressed in an OIL BLACK SUIT, opens up the Briefcase.
Inside the case is the PARTS of a POWERFUL HIGH-TECH SNIPER
RIFLE.
He ASSEMBLES the WEAPON.
88.
Diana approaches Clark.
DIANA
You're not like these people.
CLARK
(intrigued)
Neither are you. Who are you?
DIANA
A warrior. Like you.
CLARK
I'm not a warrior.
Diana begins to circle him.
DIANA
You have the power of a one. Yet
you conceal it But I see you for
what you are. You're the one he
wants to kill.
CLARK
Who?
DIANA
Their little King. He hates you.
She glances as Luthor.
CLARK
(confused)
Luthor?
Lois and Martha walk up behind Clark.
LOIS
Who's your friend?
CLARK
(to Diana)
I didn't get your name.
DIANA
Diana.
LOIS
Hi. Mind if I steal Clark away?
Lois GRIPS Clark's forearm and LEADS him away.
MARTHA
(to Diana)
You're sniffing around the wrong
rooster stretch. You're a big one
(MORE)
89.
MARTHA (cont'd)
but that girl there is pretty
scrappy.
(genuine)
Nice dress.
Diana smiles at Martha.
Cain takes aim at the Ball Room.
Lois has pulled Clark to a corner of the Hall.
LOIS
(playful)
So who was that?
CLARK
She's different. There's something
about her.
LOIS
And what's that supposed to mean?
CLARK
It's not like that she's different
from everybody.
LOIS
(surprised)
Like you?
CLARK
No. She's something else.
Luthor leans against a table and SWIPES his finger across
the screen of his Cellphone.
Cain's rifle begins to EMIT a HIGH FREQUENCY SOUND that is
INAUDIBLE to HUMAN HEARING.
Clark WINCES in PAIN. His head BEGINS to POUND as he hears a
RINGING in his EARS.
LOIS
(concerned)
Clark! What's wrong?
CLARK
(in pain)
I don't know! Something!
90.
THROUGH SUPERMAN"S EYES: He uses his SUPER VISION to see out
of the window and across to the HIGHRISE. He sees Cain with
his RIFE AIMED.
CLARK
Take cover!
LOIS
What's happening?
Clark doesn't answer. He RUSHES out of the party BUMPING
into guests as he does.
Diana is STALKING Luthor through the party.
Luthor walks up behind Edge who is FLIRTING with TWO MODELS
and places is hand on his shoulder.
EDGE
(grins widely)
Lex. Some party man.
Cain takes aim.
THROUGH SCOPE: The CROSS HAIRS are AIMED at the back of
Luthor's head.
Luthor looks Edge right in the eyes. Edge is visibly
UNCOMFORTABLE.
LUTHOR
It is easier to forgive an enemy
than to forgive a friend.
(smiles)
William Blake.
Edge realizes he has been found out and nods his head
sheepishly.
Luthor gives him a friendly PAT on the CHEEK and turns his
head slightly.
THROUGH SCOPE: Luthor has moved out of the way and now the
cross hairs are on Edge.
Cain PULLS THE TRIGGER.
Diana steps toward Luthor.
Suddenly the window SHATTERS and Cain's BULLET FINDS it's
MARK.
91.
Morgan Edge falls to the floor with a SINGLE BULLET HOLE in
his FOREHEAD.
The Guests SCREAM and the party turns to CHAOS.
Luthor's BODY GUARDS snatch him up and RUSH him out of the
hall.
Martha is KNOCKED to the floor by a FLEEING GUEST.
LOUIS
(shouts)
Martha.
Wayne RUSHES to her aid and helps her up from the floor.
MARTHA
(to Wayne)
Thanks handsome.
WAYNE
(to Lois)
Get her out of here.
Lois and Jimmy escort Martha out.
Cain is ready to make his escape when BOOM! Superman CRASHES
through the wall.
He SNATCHES the Rifle which is still EMITTING the high
pitched noise. He CRUSHES it.
Superman SHAKES off the effects of the sound and sets his
sights on Cain.
Cain takes a step back and pulls TWO HIGH POWERED HANDGUNS.
He FIRES at the Kryptonian but the bullets BOUNCE off his
chest.
Superman LUNGES forward with his SUPER SPEED and GRABS Cain
by the THROAT.
A HIDDEN CAMERA is PLACED in the corner of the room. It
RECORDS the scene.
INT. LUTHOR'S OFFICE, THE SPIRE -- CONTINUOUS
Luthor watches the scene on his Cellphone. He SWIPES his
finger across the screen and a SCREEN APPEARS with the word
'DETONATE' on it. He PRESSES it.
Superman uses his X-RAY VISION to see that EXPLOSIVES are
CONCEALED in the WALLS of the room. They BEGINS to GLOW RED
and BURN.
92.
Cain sees this.
CAIN
(to himself)
Son of a bitch.
The EXPLOSIVES DETONATE.
EXT. STREET, THE SPIRE -- NIGHT
Everybody is EVACUATING the Spire through the main entrance
including Wayne and Alfred when the TOP FLOORS of the
Highrise EXPLODE in a BALL OF RED FLAME.
Huge chunks of DEBRIS fall from the sky down onto the street
and BYSTANDERS.
One such CHUNK falls DIRECTLY in the path of an oncoming
BUS. The DRIVER swerves as it SMASHES the windscreen and
CAREENS toward the evacuating guests.
WAYNE
(shouts)
Everybody move!
People RUN and JUMP out of the way of the Bus which CRASHES
through the entrance to the Spire DESTROYING the GLASS
EXTERIOR of the BUILDING before coming to a VIOLENT HALT.
Diana stands in front of the Bus HOLDING it in place with
her BARE HANDS.
The Driver looks at her in SHOCK.
Wayne looks around to see if anyone is injured and to his
SHOCK and HORROR he sees Alfred laying on the ground. The
Butler has a DEEP GASH in his FOREHEAD and his RIGHT ARM is
TWISTED and BROKEN.
Wayne RUSHES to his side.
Lois, Martha and Jimmy look up at the SMOKING REMAINS of the
Highrise and see Superman floating there holding in his
hands the CHARRED remains of Cain's black suit.
Wayne sees the Kryptonian and his eyes are filled with
ANGER.
INT. CLARK KENT'S STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS
The STUDIO is SMALL but COSY and filled with KEEPSAKES from
Superman's TRAVELS.
Clark sits in the DARK with his head hanging, GUILTY.
In his HANDS he holds the CHARRED PIECE of Cain's SUIT.
The FRONT DOOR opens and Lois enters, closing the door
behind her QUIETLY.
93.
She walks around and KNEELS in front of him.
LOIS
(comforting)
Tell me what happened.
CLARK
(guilty)
I failed.
Lois CARESSES his face and KISSES him on the forehead.
INT. INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, METROPOLIS HOSPITAL -- NIGHT
Alfred lies SEDATED on a HOSPITAL BED. His HEAD WRAPPED in
BANDAGES and his ARM in a CAST.
Wayne stands by his Butler's side, looking GRIM.
He puts his hand on Alfred's forehead for a moment before
leaving.
INT. HALLWAY, METROPOLIS HOSPITAL -- NIGHT
Wayne steps out into the Hallway where LESLIE THOMPSON,
60's, HUGS him TIGHT.
WAYNE
Thanks for coming.
LESLIE
Will he be okay?
WAYNE
He will be. They'll keep him in for
observation. I'd like for you to
take him back to Gotham when he's
ready.
LESLIE
Of course.
WAYNE
Thank you.
LESLIE
What about you?
Wayne WALKS AWAY.
WAYNE
There's something I have to do.
INT. CLARK KENT'S STUDIO -- MORNING
Lois is ASLEEP on Clark's BED.
Clark sits by his WINDOW, staring out.
94.
With his SUPER HEARING his listens to the City.
VOICES(O.S)
He killed the guy... It's a damn
alien... Why hasn't the government
done anything... They should kill
him...
Lois wakes and sees Clark by the window.
LOIS
(sleepy)
Clark? You've been up all night?
CLARK
Sorry Lois. Couldn't sleep.
Lois gets out of bed and walks over to him, DRAPING her arms
around him.
LOIS
Everybody needs to sleep. Even
Superman.
CLARK
That's whats stopping me from
sleeping.
Lois walks around him and stands in front of him.
LOIS
Last night wasn't your fault.
CLARK
I don't know Lois. Maybe they're
right. Maybe I am a threat.
LOIS
(firmly)
No. This was Luthor. I have no
doubt in my mind that he had Edge
killed and used you to cover it up.
CLARK
How do you know?
Stands up and leans against the windowsill.
LOIS
5 years ago I was investigating
Luthor. He was blackmailing C.E.O's
of rival companies. forcing them to
sell. I had a source on the inside
who was ready to blow the whistle.
Until he turned up dead in an ally
with his face burned off. This is
what Luthor does and he does it
very well.
95.
CLARK
At the party the woman, Diana. She
told me that Luthor wants to kill
me. I don't understand why?
LOIS
I do.
(kneels down in infront
of Clark)
Luthor was the most powerful person
on the planet. Until you.
INT. BASEMENT ARMORY, WAYNE ENTERPRISES METROPOLIS -- DAY
Bruce Wayne thinkers with a DEVICE on a workbench in the
SECRET ARMORY beneath the Wayne Enterprises Metropolis
Offices.
The Armory is a smaller Batcave. Large MONITORS hang on the
walls along with various HIGH TECH GADGETS. Different
VEHICLES are covered in TARPS.
He raises the Device and it is revealed he is wearing a
REINFORCED METAL GAUNTLET. He FLEXES the FINGERS and they
WHINE electronically.
LUTHOR(O.S)
Impressive tech but it won't get
the job done by itself.
Bruce WHIPS around to see Luthor step out of the shadows,
SMILING.
WAYNE
(surprised)
How did you get past my security?
Luthor WAVES his Cellphone.
LUTHOR
(smiles)
I used my phone. I'd offer to
upgrade your system but I doubt
you'd get it. Old dogs, new tricks.
Wayne turns his back on Luthor and returns to fine tuning
his Gauntlet.
WAYNE
You can take your new tricks and
leave Luthor.
LUTHOR
You'll need some of my new tricks
if you plan to go up against it.
That is what your planning to do?
Luthor sees a METAL COWL on the workbench.
96.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
Or is Batman going to do the
honors?
WAYNE
(unperturbed)
So you know who I am. You aren't
the first.
LUTHOR
I don't care what you do with your
nights.
WAYNE
Then why are you here?
LUTHOR
I'm sorry about your Butler.
WAYNE
He's recovering.
LUTHOR
I'm glad to hear.
(beat)
You can't take it down by yourself.
WAYNE
We'll see.
LUTHOR
You spoke of an alliance Bruce. I'm
here to help.
WAYNE
There's nothing you have that I
need.
