MEGAMIND
Written by
Alan Schoolcraft & Brent Simons
CREDITS SEQUENCE
NEWSPAPER HEADLINE MONTAGE:
HEADLINES flash before us, displaying their accompanying
photographs.
"UBERMAN - METRO CITY'S HERO AFTER DEFEATING MASTER MIND!
PHOTO: A chiseled, statuesque man wearing the COOLEST SUPER
HERO SUIT IMAGINABLE, COMPLETE WITH FLOWING CAPE, shines a
confident smile at the lens. This is UBERMAN, champion of
METRO CITY.
"UBERMAN DEFEATS MASTER MIND'S GIANT ROBOT!"
PHOTO: Wide-shot of Uberman in mid-flight lifting the GIANT
ROBOT in the sky above the city buildings.
"MASTER MIND ALL WET AFTER UBERMAN FOILS AQUARIUM HEIST!"
PHOTO: Uberman stands knee-deep in water. He has his enemy by
the collar. The villain blocks his face from the shot with a
METALLIC GAUNTLET.
The images start to flash by even quicker, each showing the
MYSTERIOUS VILLAIN in various stages of humiliation. In each
photograph he successfully blocks his face with his armored
glove.
We ZOOM IN to the last headline.
"MASTER MIND BEHIND BARS ONCE AGAIN - THANKS TO UBERMAN!"
PHOTO: Uberman stands in a gallant pose with his fists on his
hips, obviously trying to accentuate the "U" insignia on his
chest.
END OF CREDITS SEQUENCE
EXT. BUILDING - DAY
We DISSOLVE from the photograph to Uberman standing in the
exact same position.
WE PULL BACK showing him atop a BUILDING overlooking the city
below. A perfect view for our guardian hero.
He watches the thriving metropolis, bristling with life as
people happily go about their day.
Yet, we can't help but detect a hint of sadness in Uberman's
expression.
2.
UBERMAN
You look so peaceful from up here.
His serenity is suddenly interrupted by a loud BEEPING SOUND
coming from his wrist.
He looks down at a BRACELET (a manly one) on his right arm.
It's a silver band with a FLASHING red letter "U".
UBERMAN (CONT'D)
Looks like Roxanne's in trouble
again.
Uberman leaps off the building and into the air. His cape
gracefully flows in the breeze behind him as he shoots off
into the distance like a speeding bullet.
EXT. OBSERVATORY HIDEOUT - ESTABLISHING SHOT
Grime and moss decorate the outside of this long abandoned
building overlooking the COAST. Once a place of knowledge and
wonder - now home to a great evil.
INT. OBSERVATORY HIDEOUT - DAY
The inside is in complete contrast to the exterior. The huge
hall with a GIANT TELESCOPE teems with advanced ELECTRONIC
EQUIPMENT. Computers, monitors and machines which do not have
an obvious function FLASH and HUM.
A STEEL DOOR slides open, revealing the subject of our story
MASTER MIND - a villainous sight to behold. His FACE IS
INEXPLICABLY LIGHT BLUE, topped by an OVERSIZED, MUSHROOM-
SHAPED HEAD with a CIRCULAR PATCH OF WHITE HAIR ON TOP.
He's dressed in the kind of costume only a super villain
could pull off: a PURPLE JUMPSUIT AND BLACK BOOT ENSEMBLE
WITH A GIANT GREEN "M" ON THE CHEST. His right hand, hanging
at his side, is a METAL GAUNTLET WITH THREE SHORT SPIKES
PROTRUDING BETWEEN HIS KNUCKLES.
Master Mind begins to survey the room with his TWO
PERMANENTLY ARCHED EYEBROWS.
A man dressed as ALBERT EINSTEIN is busy ranting to two other
men. One, a hulking brute, is dressed as LEONARDO DA VINCI.
The other, a small intellectual-type carrying a clip-board,
is dressed as the philosopher PLATO.
EINSTEIN
I hate the outfits. I mean, I get
it: we're all supposed to be
"masterminds" - very clever.
(MORE)
3.
EINSTEIN(cont'd)
I just feel stupid. I mean, what
the hell did Einstein really do
anyway?
PLATO
Theory of relativity.
Einstein starts feverishly scratching his side.
EINSTEIN
Well, you'd think he'd invent a
wool sweater that didn't itch so
much.
Da Vinci and Plato's eyes suddenly grow with concern as they
see Master Mind walk up behind Einstein.
Einstein notices his colleague's staring over his right
shoulder and turns around.
He turns around and Master Mind SEIZES HIM BY HIS THROAT with
his metal gauntlet.
MASTER MIND
The real Einstein once said, "God
does not play dice with the world."
He was right, because the world is
MY dice. Is that understood?
DA VINCI & PLATO
Sir! Yes, sir!
EINSTEIN
(gasping for air)
Yes, sir.
Master Mind undoes his grip on Einstein's throat.
MASTER MIND
Alright, then - clean slate. Do we
have the girl?
DA VINCI
Yes, sir. She fell into our trap
just like you knew she would.
MASTER MIND
Reporters are a curious lot, and
easily manipulated.
He quickly checks his physique in a GIANT MIRROR, adjusts his
posture and sucks in his gut.
4.
MASTER MIND
Alright, let's not keep the lady
waiting.
MOMENTS LATER
Da Vinci escorts a BLINDFOLDED and bound woman, ROXANNE
RITCHI, to the back of the room where Plato and Einstein are
standing guard over a large BLACK SWIVEL-CHAIR facing away
from us.
She pulls free of Da Vinci's grasp and waits for him to undo
the blindfold.
Her face uncovered, we finally see Roxanne's striking
features - all of which seem overshadowed by piercing eyes
that seem more put off by the situation than afraid of it.
MASTER MIND (O.S.)
Miss Ritchi, we meet again.
The chair turns menacingly slow, finally revealing Master
Mind.
ROXANNE
You didn't need to turn around like
that. I can recognize the stench of
failure.
Master Mind unleashes a wicked laugh.
MASTER MIND
I trust you gentlemen know the very
sassy Roxanne Ritchi, highly
regarded investigative journalist
who some say has a more than
friendly relationship with our
super powered foe Uberman. And Miss
Ritchi, I trust you've already met
my new crew: The Mad Geniuses!
Roxanne gives Einstein a once over.
ROXANNE
Looks like a real group of winners.
At the risk of sounding cliche',
you'll never get away with this.
MASTER MIND
In a way, I already have.
Roxanne unleashes an exhausted SIGH.
5.
ROXANNE
We go through this every time. You
kidnap me to get to Uberman, he
immediately finds your hideout,
escapes whatever lame trap you've
come up with, and takes you and
your cronies to jail. I propose we
just save everybody some heartache
this time by YOU letting me go, and
ME forgetting this whole thing ever
happened?
MASTER MIND
What about my revenge?
ROXANNE
We can say it was wasting
everyone's time.
MASTER MIND
You have a wicked tongue. I hope
you rid yourself of that when
you're my queen.
Roxanne unleashes a snort-filled laugh.
ROXANNE
I'm sorry. What makes you think I
would want to be your queen?
MASTER MIND
Power corrupts absolutely, Miss
Ritchi. And when I have ultimate
power over this city, I have
absolutely every intention of
corrupting you with it.
PLATO
Sir!
Master Mind turns to Plato who's now standing at a computer
terminal.
MASTER MIND
(annoyed)
What is it!?
EXT. OBSERVATORY HIDEOUT - DAY
Uberman flies toward the Observatory like a rocket.
6.
INT. OBSERVATORY HIDEOUT - DAY
Uberman crashes through the wall to the room we were just in.
He looks around, but there's suddenly NOT A SOUL IN SIGHT.
CUT TO:
EXT. MASTER MIND'S HYDROFOIL - DAY
The boat is shooting through the ocean, away from the
observatory.
INT. HYDROFOIL CONTROL ROOM - DAY
Machines, cables and terminals criss-cross the craft's main
bridge. Through the enormous surrounding windows we can see
the observatory shrinking in the distance.
Master Mind watches Uberman on a small TV monitor as the hero
intently searches his hideout.
UBERMAN
(on monitor)
Master Mind!
INT. OBSERVATORY HIDEOUT - DAY
Uberman throws up his arms in frustration when suddenly -
MASTER MIND (O.S.)
Over here, old friend.
He turns to see a FAMILIAR BLUE FACE OF EVIL ON A GIANT
SCREEN.
UBERMAN
What's the matter, miss your old
jail cell?
Uberman starts walking toward the monitor.
MASTER MIND (ON MONITOR)
Actually, I wanted to share the
experience with my oldest friend.
A MECHANIZED CAGE shoots out of the floor, suddenly trapping
Metro City's protector.
Totally unfazed, our hero stares on.
7.
UBERMAN
You can't possibly believe this
will work.
Master Mind pulls out a SMALL BLACK BOX with a SINGLE RED
BUTTON on it.
MASTER MIND (ON MONITOR)
Oh, can't I? I have attained
control of the Earth's most
abundant energy source. I doubt
even you are strong enough to
withstand the FULL CONCENTRATED
POWER OF THE SUN!!!
He presses the button.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
A sinister-looking SATELLITE orbits Earth's atmosphere. Its
bay doors suddenly open, deploying two huge SOLAR PANELS.
The panels shift, angling themselves in the direction of the
sun. They immediately start GLOWING as they absorb the
burning star's power.
The front of the satellite begins to make a loud HUMMING
SOUND as it prepares to unleash its unholy power.
INT. HYDROFOIL CONTROL ROOM - DAY
From the giant window we can see the boat is a good mile from
the observatory.
PLATO
We're now at minimum safe distance,
master.
Master Mind turns from the CAMERA he was broadcasting on and
puts down the control box.
MASTER MIND
Excellent. Stop here, I like this
view.
PLATO
Twenty seconds until impact.
Master Mind turns to Roxanne who is being held by Da Vinci
and Einstein. She almost appears a little bored.
Disappointed by her lack of horror, he walks over to the
monitor now showing Uberman trapped in the cage.
8.
MASTER MIND
Any last words?
Uberman looks up at the screen with a cocky smile.
UBERMAN (ON MONITOR)
Yes: there's no caging the power of
justice.
PLATO
Ten seconds to impact.
On the screen we see Uberman take two of the cage's bars in
his hands. He yanks...NOTHING.
PLATO (CONT'D)
Nine...
Master Mind stares at the monitor, slightly confused.
PLATO (CONT'D)
Eight...
Uberman yanks on the bars again, this time using his foot as
leverage.
MASTER MIND
(genuinely concerned)
What's going on?
UBERMAN
(straining)
Hold...on...a second.
Master Mind looks back at Plato and Einstein. They're equally
befuddled at the hero's sudden weakness.
PLATO
Seven...
Uberman loses his grip and FALLS BACKWARD ON HIS ASS.
UBERMAN
SON OF A BITCH!!
Master Mind and the minions all cringe in unison.
Da Vinci turns to Roxanne not believing his ears.
DA VINCI
What did he just say?
9.
PLATO
Six......Five...
Master Mind begins to laugh.
MASTER MIND
What kind of trick is this?
Uberman looks up at the camera with a very grave expression.
UBERMAN
Like you don't know. These bars are
made of copper, aren't they?
PLATO
Four...
MASTER MIND
Yeah, so?
Uberman tries to shield his grief with his hand.
UBERMAN
You figured out my weakness, damn
you. I CAN'T BEND COPPER!
PLATO
Three...
MASTER MIND
Your weakness is copper?
PLATO
Two...one.
Everyone turns to the window.
EXT. OUTER SPACE
The satellite fires a giant BEAM OF LIGHT toward the earth.
EXT. OBSERVATORY HIDEOUT - DAY
The beam hits the observatory. The building instantly
EXPLODES in a white nova blast of fire.
INT. HYDROFOIL CONTROL ROOM - DAY
The blast is so bright everyone turns away from the window.
Then, as suddenly as it began, the awesome light dies out.
One by one, the passengers unshield their eyes and look out
toward the observatory.
10.
All we can see through the haze of destruction is fire and
smoke.
PLATO
I don't think even he could have
survived that.
Einstein suddenly turns giddy with excitement.
EINSTEIN
Whoa! Is it me or did you just
finally destroy Uberman?
MASTER MIND
(carefully skeptical)
Well...let's not get ahead of
ourselves.
Da Vinci suddenly sees something outside.
DA VINCI
Look, there's something in the sky,
coming this way.
ROXANNE
Uberman!
Master Mind turns toward the window.
An object is in the air, flying directly toward them. As it
closes in we can just make out the FAMILIAR OUTLINE OF A
CAPPED FIGURE.
MASTER MIND
I KNEW IT! PREPARE YOURSELVES! HE'S
GONNA RAM US!!!
Everyone scatters and braces themselves for the impact.
Master Mind, seeing all the good places taken, doesn't know
what to do with himself. He just covers his giant head with
his hands.