Luthor reaches into his jacket and removes a SMALL METAL
CYLINDER. Housed in the middle of the CYlINDER is a GLASS
VIAL containing a LUMINESCENT GREEN SUBSTANCE.
LUTHOR
I have this.
Wayne removes the Gauntlet and lays it down on the Workbench
and turns towards Luthor. He eyes the Cylinder SUSPICIOUSLY.
WAYNE
And that is?
LUTHOR
A new trick.
(he hands the Cylinder to
Wayne)
It's synthesized from a substance
we uncovered from the Indian Ocean
after they tried to terraform our
(MORE)
97.
LUTHOR (cont'd)
planet. We believe its radioactive
to them.
Wayne eyes the GREEN LIQUID.
WAYNE
I'm not an assassin.
LUTHOR
It won't kill it. But it'll know
what it's like to bleed.
Wayne looks Luthor in the eyes.
WAYNE
(suspicious)
What's your stake in this Luthor?
Luthor SWIPES his finger ACROSS the SCREEN of his Cellphone.
THE MONITOR SCREENS on the Armory's walls FLICKERS to life.
Displayed on the Screens is a series of PHOTOS of A PRETTY
YOUNG REDHEAD at VARIOUS STAGES of her life... COLLEGE
GRADUATION... PARTYING WITH FRIENDS... KISSING HER
BOYFRIEND.
LUTHOR
Her name was Lena. She was a PR
executive for one of LexCorp's
smaller divisions. The building she
worked in was vaporized when the
Alien's attacked.
(beat)
They never found her body.
(swipes his fingers
across the phone and the
monitors goes black)
My sister was just one of thousands
Wayne. How many more have to die?
Luthor turns to leave.
Wayne contemplates the Cylinder in his hand.
WAYNE
You know where to find him?
Luthor keeps walking.
LUTHOR
It, Wayne. It's never to far from
Lane.
Luthor leaves.
Wayne places the Cylinder on the workbench and picks up the
metal Cowl and carries it toward TWO HUGE DOORS which SLIDE
98.
OPEN revealing a DARK ROOM.
He enters.
INT. BULLPEN, DAILY PLANET OFFICES LEXCORP PLAZA -- DAY
The STAFF, including Lois and Jimmy, are all gathered around
a TV SCREEN watching a NEWS REPORT.
NEWSCASTER
Metropolis was shocked last night
by the assassination of Morgan
Edge.
A PHOTO of EDGE appears on the SCREEN.
NEWSCASTER(CON'T)
Edge who was head of Public
Relations at LexCorp and an
original member of Luthor's team
was executed at last nights grand
opening of Luthor's Spire.
A Picture of David Cain appears.
NEWSCASTER(CON'T)
The assassin has been identified as
David Cain.
The report cuts to Video of a JAPANESE WOMAN who is being
escorted by ARMED F.B.I AGENTS.
NEWSCASTER(CON'T)
This morning F.B.I Agents arrested
Kord Industries C.E.O Kimiyo Hoshi
after seizing bank accounts that
allegedly show transactions between
her and the assassin. Kord
Industries has been a rival to
LexCorp for several years.
Superman's SYMBOL appears.
NEWSCASTER(CON'T)
Cain was himself killed by the
being known as Superman. Neither
LexCorp nor Kord Industries could
be reached for comment.
Lois turns away from the Broadcast.
LOIS
(irritated)
Superman didn't kill anybody. He
was set up.
99.
JIMMY
The whole world is saying he did.
And with injuries and property
damage they're going after him big
time.
LOIS
This has Luthor's stink all over
it. I'm going home. Take care
Olsen.
JIMMY
G'night Lois.
She leaves.
INT. LIVING ROOM, LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT -- LATER
Lois enters her apartment and closes the door. She CLICKS
the light switch. Nothing happens.
LOIS
(irritated)
Dammit.
She uses the LIGHT of her Cellphone screen and walks toward
the Kitchen and opens a drawer to find a light bulb.
BATMAN(O.S)
Where is he?
Lois almost JUMPS OUT OF HER SKIN and turns to see Batman's
SILHOUETTE against the living room window.
LOIS
(frightened)
Oh my god.
She runs for the door.
A Batarang STICKS into the wall in front of her and she
STOPS in her tracks.
When she turns around Batman is standing right in front of
her.
BATMAN
I'm not going to hurt you.
LOIS
What do you want from me?
BATMAN
I want you to give him a message.
85th and Shuster. Tonight.
He PULLS the Batarang from the wall and leaves.
100.
INT. CLARK KENT'S STUDIO -- CONTINUOUS
Clark's Cellphone VIBRATES on his COFFEE TABLE.
He snatches it up.
CLARK
Lois?
EXT. 85TH AND SHUSTER -- NIGHT
Superman lands on the street between the ROWS and ROWS of
UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUILDINGS.
BATMAN(O.S)
KAL!
Superman turns to see Batman down the street behind him.
Batman wears a SUIT of PROTECTIVE ARMOR. His GLOVES are
HYDRAULIC GAUNTLETS. His COWL is now a REINFORCED METAL
HELMET and his eyes are hidden behind SNOW WHITE LENSES. His
CAPE flows in the wind.
He steps forward, his HEAVY BOOTS THUDDING against the
street.
Superman LEVITATES off the ground and slowly DRIFTS toward
Batman.
He comes to a halt and the Man of Steel and The Dark Knight
STARE EACH OTHER DOWN.
SUPERMAN
(angry)
If you have something to say, say
it now...
(scans Batman with his
X-Ray vision)
... Bruce Wayne.
BATMAN
(undaunted)
You're dangerous Kal.
SUPERMAN
They say the same about you.
BATMAN
You are power but no control.
SUPERMAN
And you're a scared man in a mask
who threatens women.
BATMAN
(smiles slightly)
I don't threaten Kal. You have two
choices. Agree to the U.N proposal.
101.
SUPERMAN
And be a prisoner?
BATMAN
It's better than the alternative.
SUPERMAN
Which is?
BATMAN
Your threat ends permanently
Superman stares into the Batman's COLD WHITE EYES.
SUPERMAN
(firmly)
Go near Lois Lane again and I
promise you you'll regret it. We're
done here.
Superman turns to leave. Batman GRABS his shoulder.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
(angry)
Let go.
BATMAN
Can't you see? The lives that
you're putting in danger? The lives
you've already cost?
SUPERMAN
I said...
(eyes glow)
Let... GO!
He PUSHES Batman's CHEST PLATE and sends the Vigilante
reeling backwards and SLAMMING ROUGHLY into a PARKED CEMENT
TRUCK.
Superman looks back at Batman, REGRETFUL of what he's just
done.
BATMAN
(whispers)
You brought this on yourself.
He reaches behind his CAPE and produces a SILVER GRENADE.
He PULLS the PIN and THROWS it.
Superman CATCHES the Grenade.
BOOM! -- It EXPLODES engulfing him in a THICK GREEN SMOKE.
Superman COUGHS and SPLUTTERS as the SMOKE FILLS HIS LUNGS.
The SMOKE CLEARS and Superman hears the sound of HYDRAULIC
JOINTS MOVING and then -- BAM!
102.
Batman LANDS a CRUSHING RIGHT CROSS directly across
Superman's JAW. STAGGERING him.
Superman STUMBLES back trying to STEADY himself.
Batman follows up with a CRUSHING ONE TWO COMBO sending
Superman further back and then down to ONE KNEE. BLOOD
TRICKLES down his CHIN.
Batman stands above him.
THROUGH SUPERMAN'S EYES: his vision is BLURRED.
SUPERMAN
(confused)
What have you done to me?
BATMAN
(smiles)
Evened the odds.
Superman GRITS his TEETH and LIFTS OFF. He SPEAR TACKLES
Batman.
He flies forward SMASHING his opponent BACKWARDS through the
WALL of an UNDER CONSTRUCTION building and SLAMS him to the
ground.
Batman GRIPS Superman by the THROAT and SQUEEZES trying to
CUT OFF the Man of Steel's AIR SUPPLY.
He DIGS his BOOTS into the CONCRETE floor and HEADBUTTS
Superman.
Superman PUNCHES Batman in the CHEST and sends him through a
WINDOW and out into the street.
Batman ROLLS OVER and as he does he PULLS another GRENADE
and THROWS it back through the window.
It EXPLODES bringing the ENTIRE BUILDING down onto Superman.
The Man of Steel throws the debris off.
Batman ATTACKS again.
He throws a PUNCH which Superman CATCHES in his fist and
retaliates with a COUNTER PUNCH which Batman CATCHES.
Both Men engage in a TEST of STRENGTH.
BATMAN(CON'T)
You're feeling it now. What it's
like to be human.
SUPERMAN
(struggling)
Why are you doing this?
103.
BATMAN(CON'T)
Because no one else can.
Superman, even in his DIMINISHED state gains the UPPER HAND.
SUPERMAN
And if you beat me...
SPARKS fly from Batman's ARM JOINT as his Armor begins to
FALTER.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
... who do they send after you?
Superman's EYES GLOW RED and he EMITS a BLAST of HEAT VISION
which IMPACTS Batman's Chest Plate causing it to melt.
Batman releases his GRIP and is sent HURTLING backwards into
another CONSTRUCTION SITE and DISAPPEARS from view.
Superman tries to SHAKE the FOG from his VISION. He wipes
the BLOOD from his CHIN.
With some EFFORT he TAKES OFF.
A HIGH TENSILE CORD wraps around Superman's ANKLE and he
STALLS in MID AIR.
Beneath him Batman, BLOOD DRIPPING from his own mouth, SMOKE
rising from his Armor has CONNECTED the other end of the
WIRE to a BULLDOZER which is being DRAGGED SLOWLY ACROSS the
ground.
The Dark Knight pulls a POWERFUL TASER from his BELT and
ELECTROCUTES the WIRE.
Superman YELLS out in PAIN as the WAVES of ELECTRICITY
COURSE through his body.
Batman TOSSES the Taser aside, and COILS the WIRE around his
FOREARM and pulls the WEAKENED Man of Steel back to Earth.
He SLAMS VIOLENTLY into the ground.
Before he can stand Batman is already upon him and WRAPS the
Wire around Superman's NECK and PULLS the Cord TIGHT.
BATMAN
(smiles)
There is no one.
Superman GASPS for AIR then JUDO THROWS Batman over his
shoulder SLAMMING him into the GROUND and STOMPING on his
CHEST and PINNING him.
He flies off taking Batman, whose arm is still WRAPPED in
the wire, with him.
104.
EXT. SKY OVER RUINED METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman flies high above the RUINED sections of Metropolis
CARRYING Batman with him.
Batman SKIMS across the roof of whats left of a SKYSCRAPER.
He DIGS his FEET into the roof TEARING up CONCRETE as he's
DRAGGED towards the EDGE. He stops at the edge and WITH ALL
HIS STRENGTH pulls the Cord stopping Superman.
His suits joints WHINE as he SWINGS Superman down onto the
roof.
Superman STANDS and moves out of the way just in time to
AVOID a KICK from Batman.
Superman PUNCHES Batman in the CHEST sending him SKIDDING
BACKWARDS toward the EDGE of the roof.
SUPERMAN
(weak)
That was two ribs.
(coughs)
Don't make me do this.
Batman SPITS blood and then WIPES his mouth before THROWING
a Batarang at Superman.
The Man of Steel catches the device which STARTS to BEEP
then EXPLODES.
Batman CHARGES and TACKLES Superman CLEAR OFF the roof.
Both Men SMASH through and the wall of an adjacent
DEMOLISHED BUILDING and CRASHES down through FLOOR after
FLOOR.
Batman FIRES a GRAPPLING HOOK which CATCHES as Superman
FALLS until he IMPACTS on the ground floor.
He lies there, his breathing LABOURED and looks up through
the HOLES in the FLOORS above him.
He STRUGGLES to his feet and STAGGERS out through the
CRUMBING LOBBY of what USED to be an OFFICE BUILDING.
He STUMBLES and FALLS to his knees and finds himself face to
face with a HUMAN SKULL.
He RECOILS in HORROR.
BATMAN(O.S)
(solemnly)
This is what happens when power
goes unchecked Kal.
Batman is standing behind him.
105.
BATMAN(CON'T)
You're a nuclear bomb and this is
the fallout.
Superman takes a LABORED BREATH and raises his FISTS.
Batman attacks with a LIGHTNING FAST COMBINATION of PUNCHES
before terminating with a SIDE KICK which sends Superman
backwards through a CRUMBLING WALL.
Superman CRASHES out into the STREET.
He gets to his feet. He's coughing HARDER now.
Batman walks slowly out of the Ruined Office Building. His
Armor's damaged joints SPARKING.
He throws a POWERFUL HAYMAKER but Superman is FASTER and
BLOCKS the ATTACK and FIGHTS BACK.
He lands a POWERFUL BLOW to Batman's GUT denting his Armor.
The Dark Knight SPITS out a GOB of BLOOD.
Superman attacks again but Batman BLOCKS, PARRIES and
COUNTERS.
Superman is still STRONGER and FASTER but Batman's EXPERT
FIGHTING ABILITIES nullifies Superman's attack.
He STRIKES the Man of Steel in the THROAT. Superman falls to
one knee.
BATMAN(CON'T)
I won't kill you...
(He strikes Superman in
the chest)
But I want you to remember Kal in
all the years to come...
(catches Superman across
the jaw)
In all your most private moments
(Kicks his knee and
elbows him under the
jaw)
That you're not a god...
Superman is BREATHING HEAVILY, TOTALLY SPENT.
BATMAN(CON'T)
That for all your power, for all
your strength...
He GRABS Superman by the THROAT and leans in CLOSE.
He RELEASES his grip on Superman's throat and DROPS him to
the ground.
106.
BATMAN(CON'T)
I'm the one who beat you.
Superman lies, BEATEN.
BATMAN(CON'T)
All this...
(gestures to the ruins
around them)
Is because someone like you didn't
know control.
Batman turns his back on the FALLEN KRYPTONIAN and walks
away.
BATMAN(CON'T)
I won't let it happen again.
He STOPS when he hears MOVEMENT and turns around.
Superman has GOTTEN BACK TO HIS FEET and is STANDING
DEFIANTLY.
With his FINAL OUNCES of STRENGTH he LAUNCHES at Batman
SPEAR TACKLING him back through a CHUNK OF WALL that is
JUTTING from the ground and into a BUILDING.
Superman holds Batman pressed AGAINST the wall and THROWS
WEAK PUNCHES into Batman's RIBS.
SUPERMAN
(yelling)
I tried to save them! I TRIED!
Batman HEADBUTTS Superman and sends him to the ground.
The Dark Knight is SEEING RED now and GRABS Superman by his
SYMBOL of HOPE. He begins to RAIN DOWN PUNCHES much the same
as he did with ZSASZ.
BATMAN
(in a frenzy)
YOU FAILED!
Superman is TOTALLY DONE now and can no longer even DEFEND
himself. He starts to go limp.
SUPERMAN
(whispers)
I'm... Sorry...
BATMAN
You f...
(whispers)
... failed.
Batman STOPS, his breath is in SHORT GASPS, and looks down
on the BEATEN and BLOODIED Superman.
107.
CUT TO:
INT. DESTROYED WAREHOUSE -- FLASHBACK
Batman is cradling the dead body of JASON TODD dressed in
the 'ROBIN' Armor.
CUT TO:
INT. RUINED BUILDING, RUINED METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
Batman let's go of Superman, HORRIFIED by his ACTIONS, and
SLUMPS against the wall. He sits down across from Superman.
Batman REMOVES his DENTED METAL COWL revealing his face
which is BRUISED and SWOLLEN.
Both Men are SILENT for a moment.
WAYNE
You held back. You could have
killed me couldn't you?
Superman doesn't answer just sits up against the wall across
from Wayne.
WAYNE(CON'T)
Why didn't you?
SUPERMAN
I figured I could reason with you
Bruce.
WAYNE
You weren't talking to Bruce Wayne.
(picks up his Cowl and
ponders it)
You can't reason with anger and
regret.
He TOSSES the Cowl ASIDE.
Superman looks around at the DESOLATE surroundings,
MOURNFULLY.
SUPERMAN
I didn't want this. I wanted to
save them. All of them. I thought I
could. I never knew I could fail so
badly.
Wayne is silent for a moment contemplating the BEATEN
Kryptonian in front of him.
WAYNE
You never do until it happens and
when it does it breaks you.
(beat)
His name was Jason Todd.
108.
Superman looks into Wayne's PAIN FILLED EYES.
WAYNE(CON'T)
He was like you,
(beat)
...Dangerous. I thought I could
help him, train him, make him
better. Instead I got him killed.
(voice cracks)
He was like my son. He was my son
and I failed him.
SUPERMAN
What do you do with it? With the
guilt.
WAYNE
I lost myself to it. I forgot who I
was. I didn't want to stop my
enemies anymore all I wanted to do
was hurt them.
SUPERMAN
All I want to do is save them.
Both Men sit in silence finally UNDERSTANDING one another..
Superman, still in PAIN, gets to his feet.
SUPERMAN
I'm not your enemy Bruce.
He reaches out his hand to Wayne.
Wayne TAKES Superman's hand and gets to his feet.
Superman and Batman stand HANDS TOGETHER.
Superman suddenly DOUBLES over in PAIN. Batman CATCHES him
before he falls.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
Silas Stone. Get me to Silas Stone.
INT. BEDROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SILAS STONE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT
Silas Stone WAKES and sees Batman standing above him. Before
he can SCREAM Batman COVERS his mouth with his hand.
BATMAN
(whispers)
Don't scream.
INT. LIVING ROOM, SILAS STONE'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS
Batman leads Silas down the stairs and through his LIVING
ROOM towards the kitchen.
Inside he clicks on the light.
109.
He GASPS when he sees a SICK and SEMI-CONSCIOUS Superman.
SILAS
(shocked)
Oh my God!
BATMAN
He needs your help.
SILAS
What happened?
BATMAN
He's been poisoned.
Silas RUSHES to Superman's side and looks into his EYES
which have taken on an EERIE GREEN COLOR.
SILAS
Poisoned? Who did this?
BATMAN
(matter of fact)
I did.
SILAS
We need to get him to S.T.A.R Labs.
There's nothing I can do for him
here.
Suddenly Victor STORMS into the kitchen WIELDING a BASEBALL
BAT.
VICTOR
(shouts)
Dad! Get back!
He SWINGS WILDLY at Batman who GRACEFULLY DODGES the ATTACK.
Superman STIRS and Victor SWINGS at him. Superman simply
CATCHES the bat..
SILAS
(shouts)
Victor stop!
Batman GRIPS Victor's forearm TIGHT.
Victor's eyes meet Batman's GAZE and he CALMS..
SILAS
They're friends.
VICTOR
(shocked)
Batman?
Batman nods as he takes the bat from Victor.
110.
VICTOR
You're real?
Silas tries to lift Superman. He STRUGGLES.
SILAS
Victor help get him to the car.
Victor helps Batman get Superman to his feet and help him
walk out of the house.
INT. HAMILTON ROOM. S.T.A.R LABS -- NIGHT
Superman is UNCONSCIOUS and lies on a TABLE while his body
is SCANNED by Silas who watches intently at the DATA on his
COMPUTER SCREEN.
Batman stands at his side, watching.
Victor leans against the wall. He feels totally OUT OF
PLACE.
BATMAN
How is he?
SILAS
He's lucky. I've managed to isolate
the compound in his blood stream.
He's severely weakened and he'll
need time to recover but he'll
live.
BATMAN
Good.
Silas turns around in his seat.
SILAS
You did this to him?
BATMAN
Yes. I thought he was a threat. I
was wrong.
SILAS
This compound is unlike anything
I've seen. The effect it has on
Kryptonian physiology. How did you
get come by it? You don't strike me
as a scientist.
BATMAN
It was given to me.
SILAS
By who?
BATMAN
A manipulative narcissist.
111.
SILAS
Lex Luthor.
BATMAN
(impressed)
You'd make a good detective.
SILAS
I've just seen the evidence and
although I can't prove anything Lex
Luthor has been the money behind
several projects that from what
I've seen all have one purpose.
BATMAN
To kill the Superman.
SILAS
What are you going to do?
BATMAN
Expose him.
SILAS
Easier said than done. Lex Luthor
buries all evidence. There's never
been anything to connect him to the
things he's done.
BATMAN
I'll dig. I'll find something. I
used to be a detective. Once upon a
time.
He turns to leave and walks past Victor.
BATMAN(CON'T)
(to Victor)
That's some swing. I think you
picked the wrong sport.
Victor smiles.
SILAS
What do you want me to tell him
when he wakes up?
Batman STOPS.
BATMAN
Tell him I'm sorry.
He leaves.
EXT. DIRT ROAD, METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS -- MORNING
It's EARLY morning and the Sun is RISING above the
Metropolis skyline in the distance.
112.
Bruce Wayne's Limo is parked on the side of a lonely DIRT
ROAD.
A WHITE LIMO pulls up on the ADJACENT side. Mercy steps out
of the driver's side and walks around to the rear door and
opens it. Luthor steps out.
Wayne, still sporting BRUISES, steps out of his Limo and
both Men STARE EACH OTHER DOWN for a moment from across
their respective sides.
LUTHOR
You look better than I expected.
WAYNE
I don't appreciate being
manipulated.
LUTHOR
Then you shouldn't have made it so
easy.
(smiles)
Who would have thought tragedy
would motivate you so. I needed to
test a weapon and the opportunity
presented itself. You don't use a
sword without knowing its sharp.