The figure CRASHES THROUGH THE WINDOW and lands at his feet.
He looks down to see a CHARRED BLACK HUMAN SKELETON. Around
its neck is the unmistakable black cape of Uberman.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
(horrified)
HOLY SHIT!
11.
Roxanne breaks out of Da Vinci's hold and runs over to the
body.
ROXANNE
Uberman?
She stares down at the still smoking corpse, the tattered
black cape with the yellow "U" on it.
Roxanne turns to Master Mind, who's still visibly dumbfounded
at the grotesque sight before him.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
You killed him!
Roxanne's eyes roll back. Da Vinci catches her from behind as
she FAINTS.
Einstein turns to Master Mind, looking at him as if he's just
walked on water.
EINSTEIN
You did it!
Now that he's committed the impossible - our villain is at a
complete loss.
MASTER MIND
...so I did.
EINSTEIN
I mean, I know you always wanted
to. I mean, all the schemes all the
plots - I never thought you'd
actually be capable of it.
Giddy as a school girl, Einstein turns to his fellow
henchmen.
EINSTEIN
This is history. Every villain and
lackey in the history of villains
and lackeys dream of this moment,
but when does it actually EVER
happen?
A sudden realization comes over his face.
EINSTEIN
Good lord...You do all realize what
we get to do now, don't you?
12.
His question is met with acquisitive looks from Master Mind
and the others.
EINSTEIN
We get to go on a crime wave.
CRIME WAVE MONTAGE - SET TO "Fun Fun Fun" by The Beach Boys.
SPINNING HEADLINE: "UBERMAN'S DEATH IGNITES CITY WIDE CRIME
WAVE!"
ARMORED TRUCK
It's driving along when the men inside suddenly notice
something - THEY'RE FLYING HIGH ABOVE THE CITY STREETS.
We PULL BACK to see the truck being carried by a giant claw
at the bottom of a BRAIN COPTER.
Inside the cockpit Master Mind and his henchmen laugh
maniacally.
SPINNING HEADLINE: "CHAMPION-LESS CITY AT THE MERCY OF
HOOLIGANS."
METRO CITY BANK
Da Vinci and Einstein run out the front of the bank holding
BAGS OF MONEY.
Two beat officers see them and take chase after them around
the corner and into an alley.
After a moment the police reemerge from the alley screaming
and running for their lives as a GIANT ROBOT CHASES after
them.
The robot stops, then suddenly it's head opens up like
convertible car top with Master Mind and Plato at the
driver's wheel.
They smile and shake hands at a bad deed well done.
SPINNING HEADLINE: "MASTER MIND BLACKMAILS METRO!!!"
A VICIOUS TORNADO
It's heading for downtown Metro as Master Mind and the
lackeys coolly look on.
Three large DUMP TRUCKS pull up, filled to the brim with
bricks of CASH.
13.
The DRIVERS jump out as the lackeys take the driver seats in
the three trucks.
Master Mind is about to climb into the passenger seat of one
when a drivers taps him on the shoulder and motions toward
the tornado.
MASTER MIND
(absentmindedly)
Oh, right.
Master Mind pulls a television REMOTE from his pocket and
aims it at approaching windstorm of death.
He presses the button marked "Tornado Off."
The tornado shrinks and disappears just before it hits the
city.
As they drive through the city streets, Master stares out the
window with a hint of something in his eyes. Is it
melancholy?
END OF MONTAGE
EXT. KINGPIN BOWLING - DAY
It's Metro City's premier bowling alley. On top of the neon
lit building is a GIANT 30 FOOT TALL CEMENT BOWLING BALL.
INT. KINGPIN BOWLING - DAY
HAL STEWART (early 30's) takes careful aim with his BOWLING
BALL.
HAL
It's a sport of honor, focus and
grace. Honor the ball, focus on the
pins, release the ball not hard and
fast, but as if you were releasing
a baby dove.
He takes a step, pulls back his arm, and releases the ball,
following it with his eyes.
It's a horrible shot - INSTANT GUTTER BALL.
An aged barmaid type with a cigarette hanging from her mouth
looks over at him.
HAL
Okay, do something like that - but
center it more.
14.
She picks up her custom made FOGHAT BALL and takes aim.
ATTRACTIVE BLOND
Tell me how my form looks, honey.
Hal focuses on the misshapen bumps of her enormous Johnson
administration era derriere.
HAL
Oh, it's lookin' good. It's lookin'
REAL good.
It doesn't get anymore clear. This man is a pig.
VINNIE (O.S.)
Hal, I want to see you in my
office!
Hal turns to see VINNIE, owner of the bowling alley, calling
him.
VINNIE
Now!
INT. KINGPIN BOWLING - VINNIE'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Hal sits down, facing Vinnie who's sitting at his desk.
VINNIE
You're fired. Leave your shirt and
locker key.
This bit of news hits Hal like a freight train.
HAL
Fired? Are you going to tell me
why?
VINNIE
Showing up to work late. Showing up
to work late drunk. Sexually
harassing customers. Stealing from
the register.
HAL
Vinnie, I don't know where you're
getting these accusations -
Vinnie takes out a video tape from his desk drawer and puts
in a VCR.
15.
HAL
Oh, which one do you supposedly
have here?
VINNIE
This is all of them at once.
TELEVISION
A WOMAN walks up to a BOWLING EMPLOYEE and hands him a pair
of shoes.
As the employee turns to the wall of shoes, a very drunk and
disheveled Hal comes running in and pushes him aside.
HAL
I've got this one, Benny. So,
Cinderella. Can I help you find
your glass slipper?
WOMAN
Yeah, I'm looking for a seven.
He folds his arms on the counter and leans into her with a
cat-like grin on his face.
HAL
(with a leer)
Seven - Well, maybe I could
interest you in something in an
EIGHT. Namely, me.
Disgusted, she walks off screen.
HAL
Lesbo.
Suddenly realizing the register's open, he quickly grabs a
stack of cash and shoves it in his pocket.
BACK TO OFFICE
Vinnie turns off the television and waits for Hal to respond.
HAL
From the angle of the camera, I can
see where you might have gotten the
wrong idea. Listen, Vinnie, I don't
think you've thought this through.
If you fire me, who's gonna be
captain of the alley's bowling
team?
16.
VINNIE
Um, I don't know. Maybe somebody
who can actually bowl. You guys
have never won a game. I hired you
because you said you were on the
pro circuit.
HAL
No, I said I WILL BE on the pro
circuit.
VINNIE
Please, a loser like you will never
amount to anything.
This harsh remark seems to leave Hal genuinely stunned.
HAL
Wow...If that's how you feel...I
guess we should then talk about
what kind of severance I'm gonna
get.
EXT. KINGPIN BOWLING - DAY
TWO BRUISERS open the door and throw Hal out onto the street.
He quickly picks himself up and turns back toward the
building.
HAL
Hey...what about my ball?
A bowling ball sails past him, just missing his head.
HAL
Thank-you!
EXT. CHANNEL 7 NEWS BUILDING - DAY
The massive building with a giant 7 on the roof stands in the
heart of Metro City.
INT. CHANNEL 7 NEWS BUILDING - OFFICE - DAY
The cubicles and offices are alive with the hustle and bustle
of a busy news day.
Phones are RINGING, REPORTERS are TALKING, and Editors are
SHOUTING.
The elevator doors open and out steps Roxanne Ritchi.
17.
Everything stops as the entire office suddenly falls SILENT.
Somewhat taken aback by the reaction, Roxanne scans the room
to see every eye on her.
ROXANNE
It's...um...It's good to be back.
Thanks for everyone's cards and
concerns. I really appreciated it -
now I'm ready to climb back on the
horse.
No one is budging - their looks of pity are really starting
to make her uncomfortable.
The back office door suddenly opens and out comes FRANK
BONIN, the gruff, middle-aged Producer of Channel 7 News.
Noticing the silence, he looks up and sees the sad
expressions on everybody's face.
FRANK
Someone die or something?
He suddenly notices Roxanne - both feet are placed firmly in
his mouth.
FRANK
(cursing himself)
Oh, Jesus.
ROXANNE
It's okay.
Frank quickly walks up to Roxanne and takes her gently by the
arm.
FRANK
Come on into my office, sweetie.
INT. CHANNEL 7 NEWS BUILDING - FRANK'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
He sits her down on his leather couch, then quickly turns
toward his door.
FRANK
Can we get this woman some water
for God's sake?
(to Rebecca)
I gave you two months off. What're
you doing back? People are gonna
think I'm a slave driver.
18.
ROXANNE
Aren't you?
FRANK
Yeah, but I don't want people to
think it.
ROXANNE
Frank, listen. I want to go back to
work. I NEED to go back to work.
FRANK
...You're hysterical, aren't you?
Frank sits down on the couch and blankets Roxanne with A WARM
EMBRACE.
ROXANNE
What're you doing?
FRANK
Keeping you warm before you go into
shock.
(toward the open door)
DO I HAVE SLICE OPEN A CAMEL HUMP
TO GET A GLASS OF WATER AROUND
HERE?
A SECRETARY quickly enters with a bottled water. She sets it
on the table in front of them and leaves.
Roxanne pulls herself out of Frank's grasp and stands up to
face him.
ROXANNE
It was a traumatic experience. Yes,
everyone knows Uberman and me
were...close. But what I really
need - what would really make me
better is getting back to work.
There's a sudden awkward silence from Frank.
FRANK
Well, that's going to be...
ROXANNE
I thought you'd be happy to have me
back.
19.
FRANK
Oh, we are. Honey, nothing makes us
happier than to have our girl back,
but...
ROXANNE
Yes?
FRANK
Things have sorta...changed.
ROXANNE
In three weeks?
FRANK
Listen, I'm not one who likes to
open up wounds - especially ones
that are just starting to scab, but
you were sorta our go to girl for
the exclusive on Uberman. And now
that he's gone...I moved Brad into
your anchor spot.
ROXANNE
(disgusted)
Brad? Brad Helms? The man is an
idiot.
FRANK
It's the suits. They think it's
time to switch things up.
ROXANNE
Oh, because they can't use me to
get the big story.
FRANK
C'mon, Roxie. Using is in the
nature of what we do. They used
you, you used Uberman. Everybody's
happy.
ROXANNE
(defensive)
I didn't use him.
FRANK
Oh, I didn't mean that. I know you
two were in love or something. My
bad.
ROXANNE
We were.
20.
FRANK
And that's great.
ROXANNE
Very in love.
There's a hind of self-doubt in Roxanne's expression, as if
she's failed to convince even herself of this.
ROXANNE
Okay. So, where are they going to
move me if Brad has my spot?
FRANK
...Human interest.
ROXANNE
Bake sales and pet stories.
FRANK
I told them I wouldn't be surprised
if you just upped and quit. You
busted your ass for that desk.
Roxanne can hardly get it out - she's busy swallowing her
pride
ROXANNE
I'll take it.
Frank looks up at her, not believing what he's hearing.
FRANK
What?
EXT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - NIGHT
Amongst the jungle of high rises, one small building stands
out from the rest - A tiny, forgotten piece of 19th century
Gothic architecture.
LIGHTENING FLASHES, revealing TWO CONCRETE GARGOYLES holding
a cracked plaque, reading: METRO CITY LIBRARY.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - NIGHT
A mixture of old and new. Dusty Victorian furniture and
dilapidated bookshelves sit side by side with pristinely
futuristic machinery.
The building has been converted into Master Mind's new SECRET
LAIR.
21.
In the center of the main room is a three storey tall GLOWING
BLUE ORB. At the base of it is a sign that reads "Reactor -
Don't Touch."
We PAN OVER to the READING ROOM where Master Mind is sitting
on a couch watching TELEVISION.
REPORTER ON TELEVISION (O.S.)
It's been nearly six weeks, and
still no word on the whereabouts of
billionaire playboy, and
philanthropist, Wayne Scott. Tune
in at 11:00 as we look into what
has become Metro City's biggest
mystery.
TELEVISION NARRATOR (O.S.)
We now return to "The Hero of our
Hearts: The Uberman story."
Einstein and Plato come into the room holding a BAG OF LOOT.
EINSTEIN
Just robbed the diamond exchange.
MASTER MIND
(feigning pleasure)
Great, great. Put it on the pile.
Einstein tosses it on a LARGE PILE of purloined valuables in
the corner of the room.
EINSTEIN
Anything else today?
MASTER MIND
No.
Master Mind turns his attention back to the screen. Plato
sees that Master Mind is in a funk and tries to snap him out
of it.
PLATO
(cheerfully)
Sir, the new reactor is installed.
Plato nods to the giant orb.
PLATO
Do you want to throw the switch? I
know how you love to start
reactors.
22.
MASTER MIND
Maybe later.
Einstein gives Master Mind a funny look then exchanges
glances with Plato before leaving the two of them alone.