WAYNE
I know you were behind Edge's
murder.
LUTHOR
(scratches his chin
dismissively)
So you know my dirty little secret.
But I know yours. You know what
that is?
WAYNE
Stalemate.
LUTHOR
More accurately I win.
WAYNE
I'm not about to let you walk away
from this.
LUTHOR
(supreme confidence)
There's nothing you can use against
me. You can't connect me to
anything. So don't waste your
breath on empty threats. I know
everything about you Wayne.
Grayson, Gordon, what really
happened to Jason Todd.
113.
At the mention of Jason Wayne CLENCHES his fists.
WAYNE
You can't threaten me Luthor.
LUTHOR
I'm not threatening you Wayne. I'm
threatening every single person you
care about. And there's nothing you
can do about it.
Luthor nods to Mercy. Who opens the door for him.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
Go back to roughing up psychos in
Gotham.
(with venom)
And hope no more kids die in the
process.
Wayne's is ANGRY but keeps his COMPOSURE.
WAYNE
You tried to stab a god in the back
Luthor.
Luthor leans into the Limo.
WAYNE(CON'T)
(smiles)
And now he knows who's hand held
the knife.
Luthor pauses and looks over his shoulder slightly.
LUTHOR
We are done here.
Luthor sits into the Limo and Mercy closes the door.
Wayne watches as the Limo as it drives away.
INT. HAMILTON ROOM, S.T.A.R LABS -- NIGHT
Superman opens his eyes to see Victor sitting beside him.
SUPERMAN
(confused)
Where am I?
VICTOR
S.T.A.R Labs. My father and Batman
brought you here. You were sick.
SUPERMAN
How long was I out?
VICTOR
About 15 hours.
114.
Superman sits up slowly.
SUPERMAN
And Silas?
VICTOR
He'll be back.
Superman touches his SWOLLEN jaw.
SUPERMAN
I must look as bad as I feel.
VICTOR
Then you must feel pretty damn bad.
Did Batman do that to you?
Superman nods.
VICTOR(CON'T)
How? He's just a man?
Silas enters the room.
SUPERMAN
He cheated.
SILAS
How do you feel?
SUPERMAN
What did he do do me?
SILAS
You were poisoned by a radioactive
substance. Kryptonian in origin.
SUPERMAN
(surprised)
Kryptonian? How?
SILAS
Lex Luthor. He must have
synthesized from a by product from
the World Engine's terraforming.
Superman stands.
SUPERMAN
I have to go. People will be
worried.
He walks towards the exit past Silas.
SILAS
Matters are much worse.
Superman stops.
115.
SILAS(CON'T)
(regretful)
I should have told you.
SUPERMAN
Told me what?
SILAS
There is a Project called Cadmus.
They've found a way to replicate
Kryptonian DNA using your people's
technology.
SUPERMAN
(realization)
The Genesis Chamber.
SILAS
They've created a weapon with one
purpose. To kill you. And Lex
Luthor is behind it all. What
happened last night was only a test
of your weaknesses.
Superman CONTEMPLATES the information for a moment.
SUPERMAN
Thank you Silas. For everything.
Superman continues toward the exit.
VICTOR
He said he was sorry.
Superman stops by the exit and LEANS against it with one
hand to stay STEADY.
VICTOR(CON'T)
The Batman, he said he was sorry.
Superman responds to Victor's words with a nod and leaves.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP TOWER -- NIGHT
Luthor exits the Elevator and walks over to his Bar where he
removes and Energy drink for the fridge and cracks it open.
He SMILES.
LUTHOR
I was wondering when you'd pay me a
visit.
He turns.
FLOATING outside the Window is Superman. ARMS FOLDED. He
STARES a HOLE THROUGH Luthor.
Luthor SWIPES his thumb across his Cellphone's screen and
the Window's SLIDE OPEN.
116.
He walks out on the balcony to NEMESIS.
SUPERMAN
Your assassin failed.
Luthor TILTS his head and observes Superman's WOUNDS.
LUTHOR
(smiles)
I wouldn't say failed.
SUPERMAN
This has to end now Luthor.
LUTHOR
It ends when you do. You brought a
war to my city and it's only right
I bring it right back to you.
SUPERMAN
You're a criminal and a murderer.
LUTHOR
So are you.
SUPERMAN
I'll expose you. I'll show the
world what you really are.
LUTHOR
All the while hiding what you
really are. You and Wayne are so
alike. So righteous and so
hypocritical. Both threatening to
reveal the truth about me but when
it comes down to it he hides behind
a mask and you behind a symbol.
It's pathetic. And you think you
can come here and intimidate me?
You arrogant alien bastard.
Superman doesn't respond.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
And it's that arrogance that makes
you weak. You float there with all
your power but do you even know how
you do it? You were given these
gifts, you didn't do anything to
earn them and you use them like a
child would use a gun.
SUPERMAN
Bold words for a man who prefers
someone else's finger on the
trigger.
117.
LUTHOR
Well we all can't shoot fire from
our eyes.
(takes a gulp from his
drink)
I think you should float away now.
Luthor turns his back on Superman.
SUPERMAN
You won't win.
LUTHOR
I already have. The problem with
you is that you are so assured that
nothing I can do can hurt you. Yet
you surround yourself with people I
can hurt.
(he turns to face
Superman)
Like Lois Lane.
Superman's face betrays his EMOTION. The THREAT has made him
ANGRY.
LUTHOR(CON'T)
Maybe I'll treat myself and buy the
Planet. Change things around a
little. By the time I'm done Lois
Lane will by licking my boot heels
just to cover a little league game.
Superman LUNGES and GRABS Luthor by the THROAT.
SUPERMAN
(angry)
If you go near Lois Lane I'll...
LUTHOR
(strained)
You'll what kill me? Go ahead. Show
the world what you really are. Even
then I'll still win.
Superman eases his GRIP on Luthor's throat. He TOSSES him
back into the Penthouse
Superman regains his COMPOSURE.
SUPERMAN
(composed)
You say I hide behind a symbol.
What really makes you angry is that
you can't see what lies behind the
symbol. But I can see you for what
you really are.
Luthor HOLDS his throat and COUGHS.
118.
SUPERMAN(CON'T)
Behind the money and the suits,
behind LexCorp there is nothing but
a terrified little street thug.
Frightened of what he can't
understand.
LUTHOR
(angry)
I understand you perfectly.
SUPERMAN
I'm not talking about me. I'm
talking about a soul. In the end
I'm more human than you'll ever be.
Superman turns and FLIES away.
Lex is LIVID. He stands and RUNS out onto the balcony.
LUTHOR
(shouting, angry)
You've made your last mistake! This
City is mine! It's people are mine!
I'm going to show them all you're
nothing! I'm going to take
everything from you!
(whispers)
Even your soul.
INT. BEDROOM, LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT
Lois is asleep on her bed. She awakes to see Superman at her
window.
She JUMPS out of bed and HUGS him.
LOIS
Where have you been?
(sees his wounds,
shocked)
Oh my god what happened?
SUPERMAN
It's okay. I'm fine.
LOIS
Your face?
SUPERMAN
Will heal. I just need to rest.
LOIS
And the Batman?
SUPERMAN
He'll be just as sore as I am in
the morning.
(MORE)
119.
SUPERMAN (cont'd)
(falls on her bed)
I just need to rest.
Lois sits beside him and places her hand on his forehead as
he falls ASLEEP.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP PLAZA -- NIGHT
Luthor SITS on his DESK in the DARK.
IMAGES of Superman FLICKER ACROSS the Monitors.
ANGRY, he JUMPS up and SHATTERS ONE of the Monitors.
INT. BATHROOM, PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Luthor SPLASHES water on his face and STARES at his
REFLECTION in the MIRROR with a MANIACAL look in his eyes.
He GRABS and ELECTRIC RAZOR and begins to SHAVE his HEAD.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP PLAZA -- NIGHT
Mercy steps out of the ELEVATOR and is SHOCKED to see Luthor
SHAVEN HEADED and SHIRTLESS, revealing his TATTOOED BODY,
sitting on his Desk.
MERCY
(concerned)
What's wrong?
LUTHOR
(calm)
Nothing. I just don't feel like
hiding who I am anymore.
MERCY
(unsure)
Are you ok?
LUTHOR
I'm better than Ok Mercy.
(beat)
At dawn I kill a god.
EXT. BARN, METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS -- MORNING
Several BLACK CARS pull up outside the INCONSPICUOUS BARN.
Out of the Cars emerge SEVERAL GOVERNMENT and MILITARY
OFFICIALS including Swanwick, Stone, Stewart and General
Candy.
CANDY
(to Swanwick)
Good to see you.
120.
SWANWICK
You too Sir.
CANDY
(gestures to Silas and
Stewart)
You must have pulled a few strings
to get those two here?
SWANWICK
Their my advisors.
CANDY
Works for me.
(Candy looks around)
Where's Waller?
WALLER(O.S)
Here General.
Waller stands by the BARN DOORS.
WALLER(CON'T)
Glad you could make it General
Candy. If you would be so good as
to follow me.
CANDY
(to others)
You heard the lady.
They all follow Waller into the Barn. Where they find that
the floor is SOLID CONCRETE.
WALLER
Welcome to Cadmus.
The FLOOR begins to DESCEND and they find themselves going
down into the Cadmus facility.
INT. AUDITORIUM, PROJECT CADMUS -- LATER
The OFFICIALS follow Waller into a AUDITORIUM where FEDEROV
waits.
They stand behind a LARGE THICK GLASS WINDOW which separates
them from a LARGE ROOM with CONCRETE WALLS and two LARGE
REINFORCED STEEL DOORS.
Silas reaches out his hand to Federov.
SILAS
Dr. Federov. I've read your work.
It's quite an honor to finally meet
you.
Federov AWKWARDLY shakes Silas' hand.
121.
FEDEROV
Thank you.
WALLER
You'll have to excuse Dr. Federov
what he lacks in social skills he
more than makes up for in genius.
SILAS
(to Waller)
I'm sure. I'm very interested in
seeing the results of your project
Waller.
CANDY
As am I.
WALLER
I promise you General. What you see
here today will make Superman look
like a one of your grunts.
(to Stewart)
No offense.
STEWART
None taken.
Federov nods to Waller.
WALLER
If you'll take your seats we shall
begin.
The Officials take their seats as Federov OPERATES his
Tablet.
The Steel Doors OPEN and a LARGE STEEL CAPSULE is WHEELED
into the room by TWO TECHNICIANS.
FEDEROV
Allow me to present the Ultimate.
Federov ACTIVATES the Capsule. It OPENS to reveal THE
ULTIMATE.
The Creature's BODY is CONCEALED in a GREEN CONTAINMENT SUIT
with TWO RED EYES.
CANDY
What is it?