Without turning away from the TV, Master Mind addresses
Plato.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
What is it, Plato?
PLATO
(nervously)
Sir, I can't help but notice that
you've been...a little down lately.
MASTER MIND
When I want your opinion I'll beat
it out of you.
PLATO
Yes, sir, I know, but please
forgive my impertinence. It's just
that you seem to have lost your
lust for our profession. You've
stopped going on jobs and spend
most of your time watching Uberman
specials.
Master Mind relaxes slightly and turns to face the window in
a classically contemplative pose. After an overdramatic
beat...
MASTER MIND
I have defeated my greatest enemy.
I have free reign over Metro City.
I have more wealth than a thousand
Sultans. I've achieved all I have
worked for...so why am I so
unhappy?
He walks over to a PAINTED PORTRAIT that looks almost exactly
like him, except slightly older, maybe meaner - MASTER MIND'S
FATHER.
MASTER MIND
I mean, my father, god rest his
evil and tormented soul, raised me
straight from the test tube to be a
symbol of evil.
(MORE)
23.
MASTER MIND(cont'd)
And, I have accomplished something
he had only dreamed about - the
destruction of Metro City's
champion. I tell you, I've always
lived with this unquenchable
thirst. I thought it was to make
him proud or to get absolute power.
But now that I've pretty much
accomplished both, I am at a loss.
PLATO
...I sort of have a theory about
all that.
MASTER MIND
(snippy)
Oh, really?
PLATO
Well, for one thing, maybe Uberman
was more important to you than you
thought.
MASTER MIND
He was a worthy rival. Sometimes I
wonder, did he consider me his evil
equal or was I just an annoying,
little gnat to him? ...What's the
second part?
PLATO
I think you sort of have a thing
for Roxanne Ritchi.
Master Mind quickly takes his lackey by the throat.
MASTER MIND
YOU WORM! HOW DARE YOU! WHERE WOULD
YOU GET SUCH A NOTION?
PLATO
Sir, your plans always involve Ms.
Ritchi either being kidnapped or
placed in danger. If that's not
love, I don't know what is. It's
the grown up equivalent of dipping
her pigtails in the ink well. Don't
you see? She's the one treasure
that's always escaped you.
From Master Mind's expression, we see Plato's words beginning
to ring true.
24.
INT. RESTURAUNT - DAY
Roxanne is having lunch with several girlfriends sitting
around her, gabbing.
FRIEND #1
I can't believe you came back so
soon.
FRIEND #2
Are you sure it's not TOO SOON,
honey?
ROXANNE
I just wanted to get back to work.
FRIEND #3
What we need to do is get you back
on the saddle...the love saddle.
Friend 1 and 2 give 3 disapproving looks.
FRIEND #3
It's been three weeks.
FRIEND #2
She just lost the love of her life,
Grace.
A WAITER comes by with a tray of CAESAR SALADS and begins
setting them out for the ladies.
ROXANNE
I keep trying to tell people it
wasn't really like that. Uberman
and I - We were kinda having
problems. We broke up.
The waiter ALMOST DROPS HIS TRAY AT THIS. The women are too
shocked by Roxanne's revelation to notice.
FRIEND #1
You broke up with Uberman!
FRIEND #3
You must have REALLY, REALLY high
standards. I mean, you were dating
a god. I mean, what's it take?
ROXANNE
Maybe someone who's a little more
aware of his faults. Someone a
little more sensitive.
25.
FRIEND #3
Right. Someone who listens, sexy
but attainable with cute little
cheeks like a hamster and
heartbreak in his eyes.
She turns to Friend one and two to explain.
FRIEND #3
She wants John Cusack.
FRIEND #2
The actor?
FRIEND #3
No, the famous pediatrist - Yes,
the actor. Ever since we were
teenagers, Roxanne's totally had
the hots for him.
ROXANNE
Well, until he miraculously comes
walking into my life, I'm just
going to take a little reflection
time for myself.
The waiter gets a confused look on his face then slips away
as Roxanne and her friends continue to chat away.
EXT. RESTURAUNT - DAY
The waiter tosses his apron in a trash can, then rolls up his
sleeve and presses A STRANGE LOOKING DEVICE STRAPPED TO HIS
WRIST.
His image gets staticy, like a TV station going out, then
disappears - revealing the man's true form underneath: MASTER
MIND!
MASTER MIND
Who the hell is John Cusack?
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
A YOUNG MOTHER pushes her baby stroller past a building
construction site.
ACROSS THE STREET
A local POLITICIAN addresses a group of REPORTERS on the
sidewalk, including Roxanne.
26.
POLITICIAN
The Fifth Avenue Renovation
Project, which I championed, will
breath new life into the downtown
area. New life means new jobs and
new revenue.
ROXANNE
Councilman, is it true that your
brother-in-law's construction
company won the contract for this
project?
POLITICIAN
Well...er...yes, but...look I'm not
here to answer a lot of crazy
questions...
YOUNG MOTHER
The young mother stops halfway down the block, reaches into
the stroller and tries to comfort her now crying baby.
Above her, a CRANE is maneuvering a pile of STEEL GIRDERS to
an upper floor.
Hal comes around the corner and heads in her direction.
CRANE
The crane GRINDS TO A HALT. The OPERATOR has a confused look
on his face as he moves levers back and forth in an effort to
fix the problem.
Hal stops a few feet from the woman and stoops down to tie
his shoe.
CRANE
The operator's hand slips off the lever, hitting a RED
BUTTON. To his horror the crane DROPS ITS LOAD OF STEEL.
HAL AND THE WOMAN
The woman looks up to see the girders seconds from crushing
her and her baby. She screams.
Hal looks up and sees it as well. He starts to run out of the
way and crashes into the woman and stroller.
ACROSS THE STREET
27.
The reporters turns their cameras just in time to catch on
film what appears to be Hal pushing the woman to safety just
as the GIRDERS CRASH TO THE GROUND.
HAL AND MOTHER
Tears of joy in her eyes, the woman picks up her baby and
kisses it.
Hal struggles to catch his breath as the mother turns to him.
YOUNG MOTHER
Thank you! Thank you for saving me
and my baby!
She hugs him with her free arm, weeping with joy.
HAL
(not knowing what she's
talking about)
Huh?
He's a little uncomfortable with the woman's public display
of affection and the small child in-between their embrace.
HAL (CONT'D)
There, there.
Hal slowly eases out of the woman's grip.
HAL (CONT'D)
Okay, we better...well, I hear
these little guys smother easy.
The reporters rush over and surround Hal and the mother.
ROXANNE
What's it feel like to be a hero?
Hal looks up at Roxanne. Instantly, he's captivated by her
beauty.
HAL
Well...I'm just a man doing what
men do. You're Roxanne Ritchi,
aren't you?
They're suddenly interrupted when another reporter pushes his
way in between them.
REPORTER
Were you scared?
28.
HAL
Scared? Who had time?
The reporters eat this up.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - NIGHT
TELEVISION
John Cusack stands in the rain looking up at a window of a
two story house. He holds up a BOOMBOX and "In Your Eyes" by
Peter Gabriel begins to play.
From the couch, Master Mind and his minions watch.
MASTER MIND
John Cusack, huh? So all I have to
do is have a cute puppy dog stare,
be willing to make a fool of myself
and - Oh, REMOVE BOTH MY BALLS.
He turns to see Da Vinci watching the movie and wiping a tear
from his cheek.
MASTER MIND
Please, get a hold of yourself.
INT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT
Roxanne is carrying a large paper coffee cup in her hands as
she peruses the isles. She sets it down on a shelf to pull a
book out and ends up KNOCKING THE DRINK OVER.
ROXANNE
Shit.
She goes to pick it up when someone bends down and picks it
up for her.
Looking up to thank him, Roxanne is suddenly stunned
speechless - It's popular and critically acclaimed actor JOHN
CUSACK, or rather Master Mind disguised as him.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Oh the humanity - it was a Venti.
ROXANNE
(stunned)
You're...you're.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Yes, it's me. John Cusack...the
actor.
29.
He notices the book she's reading.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Hey, is that Shelly? Wait, I think
remember something from that one -
Let's see: "My head is screaming `I
want you and need you' - my heart
it keeps reaching to see you and
feel you - yet in the end, I'm
alone once again." Wow, I scare
even myself. I'm sorry. I'm just
really into poetry. Probably
because I'm so sensitive and always
going to great lengths to express
myself. But enough about me. Can I
fill you up?
ROXANNE
(captivated)
...Yes.
(catching herself)
I mean, excuse me?
"JOHN CUSACK"
Can I fill you up? Your coffee.
ROXANNE
Right.
INT. BOOKSTORE CAFE' - LATER
Roxanne talks as John Cusack listens to her every word
intently.
ROXANNE
I did have a boyfriend - until
fairly recently.
She suddenly begins to feel the stares around her as passers-
by being to notice who she's with.
ROXANNE
I'm sorry - this is so surreal!
"JOHN CUSACK"
Yeah, they charge way too much at
these places - Now back to your
boyfriend. I'm interested and
compassionate. I want to know about
you.
30.
ROXANNE
Things were complicated. He was a
man married to his work. There
was...there was a lot of
competition in his line of
business. I'm sure you know what
that's like.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Sure. In my business, one thing I
have is RIVALS. For example, mine
is...uh...Lou Ferr...igno.
ROXANNE
...The body-builder who used to
play The Hulk on TV?
"JOHN CUSACK"
Did he? Well, we're always up for
the same roles. Did your boyfriend
have someone like that? A
particular rival that was always
getting his goat - so to speak?
ROXANNE
Well...one rival in particular
seemed to get more of his attention
than I ever did. But enough about
my problems.
"JOHN CUSACK"
NO, TELL ME MORE!!!
Suddenly realizing his outburst, he begins COUGHING to mask
it.
"JOHN CUSACK" (CONT'D)
I'm sorry. I got a whooping cough.
Had it ever since Serendipity. I
WONDER WHERE OUR REFILLS ARE!!!
(fakes cough) See, there it goes
again. Please, go on.
ROXANNE
Right, well, he seemed to need him
more than he needed me.
"JOHN CUSACK"
How do you mean?
31.
ROXANNE
It was conflict he thrived on. He
always said he wouldn't know what
to do with himself if Master - I
mean, this guy were gone. It was
like he needed it, like oxygen.
The answer to his mental funk hits him like a bolt of
lightening. He turns away from her as if for private time.
"JOHN CUSACK"
(almost to himself)
I think I finally understand...The
only logical answer is to recreate
that rivalry - or if that's
impossible, create one of equal
structure. That's it!
ROXANNE
What?
John Cusack snaps out of his dream-like haze realizing she's
heard every word.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Oh, sorry, sorry. Just rehearsing
for a part...where I play a man who
talks to himself at inappropriate
times.
In a sudden rush, he rises out of his chair.
"JOHN CUSACK"
I have to go right now, but I'd
really like to see you again - if
that's alright.
Roxanne looks up at him - She can't help but laugh at the
craziness of the situation.
ROXANNE
I'd love that.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - DAY
Master storms in the office to find Plato and Einstein
playing darts with the original Mona Lisa.
EINSTEIN
Got her nose!
MASTER MIND
I've got it!
32.
Everyone stops what they're doing upon seeing that their
master has returned.
MASTER MIND
I've got it!
MASTER MIND
It's plain and simple.
Extraordinary minds need
extraordinary stimulation. Without
that stimulus they wither and die.
Therefore, there is only one
logical conclusion: I must create a
new superhero.
EINSTEIN
Yeah, maybe that's not such hot
idea...
MASTER MIND
(ignoring him)
Prepare for Operation Superhero
Genesis!
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - LABORATORY - DAY
The lab is slick, white and ultra modern.
Dressed in a lab coat, Master Mind enters through a SLIDING
GLASS DOOR rubbing his hands excitedly.
MASTER MIND
Prepare the subject.
He glances down into a large HOLE in the floor to see a naked
thirty year old man, SEVERS, shivering. Above the hole, a
huge vat dangles precariously.
Master Mind steps behind a glass partition next to Plato and
Einstein.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Plato, pour the toxic waste.
Plato throws a switch causing the vat to tip hundreds of
gallons of green and brown goo into the hole.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Drainage.
The slime is sucked out through the floor, leaving a goo-
soaked Severs.
33.
Master Mind looks into the pit.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Well, Severs?
SEVERS
I feel fine. Just a little sticky,
but aside from that everything's
completely -
BOOM - Severs explodes. A hail of blood and tissue covers
Master Mind and his men. For a good ten seconds nobody moves
an inch. Finally...
MASTER MIND
Okay then.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - LABORATORY - DAY
Through a glass WATER TANK we see a man breathing normally.
MASTER MIND
And this one?
PLATO
We attached gills to him. He can
breath under water.
MASTER MIND
Ah. Does he have extraordinary
strength?