FEDEROV
It's a being of my design. Cloned
from cells derived from an alien
specimen.
122.
SILAS
Kryptonian DNA is complex. How did
you bridge the gaps between
sequences.
FEDEROV
We used DNA from compatible
specimens?
SILAS
Human?
FEDEROV
In a manner of speaking.
Silas is intrigued by Federov's answer.
CANDY
What's with the suit?
FEDEROV
Kryptonian abilities is dependent
upon absorption of solar energy.
We've enhanced that.
CANDY
Which means?
FEDEROV
We've made it stronger. The suit
regulates how much the Ultimate
absorbs.
CANDY
Stronger's good.
WALLER
(to Federov)
I'm sure General Candy would
appreciate a demonstration.
Federov nods.
He operates the Controls and the Ultimate STEPS out of the
Capsule.
It STOMPS over to the Concrete wall.
STEWART
You're controlling it?
FEDEROV
The Ultimate has been pre
programmed to follow our commands.
WALLER
Totally obedient. Completely under
our control.
123.
CANDY
(amused)
Already better than the Superman.
WALLER
You haven't seen anything yet.
(to Federov)
Sasha.
Federov commands the Ultimate.
The Creature PUNCHES through the CONCRETE WALL.
WALLER
That's ten feet of solid concrete
General.
Candy is IMPRESSED.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Luthor watches the Ultimate's demonstration on his Computer
Monitors.
Mercy stands behind him.
INT. AUDITORIUM, PROJECT CADMUS -- CONTINUOUS
The Ultimate REMOVES its FIST from the wall and stands in
front of the WINDOW.
CANDY
(to Waller)
Well Amanda. I'm impressed.
WALLER
Thank you general.
CANDY
When can we expect to have this guy
out on the front lines?
WALLER
There are still a few more tests
but I'm confident once President
Nelson gives the go ahead we can
have the Ultimate in the field
within the year.
CANDY
You have my vote. I'll support the
Project.
Several of the other Officials CONCUR with General Candy.
CANDY(CON'T)
Big Blue won't be a problem
anymore.
124.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Luthor fingers GLIDE over the KEYBOARD as he uploads NEW
PROGRAMMING into the Ultimate's BRAIN.
His hand hovers over the Keyboard.
A WICKED SMILE creeps across his face.
He EXECUTES the PROGRAM.
INT. AUDITORIUM, PROJECT CADMUS -- CONTINUOUS
The Ultimate STANDS straight.
FLASH:
IMAGES FLASH through the Ultimate's mind -- SUPERMAN'S
SYMBOL -- METROPOLIS -- FEDEROV.
FLASH:
The Ultimate walks toward the WINDOW.
ULTIMATE
(growls)
FDDDDD... RRRRRR... VVVV!!!
STEWART
(concerned)
What's it doing?
Waller and Federov turn.
Federov tries to control the Creature but to NO AVAIL.
WALLER
(to Federov)
What's wrong?
FEDEROV
(frantic)
It's not responding to commands.
The Ultimate PUNCHES through the GLASS and GRABS Federov by
the HEAD and PULLS him back through the WINDOW.
Waller and the others back away from the Window and towards
the EXIT.
The Ultimate TOSSES the LIMP DEAD BODY of Federov ASIDE and
proceeds to SMASH his way through the Window.
INT. CORRIDOR, PROJECT CADMUS -- CONTINUOUS
The Officials FLEE the AUDITORIUM.
The Ultimate SMASHES through the WALL and ROARS.
125.
Stewart DRAGS Silas down the CORRIDOR as the Ultimate
SMASHES through another wall.
Waller watches as the Creature SMASHES it's way through the
Complex.
EXT. BARN ENTRANCE, PROJECT CADMUS, METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS --
CONTINUOUS
The Rural outskirts are QUIET and SERENE. A FAINT SOUND of
POUNDING can be heard.
The sound gets LOUDER and LOUDER until the ground begins to
SHAKE and CRACK.
BOOM! The Ultimate has PUNCHED it's way to the surface. It's
Containment Suit is TORN and SHREDDED. It's GREY skin and
BONE LIKE PROTRUSIONS are visible.
It looks to the SUN which is BLAZING overhead.
It CELLS start to ABSORB the SOLAR ENERGY and it ROARS.
It covers its EARS in an attempt to BLOCK the SOUNDS which
are AMPLIFIED by its ENHANCED KRYPTONIAN SENSES.
It FOCUSES on the SOURCE of it's PAIN... METROPOLIS
ULTIMATE
MMMRRR... TRRRRP... LSSSS!!!
A BIRD flies past and the Ultimate GRABS it from the AIR and
CRUSHES it.
It ROARS again and JUMPS HIGH through the air in the
direction of the City.
INT. BEDROOM, LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT -- MOMENTS LATER
Clark's eyes SNAP OPEN. He can HEAR the Monster COMING.
He gets out of bed and walks to the window.
Lois walks into the room and sees him standing.
LOIS
(concerned)
You should be resting.
CLARK
(worried)
Call the Planet. We need to get
everybody to safety.
LOUIS
Clark?
126.
CLARK
(grave)
Somethings coming.
EXT. METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS -- CONTINUOUS
The Ultimate LANDS and SMASHES through a HOUSE before
JUMPING again.
EXT. DOWNTOWN METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
PEDESTRIANS stop and listen as they hear the sound of HEAVY
IMPACT getting LOUDER and LOUDER.
Boom... Boom... Boom... BOOM!
INT. BEDROOM, LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT -- MOMENTS LATER
Lois looks out of the window. She can hear IMPACT.
Superman, FULLY SUITED, stands behind her.
A ROAR echos throughout the City.
LOIS
(shocked)
What is that!
Clark steps toward the window.
LOIS(CON'T)
You can't go out there Clark you're
still sick.
SUPERMAN
I have to.
LOIS
No. You're too weak.
He puts his hands on her shoulders.
SUPERMAN
Somethings out there and I have to
stop it.
Lois caresses the still NOT FULLY HEALED wounds on his face.
LOIS
(softly)
You were bleeding... I... I
can't...
He kisses her.
A gust of wind BLOWS Lois' hair back as he FLIES out of the
window.
127.
INT.PITCH, METROPOLIS STADIUM -- CONTINUOUS
METROPOLIS UNIVERSITY is FACING OFF against GOTHAM
UNIVERSITY.
Victor stands with his TEAM waiting for the PLAY.
The BALL is TOSSES to Victor who THROWS it ACROSS the PITCH
where it is CAUGHT by his TEAMMATE who RUNS for the TOUCH
DOWN.
The Stadium ERUPTS.
The Ultimate LANDS on the GROUND forming a CRATER right
outside the CITY.
He JUMPS AGAIN directly INTO to the City.
INT. PITCH, METROPOLIS STADIUM -- CONTINUOUS
Both Teams have STOPPED playing.
Like the Spectators they are more concerned with the sound
of IMPACT getting ever CLOSER.
People start to PANIC.
Then BOOM! Parts of the PITCH are THROWN through the air as
the Ultimate SLAMS DOWN into the MIDDLE of the Stadium.
The Spectators SCREAM and PANIC and RUSH toward the EXITS.
The Beast ROARS as it CHARGES the BLEACHERS and BEGINS to
TEAR the Stadium APART.
The Ultimate PUNCHES people aside ATTACKS indiscriminately.
Victor watches as the Creature PURSUES a FAMILY (MOTHER,
FATHER and INFANT SON). The Son TRIPS and FALLS as the
Ultimate closes in on her.
Victor sees this and RUSHES to his aid and with AMAZING
SPEED snatches him up from the ground just as the Creature
SMASHES his FISTS into the ground.
He gives the Child to his Parents.
VICTOR
(to Parents)
Run!
Just as he utters the words the Ultimate PUNCHES him ASIDE.
His body is THROWN through the air and SMASHES AGAINST the
stands then onto the ground.
128.
He GASPS for air. He has suffered TERRIBLE INJURIES, his
BODY is BROKEN.
The Ultimate stands over him and is about to strike a
KILLING BLOW when Superman TACKLES the Monster and PUSHES it
away from Victor.
Victor watches as both Superman and the Ultimate SMASH
through the STADIUM WALLS and out into the street.
He SCREAMS in pain as his TEAMMATES come to his aid.
EXT. METROPOLIS STADIUM, DOWNTOWN METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
The DUST settles and the Ultimate stands and sees a TRUCK
which has come to a HALT in the middle of the street.
The SOUND of the ENGINE is like a JACKHAMMER to the
Creature.
The Creature with speed equal to Superman RUSHES the Truck.
Before the Creature hits it Superman PULLS the DRIVER free
just it time.
The Ultimate SMASHES it REPEATEDLY, completely PULVERIZING
it.
Superman puts the Driver down and he runs to safety.
The Ultimate sees the Man of Steel and focuses on the HOPE
symbol on his chest.
FLASH:
The IMAGES Luthor uploaded FLASH through the Ultimate's
MIND.
FLASH:
ULTIMATE
(growls)
SSSSSSPPPPP... RRRRRR... MMMMNNN!!!
The Ultimate ROARS as it RECOGNIZES it's ENEMY.
INT. PENTHOUSE, LEXCORP TOWER -- CONTINUOUS
Luthor watches the SATELLITE FEED of the Monster's RAMPAGE
on his Monitors, GRINNING.
The Ultimate ROARS in ANGER as it recognizes it's ENEMY.
EXT. METROPOLIS STADIUM, DOWNTOWN METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman and the Ultimate CHARGE each other. They COLLIDE
and the SHOCKWAVE shatters windows for an ENTIRE CITY BLOCK.
129.
Superman is PROPELLED BACKWARDS through the air and into the
street TEARING up the concrete before he comes to a halt.
Before he can even come to his senses the Ultimate POUNCES
on him and starts BEATING him down into the ground. Each
BLOW shaking the ground like an EARTHQUAKE.
Superman catches the Ultimate's arms by the WRISTS and flies
upward STRUGGLING with the Creature which CLAWS and KICKS
him as they HURTLE through the air.
INT. DIANA'S LOFT, THEMYSCIRIAN EMBASSY -- CONTINUOUS
Diana watches Superman and the Ultimate CAREEN through the
air from her WINDOW
She looks toward her ARMOR ALTER.
INT. CENTENNIAL PARK -- CONTINUOUS
Superman aims toward Centennial Park and they both CRASH
down into the PARK'S LAKE.
There is a momentary calm before Superman ERUPTS from the
water and CAREENS through the air and SMASHES into a
SKYSCRAPER before falling to the streets below.
He SLAMS into the ground and the street CRUMBLES beneath
him.
The Ultimate EMERGES from the Lake and STOMPS his way toward
the POPULATED CITY BLOCKS.
EXT. LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT BUILDING, METROPOLIS --
CONTINUOUS
Lois EXITS her APARTMENT building and out into the street
where PEOPLE are running in PANIC.
She pulls out her Cellphone and makes a call.
INT. BULLPEN, DAILY PLANET OFFICES, LEXCORP PLAZA --
CONTINUOUS
The Office is in CHAOS. Everybody is RUNNING back and forth.
Jimmy makes his way through the INSANITY.
JIMMY
What the hell is going on?
An OFFICE WORKER dashes past.
OFFICE WORKER
(frantic)
It's another attack!
130.
INT. PERRY WHITE'S OFFICE, DAILY PLANET OFFICES, LEXCORP
PLAZA -- CONTINUOUS
Perry's phone RINGS and he SNATCHES it up.
It's Lois.
PERRY
Lane? Are you seeing this?
EXT. LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT BUILDING, METROPOLIS --
CONTINUOUS
LOIS
Perry. You need to evacuate now!
PERRY(O.S)
(over phone)
What's happening?
LOIS
I don't know. But it's bad.
PERRY(O.S)
(over phone)
Where are you?
LOIS
Outside my building.
PERRY(O.S)
(over phone)
Stay there. I'll send someone for
you.
INT. BULLPEN, DAILY PLANET OFFICES, LEXCORP PLAZA --
CONTINUOUS
Perry SWINGS his Office door open.
PERRY
(shouts)
Olsen!
JIMMY
Here Chief.
PERRY
I have a job for you.
EXT. CARPARK, DAILY PLANET OFFICES, LEXCORP PLAZA --
CONTINUOUS
Jimmy drives his Car at BREAKNECK SPEED out of the Carpark
and SPEEDS towards Downtown Metropolis.
EXT. STREET, DOWNTOWN METROPOLIS -- CONTINUOUS
Superman CRAWLS from the CRATER.
131.
He's BLEEDING from his mouth. He wipes the BLOOD away.
With his SUPER HEARING he HEARS the FRIGHTENED voices of
Metropolis Citizens.
VOICES(O.S)
(frightened, screaming)
Oh my God!... What is that thing!
Run!... Not again!
The Ultimate's ROARS echo through the City.
Superman stands and takes to the air.
FOUR MILITARY HELICOPTERS fly toward the City.
INT.MILITARY HELICOPTER(MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
Stewart is SUITED up and WIELDS a MACHINE GUN. He speaks to
a SQUAD of MARINES.
STEWART
This thing is big and bad and was
made to go toe to toe with
Superman. We have armor units en
route. We stay behind the big guns
and help civilians if we can.
A YOUNG MARINE raises his hand.
YOUNG MARINE
(scared)
If this thing can take on the
Superman. What can we do?
STEWART
You keep shooting until the thing
drops son.
PILOT
(shouts)
3 minutes!
The Marines LOCK and LOAD.
The Ultimate is DESTROYING everything it can see.
People SCREAM as they flee the Creature's RAMPAGE.
A FAMILY CAR (MOTHER, FATHER, DAUGHTER) comes to a
SCREECHING HALT.
The Monster PICKS UP the Car and THROWS it toward a
building. The Family SCREAM.
132.
Superman appears and CATCHES the vehicle before it can
COLLIDE with the building.
He puts it down safely.
SUPERMAN
Get your family out of here!
The Father SLAMS his foot on the ACCELERATOR and the car
TEARS off.
The Ultimate sees Superman and CHARGES him. They renew their
BATTLE.
EXT. STREET, LOIS LANE'S APARTMENT BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS
Jimmy's Car pulls up beside Lois and he opens the passenger
door.
JIMMY
Get in.
Lois jumps in and shuts the door.
LOIS
I need you to take me...
Jimmy cuts her off.
JIMMY
Downtown. I figured.
Lois is taken aback.
LOIS
Good boy. Now lets go.
Jimmy hits the gas and they drive towards Downtown which has
PLUMES of SMOKE rising from it.
Superman and the Ultimate are LOCKED in COMBAT.
Superman is giving his all. Hitting the Creature as HARD as
he can. But the Ultimate simply SHRUGS off the STRIKES and
RETALIATES. It's blows HURTING Superman MORE and MORE.
BYSTANDERS hide in STORES and APARTMENT BUILDINGS. Some hide
behind CARS and Peek out of ALLEYS.
Several M.C.P.D PATROL CARS arrive at the scene.
Harper and Gardner emerge from their Car.
GARDNER
(shocked)
Holy shit!
133.
HARPER
Ok Kid. The Blue guy's got this.
Lets get these people to safety.
The Ultimate KICKS Superman in the GUT sending him FLYING
towards the Patrol Car.
Harper PUSHES Gardner out of the way.
The Kryptonian SMASHES into it DESTROYING it.
Harper and Gardner watch as the Ultimate RUNS past and SPEAR
TACKLES the Man of Steel.
GARDNER
(matter of fact)
I don't think there's anywhere
that's safe Jim.
Harper stands and PULLS Gardner to his feet.
They both join their fellow Officers and begin to USHER the
Bystanders away from the BATTLE.
INT. JIMMY OLSEN'S CAR (MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
Jimmy HITS the BRAKES as they arrive at the scene of
DESTRUCTION.
Jimmy sees Superman and the Ultimate TRADING BLOWS.
JIMMY
(shocked)
What the hell is that thing?
Louis jumps out of the car. Jimmy grabs his Camera from the
back seat and follows her.
Overhead NEWS STATION HELICOPTERS hover and FILM the scene.
Superman is SLAMMED to the ground. He SWINGS around and
lands a devastating RIGHT CROSS on the Ultimate's JAW.
The Monster STAGGERS backwards then STEADIES itself and HITS
Superman back REPEATEDLY.
With each BLOW Superman is FORCED further back.
INT. BRUCE WAYNE'S STUDY, WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS
Bruce Watches the news footage of Superman's battle with the
Ultimate.
It is clear Superman is LOSING.
The sound of a CANE hitting the floor DRAWS his attention
away from the images on screen.
134.
Behind him stands Alfred, leaning on a CANE. He's WEAK but
RECOVERING.
He is looking at the footage, CONCERNED.
Bruce turns back to the report. His expression one of
DETERMINATION.
Martha is watching the scene on TV, TERRIFIED for her Son.
Stewart and his Troops march through the destruction and
close in on the SUPER POWERED COMBATANTS.
Stewart gestures his Squad to HOLD their position.
He uses his RADIO to contact S.T.A.R Labs.
The Hamilton Room has been turned into a makeshift WAR ROOM.
Silas, looking GRAVE, is standing among the other SCIENTISTS
watching the scene on a HUGE SCREEN.
Swanwick enters the room answers Stewart.
SILAS
(to Swanwick)
We have a direct line to the
Pentagon. Stewart is leading an
assault.
SWANWICK
Patch me through
STEWART(O.S)
General.
SWANWICK
Talk to me soldier.
STEWART(O.S)
We have feet on the ground.
Superman and Waller's pet are
throwing down.
SWANWICK
And?
STEWART(O.S)
(grave)
Waller made good on her promise.
135.
SWANWICK
Hold your position. Artillery is en
route.
Silas gets a CALL on his Cell. He answers. His face TWISTS
into a look of pure HORROR and he hangs up and RUSHES from
the room.
Superman has the Ultimate in a FULL NELSON. He tries to
WRESTLE the Creature to the ground.
The Monster GRABS Superman's arms and with his SUPERIOR
STRENGTH he pulls himself free of the Man of Steel's GRIP
then he grabs the Kryptonian and PILE DRIVES him into the
CONCRETE.
The Creature ROARS in TRIUMPH.
BOOM! An ARTILLERY SHELL EXPLODES against the Monster's
back.
Several TANKS have arrived and are FIRING on the Ultimate.
Stewart and his Troops OPEN FIRE.
The BARRAGE of FIRE POWER is RELENTLESS. SMOKE and FIRE
obscure the Creatures shape.
The Tank's and the Soldiers DEPLETE their AMMO and CEASE
FIRE.
There is an EERIE CALM as the DUST settles.
Stewart LOWERS his Weapon and SQUINTS as a SHAPE emerges
from the SMOKE.
The Ultimate is COMPLETELY UNHARMED. Only the UPPER SECTION
of it's Containment Suit has been TORN AWAY revealing it's
MUSCULAR GREY FRAME which is COVERED in SHARP SHARDS of
BONE.
STEWART
(worried)
We're going to need a bigger gun.
The Ultimate ROARS and ATTACKS the Tanks RIPPING them to
SHREDS.
The Marines DIVE to COVER as the Monster SWINGS a TANK by
it's CANNON through a building sending GLASS and CONCRETE
flying.
Superman RAISES up from the ground. He's WEAK and BLEEDING.
He charges the Ultimate and THROWS PUNCH after PUNCH. His
STRIKES appear FUTILE against the Monster who FIGHTS back.
136.
Mercy watches the CHAOS play out.
MERCY
(concerned)
Are you sure this is going to work?
LUTHOR
Of course. It kills Superman. We
kill it. The world knows who it's
true hero is.
(smiles)
It's only a matter of time.
INT. DEMOLISHED STORE FRONT -- CONTINUOUS
Stewart DUCKS into a DEMOLISHED STORE FRONT where he finds
Gardner and Harper are also taking cover.
The Cop's and Soldier STARE at each other for a moment.
STEWART
You need to radio ahead and have
your guys evacuate as many people
as possible and set up a perimeter
for at least five city blocks.
HARPER
I think pretty much everybody for
ten blocks has hightailed it out of
here.
(looks at Gardner)
Well the smart ones anyway.
STEWART
I should hope so. It's going to get
pretty hot down here.
Stewart peeks out to see the battle RAGING outside. A RING
hangs from a CHAIN around his neck. The Ring is GREEN and is
ADORNED with a LANTERN SYMBOL.
Gardner sees the Ring.
GARDNER
Nice ring.
EXT. SKY, METROPOLIS OUTSKIRTS -- CONTINUOUS
TWO F-16 FIGHTER JETS are CLOSING in on Metropolis.
INT. F-16 (MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
F-16 PILOT
We are coming in hot. Repeat we are
coming in hot.
137.
The Fighter Jets pass over the scene of DESTRUCTION and FIRE
their MISSILES on the Ultimate and Superman.
The Missiles EXPLODE. Superman is THROWN through the air but
the Ultimate ROARS in ANGER.
It watches as the Jets come in for another pass.
As they near the Creature JUMPS into the air and GRABS one
of the Jets by the NOSE and SWINGS it at the other. Both
Jets explode in a BALL OF FLAME as the Ultimate SLAMS DOWN
to the STREET below.
Superman is DISTRESSED as he watches the JET WRECKAGE falls
from the sky.
He GRITS his TEETH and WITH SUPER SPEED attacks the Ultimate
which GRABS him by the THROAT and SMASHES him into the SIDE
of a building.
Superman PUSHES the monster back as he STRUGGLES to free
himself from it's GRIP.