PLATO
Well...no.
MASTER MIND
Can he fly?
PLATO
No.
MASTER MIND
Resilient to weapons fire?
PLATO
No.
MASTER MIND
He just breathes under water, then.
PLATO
Ah...yeah.
34.
Master Mind rolls his eyes and walks away.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - LABORATORY - DAY
The next guinea-pig, STENWICK, is standing in a sealed glass
tube not much wider than himself.
MASTER MIND
Plato, the radioactive spider,
please.
Plato throws the switch DROPPING A SINGLE SPIDER onto
Stenwick's arm.
Stenwick looks and winces as it bites him.
STENWICK
Ow!
He brushes the spider off.
MASTER MIND
Anything, Stenwick?
STENWICK
(shaken)
No. Ah...sir, I didn't know this
was about spiders. I have a pretty
severe case of arachnophobia.
Master Mind thinks for a moment, then turns to Plato.
MASTER MIND
We're gonna need more venom.
Plato throws another switch, this time DUMPING THOUSANDS OF
SPIDERS on poor Stenwick. His SCREAMS begin to fade as he's
engulfed with swarms of crawling arachnids.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
How `bout now, Stenwick?
....Stenwick?
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - OFFICE - DAY
Master Mind is pacing back and forth. The muted TV plays in
the background.
MASTER MIND
This has proven to be a challenge.
I just don't know what I want. What
do I want?
35.
He stares at Einstein, Da Vinci and Plato, but they offer no
advice.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
I want a man of moral fiber with a
strong sense of right and wrong.
Someone who doesn't seek power -
instead, they must have it thrust
upon them and find, within
themselves, the courage to rise to
the occasion.
Einstein lets out a short laugh, getting everyone's
attention.
EINSTEIN
Yeah, well, it sounds like what you
want is Uberman.
Master Mind snaps the fingers of his non-metal hand.
MASTER MIND
That's it! Why make a copy when the
real thing will do?
The lackeys look at each other, they can't believe what
they're hearing.
EINSTEIN
I was just kidding, sir. In case
you forgot, you actually burned
Uberman alive.
MASTER MIND
Then we'll make a new one. Plato,
bring me the box!
MINUTES LATER
Master Mind and the lackeys stand in a circle around a small
table.
Plato places a STAINLESS STEEL CHEST in the tables center.
As Master Mind opens it, he's immediately doused in WHITE
GLOW emanating from inside.
MASTER MIND
Behold - Uberessence. The very
thing that gave Uberman his
superhuman powers.
36.
EINSTEIN
Where the hell did you get that?
MASTER MIND
Oh, I shot him with a power sucking
gun and had this idea to use this
to clone a whole army of evil
Ubermen. I'm not sure why I never
got around to following up with
that.
PLATO
I believe he defeated you before
you could, master.
MASTER MIND
...Right. Man, he was good!
DA VINCI
You want another volunteer, sir?
MASTER MIND
Not another volunteer driven by the
need for personal gain. Somebody
else, somebody pure.
Master Mind turns to see an INTERVIEW WITH HAL playing on the
muted television. Underneath his face is a blue caption with
white lettering that reads: "Hal Stewart - Metro City's
Newest Hero?"
NEWS REPORTER
...who risked his own life to save
that of a young mother and her
child.
HAL
Please, please, you're embarrassing
me. I saw someone in need and I
helped them. What more can we ask
of ourselves. I ask you, what more?
A smile creeps across the evil one's face.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Somebody like him!
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
Plato is sitting in the van, staring into a pair of
binoculars as he speaks on a cellphone.
37.
PLATO
Yeah, sir. This guy is a real piece
of work. He used to teach bowling
at Kingpin's.
INT. MASTER MIND'S HIDEOUT - DAY
Master Mind is sitting with his feet up on a computer console
as he speaks to Plato.
MASTER MIND
(into phone)
A modest profession to brilliantly
hide his true heroic nature. I love
it.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
PLATO
Then you are absolutely going to
love this -
We follow Plato's line of sight across the street where we
see HAL PLAYING WITH A LARGE GROUP OF BLIND CHILDREN.
PLATO
- He volunteers at a school for the
blind.
INT. MASTER MIND'S HIDEOUT - DAY
Intrigued, he suddenly sits up in his chair.
MASTER MIND
He volunteers. He doesn't ask for
any reward for his deeds. The fates
are shining down on me. This Mr.
Stewart is truly an unselfish soul.
EXT. BLIND SCHOOL - DAY
From a distance, Hal seems to be consoling an upset child
who's sitting on a rock. But up close...
HAL
You greedy little bastard. I
already gave you a twenty.
BLIND KID
Hey, you want me to play along?
Then pay up, bitch!
38.
HAL
Fine, but you better be convincing.
He gives the kid a bill out of his wallet and looks over his
shoulder to see a HOT TEACHER walking toward them.
HAL
Here she comes, go to work.
Like a miniature Brando, the blind kid buries his face in his
hands and begins to cry.
BLIND KID
(weeping)
Why can't I see! Why God?
Hal puts a warm consoling hand on the weeping boy's shoulder.
HAL
Hey, Peter. C'mon champ, let me
look at you.
The Hot Teacher stops and curiously watches from a distance.
The boy looks up at Hal, tears running down his dark
sunglasses - he should get an Oscar.
HAL
You know, in life we're all given
no more than we can bear. This
happened to you maybe because you
were meant to rise above it - Maybe
to be an inspiration to the other
little Peteys out there.
BLIND KID
You really think so, Hal?
HAL
Hey, does it LOOK like I'm lying?
Now c'mon, go feel your way to
class before you get your little
butt suspended.
The boy stands up and is about to take off.
HAL
Petey, wait a minute.
Hal uses his shirt sleeve to wipe the tears away from the
boy's face before sending him on his way.
39.
The Hot Teacher grabs her chest. Her heart is about to
absolutely melt.
HAL
Don't run into anything!
EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS
Plato lowers his binoculars. From his perspective, Hal should
be next in line for popehood.
PLATO
I think I've seen enough, sir. This
is your guy.
MASTER MIND (O.S.)
(over radio)
Then return to base. We have much
work to do.
Plato starts up the van and pulls away.
INT. BAR - DAY
It's a busy night. A couple of trucker types are shooting
pool as the bartender slings drinks.
Hal is nursing a beer at the bar when he suddenly notices a
very ATTRACTIVE WOMAN sitting next to him.
As he goes to straighten his stool-posture, Hal suddenly
catches himself on the bar's TELEVISION - it's a story about
how he saved the woman and her baby at the construction site.
He turns back to the Attractive Woman next to him, then back
to the TV. A plan of attack is forming.
HAL
(obviously playing it up
for the woman's benefit)
Oh, there it is again. This is
really getting embarrassing now.
The woman looks up at the screen and gives Hal a double-take.
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Oh my God! It's you! You're the man
who saved that woman and her baby
the other day! It is you, isn't it?
TRUCKER #1, getting a drink at the bar next to them,
OVERHEARS.
40.
Hal rolls his eyes and puts his hands up in the air.
HAL
(to Attractive Woman)
Oh, crap. You got me.
TRUCKER#1 taps Hal on the shoulder.
TRUCKER#1
Let me tell you something. That was
just about the bravest damn thing
I've ever witnessed. (he turns to
the rest of the bar) Hey,
everybody! This guy's the hero from
TV!
The bar ERUPTS IN CHEERS.
MOMENTS LATER
Hal is riding on the shoulders of TRUCKER#2 and TRUCKER#3 as
`I'm Holding Out For A Hero' plays on the jukebox.
TRUCKER#1 suddenly puts his hands in the air. The room
quickly goes silent.
TRUCKER#1
I want to give you something.
He reaches into his pocket and takes out a medal. He holds it
up in the air for everyone to see.
TRUCKER#1 (CONT'D)
Lost my whole platoon. They were a
lot a good boys, a lot of good
boys. That was just the way things
were in "The Grenada." I'd rather a
real hero have this.
Trucker#1 gives the medal to a speechless Hal.
ATTRACTIVE WOMAN
Hey, you're on TV again.
The crowd looks up at the Television.
TELEVISION - CONTINUOUS
The anchor man, BRAD HELMS (early 40's, amazing mustache),
suddenly has a memo passed to him.
41.
BRAD HELMS
This just in. Upon a second look at
that tape from this morning, which
we'll now replay for you, it
appears it was not the heroic act
it first seemed to be.
The tape shows Hal running in slow motion.
BRAD HELMS (O.S.) (CONT'D)
With the tape slowed down you can
actually see the man push the woman
and her child out of the way in an
effort to save his own life.
The tape shows Hal, in a clear act of self-preservation,
pushing the woman and child out of the way.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. BAR - CONTINUOUS
In unison, everyone turns their heads back to Hal.
HAL
I guess that looks kinda bad.
Trucker#1 snatches his medal back.
EXT. NEARBY ROOF - NIGHT
Master Mind, Da Vinci and Plato look down, spotting Hal
cutting through a dark alley.
DA VINCI
There he is, boss.
Da Vinci hands Master Mind a fantastic looking silver rifle.
MASTER MIND
Now, we're sure this won't kill
him?
PLATO
Yes, sir. He'll just feel a slight
electrical shock.
MASTER MIND
Good.
Master Mind raises the rifle and aims it at Hal.
42.
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Hal wipes the blood from his nose with his shirtsleeve.
A LIGHTENING BOLT suddenly zaps Hal in the back. His teeth
spark and arc electrons as his entire body shakes and
shudders violently. He finally collapses, knocking over a row
of garbage cans.
EXT. NEARBY ROOF - NIGHT
An angry Master Mind slaps Plato.
MASTER MIND
Slight electrical shock?
EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT
Hal lies flat on his back, his jacket smoldering.
Dazed, he slowly rises to his feet and looks up at the sky.
HAL
God, I hate the weather in this
city.
Hal walks off into the night as he attempts to slap the
emitting smoke from his jacket.
EXT. NEARBY ROOF - NIGHT
Master Mind turns to Da Vinci.
MASTER MIND
Follow him.
INT. HAL'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
It's a dirty, small studio. Laundry lies everywhere, dishes
are piled in the sink and the litter box looks like a
minefield.
Hal comes staggering in. Through his POV we see the lights
wobble and streak like a hallucination.
He shakes his head trying to clear thing up, but it looks
worse.
Hal makes his way to the kitchen table and plops down on a
chair. The room begins to swim.
His CAT jumps on the table and sits down in front of him.
43.
From Hal's POV the cat's face looks like we're seeing it
through a kaleidoscope. Hal seems fascinated by it.
CAT
You don't look so good, man.
HAL
I don't feel good. I was struck by
freaking lightening.
Suddenly Hal realizes his cat's talking to him.
HAL (CONT'D)
AAAAAAHHHHH! You can talk?
CAT
No, you're just hallucinating. By
the way, we're out of orange juice.
HAL
AAAAAAHHHHH!
Hal jumps up, trips over a cardboard box and knocks himself
out on the coffee table.
INT. HAL'S APARTMENT - MORNING
Hal lies in the same position we left him last night.
He sits up and grabs his head. He looks like he has the worst
hangover in the world.
Finally, he remembers last night. He looks around, but not
really sure what he's looking for.
HAL
Man...
Shaking his head, he walks to the kitchen and opens the
refrigerator.
He pulls out an orange juice container and puts it to his
mouth. It's empty.
As if suddenly remembering something he looks from the carton
to the cat, who is busy cleaning himself.
He shakes the thought from his mind.
BATHROOM
Hal lifts the seat and unbuckles his pants.
44.
HAL'S FACE
He stares at the ceiling with half closed eyes. The
inevitable sound of urine hitting water starts. A content
look washes over his face.
There is a distinct sound of porcelain CRACKING and
SPLINTERING.
The sound intensifies. Hal looks down to see his URINE STREAM
SMASHING THE TOILET.
HAL (CONT'D)
Oh, God!
He whips his stream away only to cut a LONG RIP IN THE WALL.
HAL (CONT'D)
Oh, God!
He freaks out and begins to lose control of his flow as it
destroys everything he accidently aims at; the bathroom
mirror, a bottle of cheap cologne, the bathroom window.
HAL (CONT'D)
Oh, God!
He aims back for the toilet, which is pretty much rubble now,
to see the floor give way.
Finally, the pee stops and he glances down the hole.
He sees his downstairs NEIGHBOR sitting at his breakfast
table. He has a fork halfway to his mouth as he stares at the
smashed toilet on his pancakes.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Hal turns the corner to see his bus pulling away from the
stop.
HAL
Wait!
He starts running after it.
ZOOM - HE TAKES OFF LIKE LIGHTENING.
HAL (CONT'D)
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Unable to stop, he SLAMS INTO THE BACK OF THE BUS and falls
back to the ground.
45.
As the bus continues on he sees an INDENTATION of his torso
right below the rear window.