Nearby a DISTRAUGHT Lois watches as Jimmy FILMS.
JIMMY
(in awe)
It's like Doomsday is here.
Superman is being BEATEN down in front of Lois' eyes.
LOIS
(pleading)
Please Clark! Don't do this!
Swanwick is HORRIFIED as he watches the Satellite feed of
the Jets DESTRUCTION.
Morrow receives a COMMUNICATION from the Pentagon..
MORROW
(to Swanwick)
It's the Pentagon.
SWANWICK
(to Morrow)
On speaker.
(to pentagon)
This is Swanwick.
INT. WAR ROOM, PENTAGON -- CONTINUOUS
A RADAR OPERATOR sits at his MONITOR in the PENTAGONS WAR
ROOM.
138.
RADAR OPERATOR
Sir. We have an Jet closing in fast
on Metropolis air space.
INT. HAMILTON ROOM, S.T.A.R LABS -- NIGHT
SWANWICK
One of ours?
RADAR OPERATOR(O.S)
(over speaker)
I don't think so Sir.
Superman DROPS to his knees. The newly christened DOOMSDAY
KICKS him to the ground.
Superman LIES on his back as the Monster BEATS down on him
with BOTH ARMS.
Superman SPITS up BLOOD with each BLOW.
The Creature RAISES his FISTS to deliver another BLOW.
BOOM! -- A MISSILE EXPLODES against it's CHEST.
Lois and Jimmy look up to the SKY.
FLYING HIGH above the Avenue is a GIANT JET shaped like a
BAT... THE BATWING.
INT. BATWING COCKPIT (MOVING) -- CONTINUOUS
Batman, in his DENTED Battle Armor, operates the Aircraft.
He OPENS FIRE on the Ultimate.
Bullets IMPACT on on DOOMSDAY'S hide but do not PENETRATE.
The Monster ROARS as it's attention is turned away from
Superman and towards the Batwing.
He passes above the Creature and SKIMS over the rooftops and
between buildings.
Batman speaks into the Batwing's RADIO.
BATMAN
I need an overview of the city.
Alfred sits at the computer in the Batcave and watches the
Computer Screen which is a SATELLITE VIEW of Metropolis.
139.
ALFRED
The police and Military have
erected a perimeter for ten square
around.
BATMAN(O.S)
(over radio)
Civilians?
ALFRED
They are evacuating them as we
speak.
BATMAN
(smiles)
Good. No need to play nice.
The Batwing FLIES between the buildings and makes another
pass. He FIRES on all CYLINDERS.
MISSILES and BULLETS STRIKE Doomsday REPEATEDLY.
Superman CRAWLS from beneath the Monster's feet.
The Batwing passes above and Doomsday JUMPS toward it.
The Batwing DODGES the ATTACK and FLIES past and the Monster
PURSUES the Aircraft.
Lois runs toward Superman.
JIMMY
Wait! Lois!
Lois THROWS her arms around Superman.
LOIS
(concerned)
Look what it's done to you!
Jimmy follows Lois and gets his VERY FIRST look at Superman.
And he is SHOCKED.
JIMMY
(in shock)
Clark?
Superman nods at Jimmy.
LOIS
You can barely stand.
JIMMY
You have to hang back that thing is
unstoppable.
140.
LOIS
He's right. You can't do this on
your own.
Superman looks out over the DESTRUCTION Doomsday has
wrought.
SUPERMAN
I have to Lois. Innocent people
could die. I can't let that happen.
(beat)
Not again.
LOIS
(crying)
Clark...
He puts his hand on her cheek and looks into her TEARFUL
eyes.
SUPERMAN
No matter what happens. I love you.
He lets her go and takes to the sky.
Batman maneuvers the Aircraft through the City.
BATMAN
(to ALfred)
What's our status?
Alfred presses keys on the Computer and the Screen ZOOMS in
on Batman's location.
ALFRED
You're staying within the safe zone
but that thing is gaining fast.
Doomsday is RUNNING across ROOFTOPS jumping at the Batwing
attempting to SNATCH it from the air.
The Plane is only NARROWLY escaping his CLUTCHES.
The Monster ATTACKS again but this time is successful and
PUNCHES through the Batwing's RIGHT WING.
The Aircraft SPIRALS out of control.
Batman EJECTS the Plane and FIRES a GRAPPLING HOOK from his
GAUNTLET which EMBEDS itself in the side of a building. He
SWINGS toward the streets BELOW. AS he lands his Heavy Boots
SHATTER the concrete beneath his feet.
141.
A SHADOW falls over him and he looks up.
Doomsday is DESCENDING towards him ready to CRUSH him
BENEATH It's feet.
Superman SMASHES into the Monster and both SMASH into the
side of a nearby building.
After a moment Superman is THROWN back out of the building
and down into the street.
The Man of Steel looks up to see the Dark Knight standing
above him.
Batman reaches out his hand. Superman takes it and gets to
his feet.
Behind them the building CRUMBLES as Doomsday SMASHES his
way out.
The Creature ROARS and CHARGES when suddenly a GOLDEN LASSO
is WRAPPED around it's neck and it's PULLED BACKWARDS.
Holding the other end of the rope is Wonder Woman.
She is dressed in her ARMOR. Her SWORD is strapped to her
side and her SHIELD across her back. Light reflects off her
SILVER GAUNTLETS. Her dark hair FLOWS from beneath her
HELMET and down onto her CHEST PLATE.
She GRITS her teeth and DIGS her heels into the ground as
she PULLS the Monster backwards.
The Lasso GLOWS but has NO EFFECT on the Monster.
Doomsday WRAPS the Rope around it's FOREARM and TURNS on
it's hips SWINGING Diana through the air.
She LOOSENS the Rope from the Creature's throat and
SOMERSAULTS through the air landing CROUCHED beside Superman
and Batman.
She WHIPS the Rope around her body until it's LOOPED and
attached to her belt.
Superman and Batman stare in SHOCK and AWE at Wonder Woman.
Superman STAGGERS.
BATMAN
(concerned)
Kal?
SUPERMAN
Don't worry about me.
Doomsday STARES at it's ENEMIES and FLEXES its MUSCLES and
ROARS.
142.
Superman steps forward. Batman activates his HYDRAULIC
JOINTS. Wonder Woman UNSHEATHES her Sword and RAISES her
shield in front of her.
Side by side they stand together... THE TRINITY.
The Ultimate ATTACKS.
Batman PULLS a GRENADE from his belt and tosses it at the
Creature. It EXPLODES in it's face. Superman lands a BRUTAL
ONE TWO COMBINATION on it's JAW as Wonder Woman SLASHES it's
hide with her Sword.
The Monster GRABS Wonder Woman and SMASHES her into the
ground. It raises its foot to CRUSH her. Before it can STOMP
DOWN Superman TACKLES it.
Doomsday puts Superman in a HEADLOCK and STRIKES his face
before TOSSING him aside.
Batman POUNCES on the Creature's back and JAMS two TASERS
into it's EYE SOCKETS.
The Creature SWATS him aside like a BUG.
Batman SKIDS over the asphalt and into a PARKED CAR.
The Monster shakes it's head and regains is VISION.
Superman and Wonder Woman SIMULTANEOUSLY land PUNCHES on the
Creature's face, TOPPLING it.
The Amazon brings her Sword down towards Doomsday's neck. It
catches the Blade. She PULLS it free and he BACKHANDS her
CLEAR through a building.
Superman ATTACKS again. Landing repeated PUNCHES on
Doomsday's SKULL.
The Man of Steel's KNUCKLES are TORN and BLOODY.
Batman gets to his feet. He's hurt but not bad.
Stewart and his Squad, along with Gardner and Harper,
approach Batman. WEAPONS RAISED.
STEWART
(firmly)
Stand down!
Batman looks at the Soldiers. He DISMISSIVELY shakes his
head and marches in the direction of Doomsday and Superman.
STEWART(CON'T)
Hey Halloween! I'm talking to you!
Wonder Woman LANDS beside them.
Gardner OPENS FIRE.
143.
She DEFLECTS the BULLETS effortlessly with her GAUNTLETS.
WONDER WOMAN
(firmly)
Begone or die here!
STEWART
Hell lady I just got here.
She SWINGS her Sword and DASHES after Batman.
HARPER
(to Gardner)
Will you put that thing away!
Gardner SHRUGS a 'SORRY'.
Doomsday is LAYING INTO Superman now and the Man of Steel is
reaching the end. His Suit is RIPPED to SHREDS and
SPLATTERED with BLOOD. Yet he still FIGHTS on.
Wonder Woman CHARGES it and lays a HAYMAKER across it's jaw
which has MINIMAL effect.
Superman BEAR HUGS the Creature. He PINS it ARMS allowing
Wonder Woman to UNLEASH a SERIES of PUNISHING STRIKES.
Doomsday shrugs them off and JUMPS HIGH INTO THE SKY taking
Superman with him. They FLY above the rooftops before
CRASHING DOWN.
Doomsday is on top of Superman and LIFTS him up by the NECK.
He RUNS Superman through BUILDING after BUILDING before
SMASHING him into A TRUCK, FLIPPING IT.
Superman STRUGGLES to BREAK FREE of it's GRIP.
The Monster GRABS hold of Superman's LEFT FOREARM and
SQUEEZES. There is a HORRIFIC SOUND of SNAPPING BONE.
Superman SCREAMS.
He FIRES his HEAT VISION into the Monster's FACE.
In retaliation Doomsday PUNCHES him CLEAR THROUGH a building
and OUT OF SIGHT.
A SILVER GRENADE drops at Doomsday's feet.
The Monster turns to see Batman standing behind him holding
a DETONATOR in his fist. He PRESSES it.
The Grenade EMITS a SONIC BLAST.
The Ultimate ROARS in PAIN as the it's ears RING with the
SOUND of a HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL.
Stewart and his Squad arrive backed up by a TANK.
144.
BATMAN
(shouts)
Concentrate fire! Drive it back!
Stewart's Soldiers look to their leader.
STEWART
(to Marines)
You heard the man.
The Soldiers OPEN FIRE on the DISORIENTED Monster.
The Tank SHELLS the Creature REPEATEDLY.
Doomsday is in EXTREME PAIN. He sees the SOURCE of his
AGONY.
He STOMPS on the Grenade DESTROYING it.
It SHAKES off the effects and FOCUSES on the Humans.
STEWART
Aw Hell!
BATMAN
(shouting)
Move! Move! Move!
With SUPER SPEED Doomsday PULVERIZES the Tank then FLIPS it
and ATTACKS the Soldiers.
Wonder Woman lands amid the CARNAGE and ENGAGES the
Creature.
She STRIKES and PARRIES and BLOCKS the Monster's attacks
with her SHIELD.
He SLAPS her aside and she SLAMS against the DESTROYED Tank.
She falls to her knees using her Sword to PROP HERSELF UP.
She SPITS BLOOD.
She watches as the Ultimate DECIMATES the Marines and the
surrounding area.
Batman is DRAGS a WOUNDED MARINE to safety behind the OVER
TURNED TRUCK where Stewart is on the radio calling for AID.
Gardner and Harper are SHOOTING at the Creature while
RETREATING.
The Amazon GRITS her teeth, WIPES her chin and DASHES back
into the fray.
Luthor SMILES as he watches his plan unfold.
145.
Behind the Over Turned Truck Stewart is COMFORTING the Young
Marine who lies WOUNDED.
Doomsday has BEATEN Wonder Woman to the GROUND. The Amazon's
Shield is DENTED and BENT.
Lois and Jimmy are PEERING out from behind the CORNER of a
BUILDING.
Doomsday BACK HANDS Wonder Woman CLEAR ACROSS the STREET and
into a wall, KNOCKING HER OUT COLD.
Doomsday, The Ultimate, stands TRIUMPHANT and ROARS.
MEDIA HELICOPTERS hover above the SCENE of DESTRUCTION.
JIMMY
(to Lois)
Where's Clark?
Lois doesn't answer.
INT. LOBBY, RUINED BUILDING -- CONTINUOUS
Superman lies BEATEN and UNCONSCIOUS in the RUINED LOBBY.
MAN(O.S)
Superman?
The Man of Steel's eyes FLICKER open.
Standing above him is an ELDERLY MAN, 70's, who reaches out
his hand to him.
ELDERLY MAN
Let me help you.
SUPERMAN
(softly)
It's ok.
With GREAT EFFORT Superman gets to his feet but STUMBLES and
FALLS to one KNEE.
The Elderly Man HELPS him stand.
Superman looks at the FRAIL Man that is HOLDING him up and
finds UNDERSTANDING.
SUPERMAN
(weak)
Thank you.
The Man of Steel steps out into the STREET and FEELS the
SUNS RAYS on his SKIN.
He CLENCHES his FISTS and FLIES.
146.
Doomsday ROARS as the Helicopters and is about to ATTACK
when a SMALL BLINKING DEVICE attaches to it's SPINE.
It EXPLODES.
The Ultimate turns to see Batman standing out in the open.
Alfred looks AGHAST at the MAGNIFIED SATELLITE IMAGE of
Batman standing ALONE in full VIEW of the Creature.
ALFRED
(concerned)
Master Bruce?
Doomsday FIXES its GAZE on the Batman.
Jimmy looks up in the sky.
JIMMY
(joyful)
Lois look!
Superman LANDS in front of Batman. HURT, his LEFT ARM held
close to his side.
The Monster GROWLS.
Superman steps forward.
Batman GRABS the Kryptonian's shoulder.
BATMAN
You can't beat it.
SUPERMAN
I have to.
BATMAN
You'll die Kal.
SUPERMAN
Clark.
(he turns and smiles at
Batman)
My name is Clark.
He pulls away from Batman and CHARGES the Monster.
They FIGHT.
Each Combatant is giving it their all. NO QUARTER is given.
NO MERCY is shown.
147.
Superman FALLS to ONE KNEE.
Doomsday brings both FISTS down.
Superman GRABS the Monster's WRISTS and with all his
strength PUSHES the Ultimate back.
Superman JUMPS into the AIR and FLIES at SUPER SONIC SPEED
into the SKY and then KICKS Doomsday back to Earth.
He HOVERS as the Creature FREE FALLS towards the City below.
Lois and Jimmy watch as the Monster COLLIDES with the
CONCRETE creating and HUGE CRATER.
Superman HOVERS above the City for a moment.
He closes his eyes and LISTENS.
VOICES(O.S)
Please... What's happening?... What
is that?... I love you... Dad!...
Help!
His eyes OPEN and DESCENDS towards the City, BREAKING the
SOUND BARRIER.
Doomsday RAISES out of the crater and looks up at the
Superman who is BARING down on him.
Superman YELLS as he THROWS a FINAL BLOW.
The Ultimate THROWS it's own KILLING STRIKE.
They COLLIDE with such POWER the IMPACT sends SHOCKWAVES
throughout the city SHATTERING windows for BLOCKS. The
ground SHAKES and the air FILLS with DUST and DEBRIS.
Then SILENCE.
The DUST settles and Louis and Jimmy watch as the Ultimate
STAGGERS out of the crater.
Lois and Jimmy watch in FEAR as the Creature takes a few
STEPS before FALLING to it's KNEES and then to the ground.
Doomsday is DEAD.
Superman's TORN CAPE HANGS on a BROKEN STREET LIGHT.
Lois RUNS toward the Crater where she BREAKS DOWN when she
sees Superman CLINGING to LIFE.
She RUSHES to his side and WRAPS her arms around him.
LOIS
(emotional)
Clark!
148.
SUPERMAN
(strained)
Is it?... Did I...?
Lois CARESSES his BLOODIED and SWOLLEN face.
LOIS
(starts to cry)
You did it. You saved us. You saved
us all.
He SMILES as he DRIFTS AWAY.
LOIS
(crying)
I love you.
Superman DIES in Lois Lane's arms.
INT. HOUSE, KENT FARM -- CONTINUOUS
Martha is on her knees, CRYING uncontrollably.
Wonder Woman STAGGERS toward Batman who stands at the EDGE
of the crater.
Stewart flanked by Gardner and Harper HANG their heads.
High above the Helicopters RECORD the TRAGIC SCENE.
Luthor smiles TURNS OFF his Computer Monitors.
BLACK SCREEN:
FADE IN:
EXT. BACKYARD, KENT FARM -- DAY
LOIS(V.O)
I knew Superman. I knew him not as
a god but as a man.
Martha, crying, stands beside a HOLE that has been DUG in
the GARDEN.
In her hands she HOLDS a SMALL WOODEN BOX.
Lois walks up beside her and puts a STUFFED BEAR in the Box
and EMBRACES Martha.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
A man who strove to protect all of
our lives.
149.
Martha PLACES the Box in the hole. It is FILLED with Clark's
CHILDHOOD POSSESSIONS (A Trophy, Family photographs, etc
etc).
In GRIEF she falls to her knees, SOBBING. Lois SITS beside
her and hugs her TIGHT. They Both CRY.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
And mourned those he was too late
to save.
INT. SENATE HEARING ROOM -- DAY
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
There were those who saw him as an
enemy...
Waller sits at a desk as she is INTERVIEWED by a COMMITTEE
in front of the PRESS.
She looks GRAVE.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE, METROPOLIS -- DAY
Luthor, with Mercy at his side, shakes hands with a
BUSINESSMAN infront of an UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUILDING.
A HUGE BILLBOARD in the background READS: 'BROUGHT TO YOU BY
LEXCORP'.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
... and those who will thrive in a
world without Superman.
EXT. JASON TODD'S GRAVE, WAYNE MANOR -- DAY
Wayne stands with Alfred beside the GRAVE of JASON TODD.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
Some came to know him as an ally...
Alfred notices someone APPROACHING. He PATS Wayne on the
shoulder, smiles and walks away.
Wayne turns to see Grayson who JOINS him beside the Grave.
INT. INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, METROPOLIS HOSPITAL -- NIGHT
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
... others knew him as a friend.
Victor Stone lies on a hospital bed. He is in a COMA and on
LIFE SUPPORT.
Silas sits by his side holding his Son's hand, DEVASTATED.
150.
EXT. CITY HALL, METROPOLIS -- DAY
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
But in the end...
The MAYOR OF METROPOLIS stands on a podium in front of a
THOUSAND CITIZENS who lay FLOWERS and TRIBUTES to the Man of
Steel.
Diana is among the MOURNERS.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
... he stood for us. He fought for
us...
Harper and Gardner stand behind the Mayor in front of a
MONUMENT which is HIDDEN under a LARGE WHITE SHEET.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
... he died for us.
The Mayor gestures the SHEET be REMOVED.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
Because he was one of us.
Gardner and Harper PULL the Sheet AWAY to REVEAL a GIANT
STATUE of Superman. Standing TALL and PROUD in the SUN.
LOIS(V.O)(CON'T)
He was the World's Finest.
The Crowd ERUPTS in CHEERS.
INT. RED ROOM, S.T.A.R LABS -- NIGHT
Superman's Body is housed in a PROTECTIVE GLASS COFFIN. It
is ILLUMINATED by a SINGLE WHITE LIGHT.
Stewart stands beside the Coffin looking down on the fallen
Kryptonian.
The EMERALD RING around his neck begins to GLOW.
He REMOVES the Ring from his neck and PLACES it on his
finger.
He CLENCHES his fist and a GREEN ENERGY is EMITTED from the
Ring. He AIMS it in front of him.
The Energy FORMS into the SHAPE of a MAN, YOUNG but BATTLE
WEARY. This is KYLE RAYNER, member of the GREEN LANTERN
CORPS.
RAYNER
John.
STEWART
Kyle.
151.
RAYNER
What do you have to report?
STEWART
Kal El is dead.
RAYNER
(disappointed)
That's unfortunate. We needed the
Kryptonian.
STEWART
Am I being called back?
RAYNER
No. We need you on Earth. To
organize a defense when the time
comes.
Stewart nods accepting the decision.
RAYNER(CON'T)
Thanagar has fallen. We can't hold
him back any longer.
(turns and walks away)
Uxas is coming.
Rayner FLICKERS and FADES leaving Stewart alone.
STEWART
(whispers)
Darkseid.
EXT. ROOFTOP, WAYNE ENTERPRISES METROPOLIS -- NIGHT
Bruce Wayne and Alfred stand beside a HUGE INACTIVE
SEARCHLIGHT.
In the distance LexCorp Tower can be seen.
Wayne hears the SOUND of soft FOOTFALLS behind him.
He and ALfred turn to see Diana approach.
WAYNE
I wasn't sure you'd come.
She joins them beside the Searchlight.
DIANA
I come here to honor him. He was a
great warrior.
WAYNE
He wasn't a warrior Diana. He was a
hero. In the end he realized what
that meant.
152.
DIANA
And what does it mean?
WAYNE
Being a hero isn't about the lives
you save but what you are willing
to sacrifice to save them. Clark
knew that in the end.
He places his hand on the Searchlight's SWITCH.
DIANA
What are you doing?
WAYNE
I won't let his sacrifice be in
vain. I'm going to let someone know
that he could never break Clark
spirit. I'm going to show him he
didn't win. And that we have hope.
He HITS the switch and the Searchlight ACTIVATES.
Luthor sits at his desk in the dark, ALONE.
Suddenly the room is FILLED with a BRIGHT LIGHT.
He stands and walks to the window and out onto the balcony.
Outside the Searchlight is SHINING on his building.
The IMAGE is of SUPERMAN's SYMBOL: HOPE.
END CREDITS.
153.

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