Stunned, to say the least, he rises to his feet.
HAL (CONT'D)
Something's not right here.
He slaps himself in the face as hard as he can.
HAL (CONT'D)
Wake up! Wake up, Hal!
HONK!
Hal spins around to see a car barreling toward him.
He goes to jump out of the way - ZOOM - he FLIES TWO STORIES
UP, nails a building and comes crashing back down to the
sidewalk.
Hal sits up, disheveled and scared.
HAL (CONT'D)
Okay, okay. Let's get it together,
man.
He closes his eyes in an attempt to will back his sanity.
HAL (CONT'D)
This is just some sort
of...episode. It will pass, it will
pass.
He opens his eyes and looks down the street. A BEAUTIFUL
NAKED WOMAN is coming toward him.
HAL (CONT'D)
Well, not too fast I hope.
As she passes him and turns the corner out of his view he
catches ANOTHER NAKED WOMAN - an old disgusting one.
HAL (CONT'D)
Yes, fast, fast!
He turns away from her in horror only to see AN ENTIRE BLOCK
OF NAKED PEOPLE going about their business.
He rubs his eyes and looks down the street again. Everyone
has returned to a clothed state.
46.
He relaxes a little until he looks down and notices that he's
floating a foot off the ground.
HAL (CONT'D)
I think I need to go home.
INT. HAL'S APARTMENT - DAY
Hal's front door CREAKS as it slowly opens, revealing Master
Mind.
He walks over to the bathroom and smiles to himself as he
notices the giant hole in the floor.
MASTER MIND
Welcome to your second birth, Hal
Stewart.
Master Mind continues to survey the room. He stops to look
over a "KARATE KID" POSTER on Hal's living room wall.
He focuses on the majestic image of Pat Morita teaching a
young Ralph Macchio to kick.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Instruction is very important in
the formative years. Every hero
needs a mentor, a father figure to
look up to.
He presses his special watch, causing his body to MORPH INTO
THE SPITTING-IMAGE OF PAT MORITA.
"PAT MORITA"
Perfect.
INT. HAL'S APARTMENT - DAY
Hal enters, grabs a bottle of vodka from atop of the fridge
and takes a long pull from it.
VOICE (O.S.)
A man will usually find that if he
drinks from a bottle, eventually,
the bottle drinks from him.
Hal does a SPIT TAKE. In the corner a darkened figure stands.
HAL
Who are you!?
47.
VOICE
I am the guide on your journey.
Fate has chosen you to be it's
champion.
Pat Morita steps out from the shadows.
Hal passes out again.
LATER
We are close on Hal's face as his eyes flutter open. He
appears to be lying on the couch.
He hunches up on his elbows, looks around, but everything is
as it seems.
He lays his head back down.
HAL
Thank God. It was a dream. Man, I
must be losing it.
A voice sounds right next to his ear.
"PAT MORITA" (O.S.)
You know you're out of orange
juice?
Hal leaps up to find he's been resting his head on Pat's lap.
HAL
Jesus! This isn't happening, this
isn't happening.
Hal backs away and trips over a box.
"PAT MORITA"
Calm. All things must be filtered
through calmness.
HAL
Bullshit! Sometimes it's best to
freak out.
"PAT MORITA"
I think we must work on your
attitude first.
HAL
Look I'm gonna call the cops in
about two seconds if you don't get
out of here.
48.
Pat rises and walks to Hal. He's so calm it makes Hal calm.
"PAT MORITA"
Are you calm now?
HAL
Yeah, I'm okay.
Pat slaps him across the face hard.
"PAT MORITA"
Good, because we've got a lot of
work to do.
Hal grabs his jaw.
HAL
What the hell was that for?
"PAT MORITA"
Rule number one: expect the
unexpected.
HAL
Can you just tell me what this is
all about?
"PAT MORITA"
The heavens are not in the habit of
bestowing a gift such as this to
just anyone. You are being rewarded
for being a man of great moral
fortitude with an unwavering belief
in humanity.
HAL
That's me alright.
"PAT MORITA"
I am to train you so you may
fulfill your destiny to defeat the
great menace to Metro City: Master
Mind.
Pat gets up and walks toward the door.
"PAT MORITA" (CONT'D)
Come.
HAL
We're are we going?
49.
"PAT MORITA"
To train.
EXT. PAT'S CAR - DAY
Pat is sitting in the driver's seat. The car is bumping up
and down.
"PAT MORITA"
Strength is just as much in the
mind as it is the muscle. Remember,
both need to be exercised.
We PULL BACK to see Hal lifting the car up over his head.
He's hardly straining.
HAL
I'M LIFTING A FREAKING CAR!!!
Pat leans on the HORN.
"PAT MORITA"
Hey, Corky? You listening?
Two highly attractive female joggers run by. They're clearly
impressed with Hal's show of strength. He smiles and mouths a
"hello."
HAL
Yeah, work both muscles.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Pat cocks back the chamber of a .357 MAGNUM. He holds it up
and carefully takes aim...at Hal's chest.
"PAT MORITA"
Trust me.
HAL
What are you doing!?
"PAT MORITA"
An invulnerability test. Something
wrong?
HAL
Uh...yeah. I would prefer not to
get shot. Do not fire that thing!
Frustrated, Pat lowers the gun.
50.
"PAT MORITA"
You're bulletproof.
HAL
Okay, do you know that for sure?
Pat quickly aims and fires.
Hal lets out a high pitched scream as the bullet ricochets
off his chest.
"PAT MORITA"
I do now.
Hal looks down at his chest, not so much as a scratch.
HAL
You suck.
EXT. SKY - DAY
Hal is in the air flying in a sitting position. He's weaving
back and forth.
HAL
Ice Man, I got a bogie on my tail.
Two Russian Migs coming in hard and
fast.
"PAT MORITA"
Hey!
HAL
What?
Hal looks down to see Pat Morita yelling at him from the roof
of a building down below.
"PAT MORITA"
What did I tell you? Stomach down,
hands up.
Hal sighs and assumes the proper superhero in-flight
position.
HAL
God, I feel so gay.
Pat's CELL PHONE begins to RING. He answers it.
"PAT MORITA"
(in Master Mind voice)
What is it?
51.
ROXANNE (V.O.)
John?
Pat panics. He looks up to make sure no one is in earshot.
He sees Hal now doing somersaults in the air.
HAL
YEEEE HAWWWW!
Pat turns his attention back to the phone, talking in his
John Cusack voice.
"PAT MORITA"
(in Cusack voice)
Yes, it's John Cusack.
ROXANNE (V.O.)
Hi, it's Roxanne. Listen, I...I
really enjoyed talking with you the
other day.
"PAT MORITA"
...As did I.
ROXANNE (V.O.)
Great. God, I feel really silly,
and if you have a lot going on I
totally understand. But, I was
wondering if you maybe wanted to
have lunch.
He can't believe what he's hearing.
"PAT MORITA"
(excited)
I'd love to!
He quickly recovers his composure.
"PAT MORITA" (CONT'D)
I mean, I AM a little hungry.
ROXANNE (V.O.)
Great. How does the park sound,
around noon-ish?
"PAT MORITA"
Sure!
ROXANNE (V.O.)
Great, see you then.
52.
Pat hangs up the phone and returns it to his pocket as Hal
lands behind him.
HAL
WHOOOOA! Man, that is so cool. It's
like fly - Oh my God, I almost said
it was like flying.
"PAT MORITA"
For the rest of the day I want you
to continue to practice your flying
posture.
HAL
Why, where're ya going?
"PAT MORITA"
...To do something...mysterious
...and Asian.
HAL
Say no more, bro. I'll just keep at
it, then.
EXT. PARK - DAY
John Cusack and Roxanne eat WRAPPED SANDWICHES while walking
through Metro City Park.
ROXANNE
How's your sandwich?
"JOHN CUSACK"
It's quite delicious.
ROXANNE
Hope you don't think I'm too
forward. Some men are intimidated
when a woman asks them out. I just
find you really easy to talk to.
"JOHN CUSACK"
And I you.
ROXANNE
You know, you're not at all like
you are in the movies.
"JOHN CUSACK"
I'm not?
53.
ROXANNE
Yeah. I don't know - You have this
strange, refined way of speaking.
"JOHN CUSACK"
I do? That is most interesting.
ROXANNE
Anyway, when we were talking the
other day I just felt, even though
we only talked for a couple of
hours, that we've known each other
for years.
"JOHN CUSACK"
I know just what you mean.
Roxanne bites into her sandwich.
ROXANNE
You know what? This sandwich is
disgusting.
She tosses it in a nearby garbage can.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Of course I already ate half of it.
I wonder what that says about my
character?
"JOHN CUSACK"
It means you don't give up on a
sandwich. You see that it has
potential, and you give it every
chance to be all it can be.
Roxanne smiles at his analogy.
ROXANNE
Thanks, but knowing me, I was
probably projecting my expectations
of what a lunch should be on the
sandwich. It might have been okay
at first, but I just made it
bitter.
John Cusack notices Roxanne's smile starting to fade.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Is that what happened with your
last sandwich - I mean, boyfriend?
54.
ROXANNE
When I look back, I probably
shouldn't of expected so much from
him. He was already a giving
person. You know, one of those go
out and save the world types.
"JOHN CUSACK"
I've run into a few.
ROXANNE
I was selfish, I guess. I didn't
want to share him with anybody
else.
"JOHN CUSACK"
It sounds like he was a special
man.
ROXANNE
They broke the mold.
John Cusack arches his eyebrow in a very familiar manner.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Perhaps not.
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY
Hal walks up to Pat Morita sporting a Lone Ranger-type mask
and wearing a purple and red superhero costume. It's not
unlike Uberman's except for a giant "T" on his chest. (From
here on, Hal is referred to as TITAN)
TITAN
What's the "T" stand for?
"PAT MORITA"
Titan.
TITAN
What's that supposed to mean?
"PAT MORITA"
It's from Roman mythology. Zeus's
father...oh, just go with it. You
look perfect.
TITAN
I don't think this mask is big
enough. Are you sure no one is
gonna recognize me?
55.
"PAT MORITA"
It's fine, just don't slouch. It's
all in the posture.
He grabs Titan's shoulders like a proud papa.
"PAT MORITA" (CONT'D)
It is time.
INT. BANK - DAY
There is a long line of people snaked around the velvet
ropes. They're all waiting for their chance at the one open
teller window.
Four men wearing BEATLES MASKS(JOHN,PAUL,GEORGE,AND RINGO)and
CARRYING SHOTGUNS enter the bank.
John fires a shot in the air, sending everyone into an
immediate panic.
JOHN
Alright folks, this is a robbery.
Nobody moves - yadda, yadda,
yadda...
Ringo jumps over the teller wall and starts stuffing bills
into a bag.
As John and Paul cover the crowd, George goes to the corner
office and puts a gun to the BANK MANAGER'S head.
GEORGE
The safe. Let's go.
BANK MANAGER
Okay, just don't hurt anyone.
GEORGE
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
George leads him out by the collar.
CRASH - Titan smashes through the window and lands in a bold
superhero stance with hands on hips.
TITAN
Well, boys, there's no need for all
this just to get the free toaster.
Paul cocks his gun.
56.
PAUL
What are you suppose to be?
We move in for a nice dramatic close up.
TITAN
Justice.
GEORGE
Well, justice, suck on this...
George, John and Paul open fire on Titan.
He just stands there and yawns as the bullets bounce off him.
With their guns empty the three just stare at him in
amazement.
TITAN
Now it's my turn.
He turns to George.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Hey, George, here comes the sun.
Titan grabs George and throws him into a fluorescent light
fixture in the ceiling.
Paul tries to run for the door. Titan snatches the collar of
his jacket.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Say, Paul, your mother should
know...that you're a scumbag.
He tosses Paul out the window and into a parked DELIVERY
TRUCK.
Titan turns around just as John hits him with the butt of his
shotgun. It instantly breaks apart in his hands.
Titan lifts him like a rag doll up into the air.
TITAN (CONT'D)
John, all you need is love...
He throws John who lands on top of a cubical wall - GROIN
FIRST.
TITAN (CONT'D)
...and a good urologist.
57.
Titan effortlessly hops over the teller wall to find Ringo
cowering on the floor.
He grabs him by the shirt and lifts him up.
HAL
Well, Ringo...um...um...you're
under arrest.
EXT. BANK - DAY
Titan walks out of the bank with Ringo and George under his
arm. He's suddenly swarmed by a group of television
reporters, including Roxanne.
Across the street is Pat Morita. He watches Titan's first
news conference with great anxiety.
BANK MANAGER
(to Hal)
On behalf of the First National
Bank of Metro City, I'd like to
offer you a reward for your act of
bravery.
He hands Titan a check.
TITAN
(reading)
Ten thousand dollars!
Titan looks over to Pat, who violently shakes his head no.
TITAN (CONT'D)
(unenthusiastically)
I...can't except this. Law and
order is it's own...um...reward.
Pat gives him the thumbs up. Pat turns, suddenly seeing
Roxanne with her camera crew. Captivated, his eyes lock on
her.
Meanwhile, Roxanne and her cameraman, SETH, are maneuvering
around the crowd to get closer to Titan.
BRAD HELMS (O.S.)
Not so fast, Roxanne.
They both turn to see Roxanne's reporter rival Brad Helms,
Geraldo without the class, and his cameraman, FRANK.
BRAD HELMS
This story's mine.
58.
ROXANNE
Listen, Brad. We were just in the
area. I was just trying to -
BRAD HELMS
I've been in this business long
enough to know pretty well what you
were "just trying to do." Besides,
I heard you couldn't take the big
game anymore and were put on fluff
detail?
Dejected, Roxanne turns and motions for Seth to turn the
camera off.
SETH
You're not gonna take that from
him, are you?
ROXANNE
He's right. Old habit, I guess.
(to Brad)
We'll get out of your way.
As they walk off, Brad makes a comment to Frank loud enough
for her to hear.
BRAD HELMS
Besides, I'm sure there's a pancake
supper somewhere that needs
covering.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - OFFICE - DAY
ON TELEVISION
We see the news conference on the bank's steps. In the corner
of the screen is written: "recorded earlier."
BRAD HELMS
For months now, since the death of
Uberman, the citizens of Metro City
have been holding out for a hero.
Well, it appears they won't have to
hold out for much longer as a new
costumed crusader has suddenly
stormed onto the scene. Today, at
the Metro Savings and Trust, a
masked mystery man single-handedly
defeated "The Fab Four Gang." Just
who is this new caped avenger?
Brad holds the microphone to Titan's face.
59.
BRAD HELMS
I'm sure all of our viewers are now
wondering, what's the "T" stand
for?
TITAN
It's a message to all the scum out
there. Uberman may be gone, but
Metro City has a new protector, and
his name is "Tighten!"
Another reporter leans in.
REPORTER
How do you spell that?
We PULL BACK to see Plato and Da Vinci watching this
spectacle. Master Mind is sitting with them, reading a
NEWSPAPER.
MASTER MIND
(reading paper)
Oh, for heaven's sake. I can't
believe it. He misspelled his name.
Master Mind holds up the newspaper. The headline reads
"Metro's New Hero: Tighten."
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
No matter, I suppose.
Master Mind throws the paper on the floor and begins to pace
around the room with his arms folded behind his back.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
We've now fully established Titan
as Metro City's hero. They will
love him just as they loved
Uberman. Everything is going
according to plan.
Einstein leans over and whispers in Plato's ear.
EINSTEIN
(whispering)
Yeah, if the plan is getting us in
jail.
Master Mind turns around, facing Einstein. He walks over,
standing face to face with the rebellious henchmen.
60.
MASTER MIND
You know, Einstein, maybe I should
have called you Socrates. He also
didn't know when to keep his
thoughts to himself.
EINSTEIN
I just fail to see the point in all
of this. I mean, why are we
creating another superhero when it
was such a pain in the ass for you
to get rid of the other one? I
mean, Uberman is destroyed, we
should be using this opportunity
to...to...
MASTER MIND
To what?
EINSTEIN
I don't know. To take over the
weather, space, the world -
whatever super villains are
SUPPOSED to do.
MASTER MIND
The reason someone like you will
always be a minion is because you
have no foresight. We take over the
earth, like you said. Then what?
Women? Cars? Money? Even the
grandest treasures will lose their
lustre if you don't have someone to
hold them over.
Einstein throws up his hands. He's had enough. He pulls off
his wig and throws it to the floor.
EINSTEIN
That's it! This balance of the
force bullshit is getting way too
Oprah for me. I'm blowing. Who's
with me?
MASTER MIND
You dare?
EINSTEIN
Yeah, I dare. I'm sick of wearing
stupid costumes, and I'm sick of
working for a super villain who's
turning into a softie.
61.
Plato and Da Vinci's mouths drop to the floor. They turn to
Master Mind for his rebuttal.
MASTER MIND
What - did - you - call me?
EINSTEIN
You heard me. You used to be an
inhuman monster, now look at you.
You're creating super heroes, you
don't go with us on robberies
anymore, it's been days since you
threatened anyone, oh, and not to
mention this Roxanne Ritchi thing.
MASTER MIND
THAT is none of your business,
knave!
EINSTEIN
Hey, you guys haven't sealed the
deal yet, have you?
MASTER MIND
Silence!
EINSTEIN
(In a woman's voice)
Oh, Master, your head is so big.
MASTER MIND
I'm warning you, Einstein.
EINSTEIN
(In a woman's voice)
Take me!
MASTER MIND
I said silence!
With his metal gauntlet Master Mind grabs Einstein by the
throat and lifts him into the air.
Einstein looks frightened as he tries to pry himself free of
Master Mind's grip.
Master Mind's eyes soften as if his heart is suddenly not
into what he's about to do. He let's Einstein drop to the
floor.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Get out of my sight.
62.
EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Roxanne and John Cusack are eating on the outside patio of a
fancy restaurant.
ROXANNE
Don't get me wrong, I love being a
reporter. I don't think I could do
anything else. It's the
consequences of what we do that I'm
having a problem with.
He listens intently as he refills her glass with wine.
"JOHN CUSACK"
That's where journalistic
responsibility comes in, no?
ROXANNE
It's supposed to.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Sounds to me like you're running
from something.
ROXANNE
I got someone I cared about killed.
If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't
have been involved.
John suddenly gets a disturbed look in his eye, realizing
what she's talking about.
He reaches across the table and takes her hand.
"JOHN CUSACK"
You can't blame yourself. My father
used to say each of us must answer
the great call to truly feel alive.
ROXANNE
Was he an actor?
"JOHN CUSACK"
...No. He was...a landscaper. And a
horrible one. I mean he would fail
time and time again at
his...landscaping. And sometimes
he'd get pretty beaten up or thrown
in jail -
ROXANNE
Jail?
63.
"JOHN CUSACK"
My point is he took the good with
the bad. He grew a little each
time. Improved, learned.
ROXANNE
Was he ever successful?
"JOHN CUSACK"
God, no...but don't let deter you.
Roxanne LAUGHS.
ROXANNE
Thanks for this. You know, this is
embarrassing, but it's been a long
time since I -
It's starting to lightly sprinkle. Roxanne looks up.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
I think it's starting to rain. We
might want to find a table inside.
"JOHN CUSACK"
What were you gonna say?
ROXANNE
Oh, I was gonna say...It's been a
long time since...well, I've been
with someone I...enjoy being with.
John Cusack smiles warmly and raises his glass for a toast.
"JOHN CUSACK"
To people who enjoy being with each
other.
They go to clang glasses, when the rain suddenly causes John
Cusack's disguise generator to short.
His true form of Master Mind is briefly revealed to Roxanne
as a BOLT OF ELECTRICITY encircles his body.
Roxanne drops her glass and jumps out of her seat.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Oh, no. Don't look at me.
LIKE A BROKEN TV the image keeps switching between MASTER
MIND AND JOHN CUSACK.
64.
As Master Mind starts to franticly slap at his watch, the
Cusack disguise begins to hold steady.
He nonchalantly returns to cutting his steak.
"JOHN CUSACK"
Okay, never mind that. Now, where
were we?
Roxanne grabs his glass and throws the drink in his face,
causing the generator to short out permanently.
Master Mind now sits in his true blue form.
ROXANNE
Oh my God.
MASTER MIND
You're not gonna get all freaky
about this, are you?
ROXANNE
This...this is too much, even for
you. God, I go out with you, tell
you my innermost thoughts.
MASTER MIND
I only did this because I wanted to
talk to you on the same level. You
know, without all the baggage?
ROXANNE
Baggage? You burned my boyfriend
alive, you sick son-of-a-bitch!
MASTER MIND
You see, that's exactly what I'm
talking about.
Roxanne starts to walk away.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Roxanne!
ROXANNE
Stay away from me.
Master Mind sinks back down to his chair. Despite the now
heavy rain bombarding him, he returns to his food.
Several resturaunt patron's are looking at him through the
window.
65.
Our villain turns to them, giving them a villainous glare.
MASTER MIND
What?
INT. MASTER MIND'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Master Mind is lying on his back, wide awake.
MASTER MIND
(mumbling to himself)
Stupid. What was I thinking? Plato,
it's his fault. He's the one who
sent me on this weak-willed path.
I'll filet his scrotum for this.
Me, a creature of evil, in love
with Roxanne Ritchi. Preposterous.
I hardly give such matters thought
He rolls onto his side. He yawns and closes his eyes.
Suddenly, they shoot back open.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROXANNE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Master Mind pulls up in a blue Rolls Royce, across the street
from Roxanne's apartment
He stares up at the building, hoping to catch a glimpse of
her.
Finally, she appears, primping her hair in her apartment
window's reflection.
MASTER MIND
I should just go up there and just
lay it all out to her. "Roxanne, I
like you - I always have. Oh, and
I'm sorry I blew up your ex.
(realizing the absurdity of his
words) Yeah, that would go over
like a pants-less clown at a
child's birthday party. What the
hell am I even doing here? Who
cares what she thinks? I'm a
supervillain and here I am acting
like a love struck schoolboy.
Forget this. I control my own
destiny!
66.
He turns the ignition key - NOTHING HAPPENS. He repeats but
gets the same results.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
(disgusted)
Perfect.
INT. ROXANNE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
She pulls a pack of smokes off her night stand. Empty.
ROXANNE
Damn.
She grabs her long coat and throws it over her robe.
EXT. ROXANNE'S APARTMENT BUILDING
Roxanne steps outside.
ROXANNE
Please be open.
Across the street is a liquor store. The light is still on.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Thank God.
She walks across the street, passing in front of Master
Mind's car.
Spotting her, he sinks down in his seat.
Roxanne walks by, totally unaware of his presence.
Relieved, Master Mind sits back up and watches her go into
the store.
INT. LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
Roxanne walks up to an elderly Korean SHOPKEEPER at the
counter.
ROXANNE
A pack of Lady Strikes, please.
EXT. MASTER MIND'S CAR - NIGHT
Master Mind is talking on his cell phone.
MASTER MIND
Hello, Triple A?
67.
He suddenly spots something across the street.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
A HOODLUM walks up to the entrance of the store and pulls out
a gun from under his coat.
EXT. MASTER MIND'S CAR - NIGHT
Master Mind stares in shock.
MASTER MIND
I'll call you back.
He hangs up the phone and watches the Hoodlum go inside the
store.
INT. LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
The Hoodlum reaches across the counter and grabs a fist full
of cash from the register.
SHOPKEEPER
Hey!
SHOTGUN HOODLUM
Shut up, Gramps.
He turns to Roxanne, spotting a GOLD NECKLACE around her
neck.
SHOTGUN HOODLUM (CONT'D)
Gimme that necklace!
ROXANNE
I don't think so.
The Hoodlum cocks his shotgun.
SHOTGUN HOODLUM
I said give it to me!
MASTER MIND (O.S.)
The lady said no.
The hoodlum turns around to see Master Mind in the doorway
holding a STRANGE-LOOKING HAND CANNON (GOO GUN) with knobs
and blinking lights.
The hoodlum starts to laugh.
68.
SHOTGUN HOODLUM
What the hell's that? A super
soaker?
MASTER MIND
No, it's a goo gun.
The hoodlum turns his gun to Master Mind.
SHOTGUN HOODLUM
Yeah, what's it do?
MASTER MIND
It goos.
Master Mind fires the cannon. It instantly covers the store
in a cloud of SMOKE.
The smoke clears to reveal the hoodlum STUCK TO THE WALL,
covered in a thick, GREEN GUNK.
Roxanne stares at him, dumbfounded.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
It's...a prototype.
Master Mind starts to walk out when he's suddenly confronted
by the shopkeeper.
SHOPKEEPER
I know you! You Master Brain guy.
You a hero.
Master Mind points the goo gun at him.
MASTER MIND
Don't - EVER - say that again.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT
Master Mind walks out with the cannon resting on his shoulder
like he's a short timer in Da Nang. Roxanne follows shortly
behind him.
ROXANNE
Hey!
Master Mind turns around.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Are you following me or something?
69.
MASTER MIND
Don't flatter yourself.
He turns away and continues walking. Roxanne runs in front of
him blocking his way.
ROXANNE
Don't walk away from me when I'm
talking to you.
Finally it occurs to her what's going on.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
What a minute...all that stuff you
use to say to me when Uberman was
alive - about me being the loyal
queen by your side as you rule over
Metro City. That wasn't just super
villain rhetoric, was it? You
actually meant it!
MASTER MIND
My, someone has a rather high
opinion of themselves.
They stare at each other in silence, their glares locked in
conflict.
ROXANNE
(coldly)
Do you really think I would be with
someone like you?
This stings Master Mind to the bone. And after a brief
contemplation, he reaches the only logical, painful
conclusion.
MASTER MIND
No.
With that, Master Mind exits into the night, leaving Roxanne
with a baffled expression on her face.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - NIGHT
Master Mind enters in a huff. Da Vinci closes the door behind
him as Plato notices his master's agitated state.
PLATO
Everything alright, sir?
Master Mind GRABS PLATO BY THE GROIN with his metal gauntlet
causing Plato's eyes to bulge in pain.
70.
MASTER MIND
(overly calm)
Fine, why do you ask?
PLATO
You...just...seem...
Master Mind tightens his grip.
MASTER MIND
Go on.
PLATO
...distracted.
Master Mind releases him.
MASTER MIND
Just with business, my minion. Just
with business. I've decided it is
time.
PLATO
You mean?
MASTER MIND
Yes, we've created our hero, now
it's time to give him a little
motivation.
DA VINCI
How do we do that?
MASTER MIND
To be simply good is not enough. A
hero must be driven by an almost
relentless desire to right a wrong
that can never be corrected.
PLATO
You mean?
MASTER MIND
Yes, he must lose someone near and
dear to him - his father figure.
Gentlemen, it's time for Operation
Mentor Kill!
EXT. SKY OVER METRO CITY - DAY
Titan flies high over and through the city, under bridges,
between buildings, etc. He's not really working, just
enjoying himself.
71.
INT. WOMAN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
A PRETTY WOMAN sits at her makeup table wearing nothing but
her bra and panties. Through the reflection in her mirror we
see a large window directly behind her.
As she applies lipstick we see Titan fly quickly by in the
background. After a moment he slowly slides back in view and
begins ogling the girl.
She sees him in the mirror and quickly covers herself with a
robe.
Titan tries to hide his face as he zooms off.
MOMENTS LATER
Titan looks down to see an APARTMENT BUILDING IN RUIN.
Emergency lights flash around it as swarms of people run
around in chaos.
TITAN
Man, what the hell happened down
there? Wait a sec -
He stops in mid-air as he comes to the striking realization.
TITAN (CONT'D)
THAT'S MY APARTMENT!!!
EXT. HAL'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
Titan lands in front of the rubble that was once his home.
Reporters stand just beyond the police line.
TITAN
Crap.
From the wreckage crawls a dying Pat Morita.
TITAN (CONT'D)
PAT!
Titan goes and kneels beside Pat, holding him in his arms.
TITAN (CONT'D)
You okay?
"PAT MORITA"
I'm dying, kid. There is just one
last lesson I have for you. It is
the most important of all.
72.
TITAN
What's that?
"PAT MORITA"
Master Mind did this, you must
avenge me.
TITAN
Master Mind? Why?
"PAT MORITA"
Because he's evil. You must stop
the evil Hal - stop the...
Pat's body goes limp.
The cameras begin to pop and flash around them.
Titan gently lays Pat's body down and stands respectfully
over him. The reporters rush over.
REPORTER 1
Tighten, Is this the work of Master
Mind?
REPORTER 2
How will the death of your mentor
affect your resolve?
REPORTER 3
Was that Pat Morita?
Titan walks up to one of the cameras.
TITAN
This injustice will not go
unpunished. Master Mind, if you can
hear me, Tighten is coming for you.
In the background we see Plato and Da Vinci, DRESSED AS
PARAMEDICS, load pat's body onto a stretcher.
PLATO ACCIDENTALLY DROPS HIS SIDE. As he bends down to pick
it back up, Pat quickly slaps him, then goes back to playing
dead.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - NIGHT
Master Mind and the boys prepare the fortress for Hal's
revenge attack. Master Mind is as giddy as a schoolboy.
73.
MASTER MIND
Alright, people, we don't have much
time. Titan should be here any
minute, so let's get the lead out.
There is a GIANT MOUNTED DEATH RAY in the middle of the hall
being tinkered with by Da Vinci.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
How's the death ray coming?
DA VINCI
Nearly up to full power, sir.
MASTER MIND
Hum. Let's turn it down a few
notches. It's his first time and
we don't want to get in a lucky
shot, now do we?
Plato enters the room.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Anything on the radar yet?
PLATO
Not yet, sir.
MASTER MIND
I see. Well, he must be planning
something big. Are the flame
androids deployed?
PLATO
All twelve.
Master Mind rubs his hands in anticipation as he sits down on
his throne.
MASTER MIND
Wonderful, wonderful. Plato, Da
Vinci, take your places next to me.
They move to either side of the chair.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
No slouching.
Da Vinci straightens up and sucks in his gut.
They remain this way for several long moments. Master Mind
occasionally glances at a DIGITAL CLOCK on the wall. Still no
Titan.
74.
LATER
Apparently quite some time has passed. The bold stances have
degraded to fatigue.
PLATO
He's certainly taking his time.
MASTER MIND
He'll be here. That's the way it
works.
STILL LATER
Master Mind reclines in his chair and taps his metal gauntlet
impatiently on the armrest.
Plato has squatted down, resting his chin on his hand.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Unprofessional, that's what this
is. No, it's disrespect for the
craft.
Master Mind rises and begins to pace back and forth.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Would Uberman have kept us waiting
like this? Of course not. He was a
pro who knew the score. It's time
we spelled out a few things for
this Titan. I will not be made a
fool of.
He storms out of the room.
INT. HAL'S NEW APARTMENT - DAY
Titan's sitting on the floor in a barren apartment wearing
his costume top and some tighty whities. He sips his beer as
he watches a basketball game on a tiny TV.
Much to his annoyance, there's a KNOCK at the door.
TITAN
Oh, for crying out loud.
He gets up and opens the door. It's Master Mind.
MASTER MIND
Do you know who I am?
75.
It takes a few moments to register, but Titan's suddenly
excited.
TITAN
Yeah, you're Master Mind. Yeah!
You're actually the guy I want to
see!
MASTER MIND
Oh, so NOW you want to get down to
it. Well, I want to get a few
things off my chest first.
Master Mind walks past Titan into the apartment. He spins
around, pointing at him accusingly with one of his metal
fingers.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Of all the inconsiderate - Do you
have any idea how long we waited
for you? We're you even planning on
coming to me and getting revenge?
Titan shuts the apartment door, and turns back toward his
guest.
TITAN
Well, at first I was going to. You
know, because that's what I figured
I was supposed to do. But then I
got to thinking-
MASTER MIND
(interrupting)
-You got to thinking? There's
nothing to think about. I'm the
villain. I do something bad, you
come and get me.
TITAN
- I got to thinking...what's the
point?
Master Mind throws up his hands.
MASTER MIND
Maybe you're right. What's the
point?
He suddenly notices something in the corner of his eye. He
walks over to a futon in the living room. On top of it is a
LARGE SACK OVERFLOWING WITH GOLD WATCHES,RINGS AND OTHER
VALUABLES.
76.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
What are these?
TITAN
That's what I wanted to talk to you
about.
MASTER MIND
(baffled)
Where did you get all this?
TITAN
(proudly)
Get this: I stole them.
MASTER MIND
From where?
TITAN
From all over. You see, once you
killed Pat and ruined my other
apartment building I was pretty
pissed off, so I figured I'd go,
find you and kick some ass. Then I
thought to myself: "Okay,then
what?" I mean, if we were to fight,
what would I get out of it? Would I
get my apartment back? Would I be
able to pay the bills?
MASTER MIND
Well, what about your mentor?
TITAN
Tell you the truth? He was kind of
a dick. I mean, being a hero is
dandy and all, but it's volunteer
work. Now you've always had the
right take on all this. I mean,
when you rob a bank or take over
the diamond exchange you get
something out of it. I mean, when
you don't get caught, which, no
offense, isn't very often. And that
brings me to what I wanted to
propose to you: Who could catch you
if I'm by your side?
Perplexed by his proposal, Master Mind just stares at Titan
awe-struck.
MASTER MIND
You want to team-up?
77.
TITAN
You got the brains, I got the
brawn. We could even call ourselves
that: `Brain' and `Brawn'. Look at
this.
Titan picks up a piece of POSTER BOARD off the floor and
shows it to Master Mind.
TITAN (CONT'D)
I even designed us some new
costumes.
The picture is crudely drawn with magic markers and crayons.
A big headed man (Master Mind) is standing on a plate of
grass in a blue costume with a picture of a brain on his
chest.
Next to him, is a picture of Titan in a red costume with a
black cape, but his chest is mysteriously blank.
Titan proudly points to the two figures.
TITAN (CONT'D)
See, you'd be brain, so you got a
little one on your costume, and
then I'll have brawn on mine...once
I figure out the best, you know,
visual interpretation of it. What
do you think?
MASTER MIND
What do I think?
Master Mind shakes his head tiredly.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
I think you're probably the biggest
idiot I've ever met. I mean, I
can't believe you. All your gifts,
all your powers, and all you want
to use them for is your own
financial fulfillment. You know
what? Your kind of people make me
sick.
Titan puts down his drawing.
TITAN
I worked hard on this.
MASTER MIND
Oh - gee - I am so sorry!
78.
Master Mind looks to Heaven in disgust.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
(under his breath)
Of all the people to pick, it had
to be this loser.
This strikes a cord with Titan.
TITAN
Now, hold on. You're going a little
too far.
MASTER MIND
I wish your mother said that to
your father the night of your
conception, they would have saved
me a whole lot of heartache.
TITAN
Hey, I mean it.
Master Mind gets right in his face.
MASTER MIND
Oh, yeah? What are you gonna do?
EXT. HAL'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
We see Master Mind's body CRASH through the building and land
in a DUMPSTER across the street.
A car pulls up. The driver's door opens. Da Vinci gets out
and runs to help his master.
DA VINCI
Master!
MASTER MIND (O.S.)
It hurts.
Da Vinci peeks into the dumpster to see Master Mind's body
cushioned by a stack of trash bags.
DA VINCI
What hurts?
MASTER MIND
It!
The overly large henchmen starts to pull his master from the
dumpster when they suddenly hear a voice from above. It's
Titan peeking through the hole in his apartment wall.
79.
TITAN
I don't need you, I don't need
anybody. I have the power to do and
take anything I want. And now, I'm
gonna take back everything this
city owes me. Beware Metro City,
it's time for Titan to collect.
Titan shoots up into the air.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Oh, and from now on - I'M GONNA FLY
THE WAY I WANT TO FLY!
He takes a sitting position and flies away as if he were
piloting an invisible jet.
Master Mind climbs out of the dumpster and watches Titan
disappear into the distance.
DA VINCI
How'd the plan go, boss?
MASTER MIND
I just made myself redundant, old
friend.
Da Vinci gives Master Mind a whiff.
DA VINCI
It's not that bad.
INT. BANK - DAY
Titan, with a happy bounce in his step, enters the bank. The
last time he was here he thwarted a robbery. He looks
nostalgic.
A SECURITY GUARD shyly walks up to him like a kid meeting his
TV idol.
SECURITY GUARD
Morning, Tighten.
TITAN
Morning.
SECURITY GUARD
Is there something we can do for
you?
80.
TITAN
Oh, don't bother about me. I'm just
here to make a withdrawal.
Titan walks across the lobby, drawing stares of admiration
from all.
A little girl waves to him sweetly. He gives her a good-
natured WINK as he heads straight for the vault.
The security guard watches him enter and come out with a SACK
OF CASH.
Sure he must be misunderstanding what's going on, the
security guard just stares at Titan as he passes by and out
the door.
The bank manager comes over to the guard.
BANK MANAGER
Say, did he just rob us?
SECURITY GUARD
Not sure. Sort of looks it, don't
it?
BANK MANAGER
Yeah.
SECURITY GUARD
Should I, you know, stop him?
BANK MANAGER
Umm...Yeah.
As the security guard exits the bank, the manager stares out
the window. His eyes suddenly grow wide with terror.
The guard's body suddenly smashes through the window, landing
at the startled bank manager's feet.
BANK MANAGER (CONT'D)
(looking down at the
guard)
He did rob us, didn't he?
CUT TO:
TELEVISION
"A Channel 7 News Special Report." Brad Helms wipes into
view.
81.
BRAD HELMS
"Absolute power corrupts
absolutely." When Lord Acton stated
that, in a letter to Bishop Mandell
Creighton in 1887, no one thought
much about it, but today Metro City
is reeling from that very prophecy.
Tighten, who many thought of as our
savior, has turned his back on the
cause of justice.
CUT TO:
TITAN BEING EVIL - MONTAGE
EXT. DIAMOND EXCHANGE - DAY
Titan flies through the window of the building. He emerges
seconds later laughing with his shirt full of booty.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
A woman screams from the window of a BURNING BUILDING. Titan
flies up to her, grabs her fur coat and zooms off again,
leaving the woman behind, slightly confused.
EXT. OUTSIDE MARKET - DAY
Titan steals a little boy's lollipop and gooses his mother.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
Dozens of people run through the streets apparently to get
out of a downpour. We cut to the top of a building and see
Titan ZIPPING UP HIS PANTS and laughing.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - NIGHT
Master Mind paces back and forth in front of Plato and Da
Vinci.
PLATO
I don't understand it. He seemed to
have every characteristic we were
looking for in a superhero.
MASTER MIND
Well, there's no use crying about
it now, we must take action. I'm
not going to play second fiddle to
that crass buffoon. We must destroy
Tighten.
82.
PLATO
It won't be easy. Uberman had a
sense of decency and genuine love
for the people. That was his
weakness and was easily used
against him.
MASTER MIND
Yes, but he possesses the same
flaws present in Uberman's DNA -
copper. It's like Benjamin Franklin
always said: "If something works
don't dick with it."
EXT. BAR - DAY
It looks like a war zone passed through here. Smashed police
cars and debris lay everywhere. This seems to be the only
building left untouched.
INT. BAR - DAY
A very tipsy Titan is sitting at the bar, looking deep into
the bottom of his beer glass for answers.
TITAN
I can have anything I want. I'm
like a god.
The BARTENDER just listens as he wipes down a glass with a
dirty rag.
TITAN
Point to any woman in this bar. I
could have her in a second.
He follows the bartender's gaze to THE ONLY OTHER PERSON
THERE - A passed out, MIDDLE AGED HAG OF A BARFLY.
TITAN
(to Old Barfly)
Hey, you wanna get with this?
BARTENDER
Buddy, what do you want?
Titan carefully considers this for a moment.
TITAN
What do you want? That's the
question, isn't it. I mean, what do
you want when you can have
everything?
(MORE)
83.
TITAN(cont'd)
I suppose what I really want is to
never be forgotten again. I want to
do something that can never be cast
aside or one-upped. I want a -
what's it called? - A legacy. I
want a legacy. Yeah, that's it. I
like the sound that.
BARTENDER
I meant, what do you want to drink?
TITAN
Oh.
EXT. BAR - LATER
Titan stumbles out of the bar, carrying a large sack of
money.
MASTER MIND (O.S.)
Your time has come to an end,
Titan!
He looks up to see Master Mind suddenly standing before him.
TITAN
What?
MASTER MIND
There can be only one master
criminal in this city - and it's
me.
TITAN
Really?
Titan melodramatically throws up his arms.
TITAN (CONT'D)
I guess I should leave town then,
huh?
MASTER MIND
I have a better idea - NOW!
Two floors up Da Vinci releases a rope. A COPPER CAGE, like
the one that caged Uberman, drops down on top of Titan.
Titan nonchalantly surveys the cage. He walks to the bars,
tries to pull them apart but can't.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
That's copper my good man. Your one
weakness.
(MORE)
84.
MASTER MIND(cont'd)
For all your amazing gifts of brawn
you are no match for my intellect.
Titan thinks for a moment. Suddenly, he starts to SPIN like a
human top, DRILLING HIMSELF INTO THE STREET BELOW.
As he disappears beneath the surface, we see a shocked look
on Master Mind's face until Titan suddenly explodes out from
under the street in front of him.
Master Mind stares up at him, dumbfounded.
Titan makes like he's going to strike him down, but stops.
TITAN
You know what? You're nothing but a
bug. Not even worth my effort.
He turns his back to Master Mind and continues down the
street.
Plato makes his way from the shadows to join his master. They
watch Titan shrink into the distance.
MASTER MIND
He's not as dumb as I thought.
PLATO
I guess not...Funny, though.
MASTER MIND
What's funny?
PLATO
Funny Uberman didn't think of the
same thing.
EXT. HIGH ABOVE METRO CITY - DAY
As Titan flies, he looks down at the rooftops of the city
below.
Suddenly, something catches his attention.
HAL
That's it!
He stops, hovering in place as he looks down below.
The buildings, which make up the heart of downtown Metro, are
in a PERFECT TRIANGLE with a long strip of street leading up
to it. It sorta looks like a bowling lane.
85.
HAL
Hello, Legacy.
EXT. KINGPIN BOWLING - DAY
Vinnie and his goons come running out as the hear a
COMMOTION.
They look up to see Titan ripping off THE GIANT BOWLING BALL
from the top of the establishment.
VINNIE
Hey, that's my ball!
INT. ROXANNE'S APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
Roxanne enters the building's elevator. Just before the door
closes an ELDERLY WOMAN slides in.
ELDERLY WOMAN
That was a close one. Sixth floor,
please.
Roxanne smiles and goes to press the button.
The elderly woman suddenly pulls out a SPRAY CAN, shooting a
MYSTERIOUS-LOOKING MIST into Roxanne's face. She falls to the
floor unconscious.
INT. ROXANNE'S APARTMENT - DAY
Roxanne awakens, finding herself tied to a chair in her
living room.
We hear NOISE from a TV in the background as she tries to
adjust her vision.
Slowly, the blurry figure before her becomes clear.
It's Master Mind. He sits on her Lazy-Boy, reading what looks
to be some kind of JOURNAL.
MASTER MIND
Wow, I always thought Uberman was
your first superhero - but it looks
like our little Roxanne dated a
linebacker in college.
ROXANNE
That's my diary.
MASTER MIND
So it is.
86.
ROXANNE
It's personal.
MASTER MIND
Well, then I wouldn't leave it in
your underwear drawer for just
anyone to find.
He throws the diary over his shoulder.
ROXANNE
What do you want?
MASTER MIND
I need your help.
ROXANNE
So you knock me out and tie me to a
chair?
MASTER MIND
You're not going to like what I'm
about to tell you.
As she tries to shake off her headache from being knocked
unconscious, Roxanne spots something on the TV.
ON TELEVISION
Brad Helms is huddled behind a van.
BRAD HELMS
It's chaos here in city square as
city police -
Behind him, Titan picks up a POLICE CAR and throws it at a
PADDY WAGON. Both vehicles EXPLODE on impact.
BACK TO SCENE
ROXANNE
He's really out of control.
MASTER MIND
Tell me about it.
As if finally realizing something, Roxanne looks back at
Master Mind.
ROXANNE
I should have known. You have
something to do with this, don't
you? - With Titan turning evil.
87.
MASTER MIND
Well, the evil thing he did by
himself. My goal was to give MYSELF
purpose by creating an intellectual
sparring partner.
ROXANNE
(confused)
You're talking like you made him.
MASTER MIND
And they call me Master Mind.
ROXANNE
Let me get this straight. You
missed getting your ass kicked, so
you made a new guy to kick your
ass. That's pathetic.
MASTER MIND
In hindsight...
Roxanne turns back to the TV to see a group of POLICE
OFFICERS open fire on Titan. The bullets just deflect off his
chest.
ROXANNE
And his powers, they're just like
Uberman's. Why would he have his
powers?
MASTER MIND
(almost ashamed)
I had some left over from
something. I infused him with it.
ROXANNE
YOU DID WHAT!?
Driven by rage, she struggles to tear out of her bonds. She
finally relents, giving Master Mind a look fueled by pure
hatred.
MASTER MIND
Yeah, that's why I decided to tie
you up.
ROXANNE
You did all this because you wanted
purpose?
MASTER MIND
He seemed nice.
88.
TELEVISION
Titan is standing on top of a destroyed police car. He waves
for the camera to zoom in on him.
TITAN
Closer. I want to show the people
my real face.
He pulls off his mask, revealing himself as Hal Stewart to
the public for the first time.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Recognize me?
BACK TO SCENE
ROXANNE
Hal Stewart. He's the guy we
thought saved that woman and kid.
Turned out he was just trying to
save his own ass.
MASTER MIND
Yeah, good to know - NOW!
TELEVISION
Titan throws the mask over this shoulder and hops off the
car.
TITAN
That's right, I'm really Hal
Stewart. Former hero and bowling
teacher at Kingpin's Bowling.
BACK TO SCENE
Roxanne turns to Master Mind, condescending him with her
eyes.
ROXANNE
You picked a bowler to give super
powers to?
MASTER MIND
It's a modest profession!
TELEVISION
89.
TITAN
With my new found power, I've
recently started to wonder what
sort of legacy I should leave.
Should I be a hero? I tried that
once before - even saved a lady and
her baby from being squashed. I was
treated like a god until everyone
started to shit on me - Okay, so
what if I didn't "purposely" save
them!
He walks over and puts his hand on a large circular concrete
shape just off camera.
TITAN
Well, I'm going to make something
that can't be taken away from me.
I'm going to create a permanent
monument to my greatness. One that
won't be so easily forgotten or
erased.
The camera pulls back revealing THE GIANT CONCRETE BOWLING
BALL from Kingpin's.
TITAN
I intend to create a new category
in the Guinness Book of World's
Records by rolling the biggest
strike in the history of bowling.
He grabs the camera and points it to the DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS.
We realize they are PERFECTLY ALIGNED IN BOWLING PIN
FORMATION.
TITAN
My thanks to the city planning
commission. This wouldn't have been
possible without them.
Titan grabs the camera so it's pointing back at him again.
TITAN
Tell your friends and family to
tune in right here to this station
at noon tomorrow.
BACK TO SCENE
ROXANNE
My god, he's nuts. That'll destroy
the whole business triangle.
90.
Master Mind seems to be contemplating something - something
bad.
ROXANNE
What?
MASTER MIND
My lair is in the direct path of
the ball.
ROXANNE
Oh, real nice. Wouldn't want
anything to happen to your hideout,
would we?
MASTER MIND
You don't understand. I have
certain equipment that's - that's
highly unstable.
ROXANNE
What do you mean?
MASTER MIND
I sort of have a hydrogen reactor,
okay?
ROXANNE
A HYDROGEN reactor?
MASTER MIND
It's experimental - only one in the
world...Well, how do you think I
power all my inventions? Someone
like me can't pay for electricity.
The bills would be outrageous.
ROXANNE
A REACTOR?
MASTER MIND
It creates 100 times the output of
a nuclear one...If destroyed it
could...
ROXANNE
- Vaporize the entire city!
MASTER MIND
(proudly)
Pshaw...the whole eastern seaboard,
actually. That little baby is
amazing. I'm quite proud of it.
(MORE)
91.
MASTER MIND(cont'd)
(off her deadpan reaction)
I mean...we'd better find a way to
stop him.
Master Mind thinks a moment.
MASTER MIND
Did Uberman have a hideout?
ROXANNE
What?
MASTER MIND
A cave, a solitary fortress of some
kind. C'mon, all heros have a place
to hang their capes up in. Roxanne,
it may be our only chance to find
something, a clue, anything that
could give us a fighting chance.
ROXANNE
It's under his house.
MASTER MIND
Whose house?
Roxanne can hardly believe what she's telling him.
ROXANNE
Wayne Scott's.
Master Mind shoots up out of his chair.
MASTER MIND
Wayne Scott? Uberman was Wayne
Scott!? Wayne Scott, the wealthy
philanthropist? But he disappeared -
ROXANNE
(interrupting)
He disappeared just over two months
ago when you killed him. Not only
did you rid the world of a hero,
you killed a kind, noble, generous
man.
Perhaps ashamed, the super villain hangs his head.
Master Mind walks behind Roxanne and undoes her bonds.
Rubbing her wrists, she watches him as he walks over to the
door.
92.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Looks like you got what you always
wanted. Uberman is out of the
picture and Metro City is doomed.
He grabs the door knob and stops, considering her words.
MASTER MIND
"Metro City doomed." You know, I
never thought I'd say something
like this, but here it goes -
He slowly turns to her, CUE HEROIC MUSIC.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Not if I have anything to say about
it.
EXT. WAYNE SCOTT'S MANSION - NIGHT
Master Mind stands before the huge, Gothic structure in awe.
MASTER MIND
Such a dark place for one such as
you. I wonder, underneath your
noble deeds, what inner demons
drove you to your endless crusade
for justice?
He walks to the front entrance. The double doors have been
sealed shut with boards and nails. Master Mind begins to tear
them off with his metal hand.
INT. WAYNE SCOTT'S MANSION - NIGHT
The doors opens. A beam of moonlight immediately pierces the
darkness, forming an illuminated path into the heart of the
manor.
Master Mind enters.
Covered in dust and cobwebs, the hall looks like a gigantic
crypt.
MASTER MIND
Good lord, man. You've only been
dead for two months.
Master Mind walks, coming to a gigantic painted PORTRAIT OF
WAYNE SCOTT. He stops to reverently admire the image of his
fallen foe.
93.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
A disguise so simple, it's
ingenious. No wonder I never caught
on.
Besides the Armani suit, there's nothing to hide the fact
that this is the same person as Uberman. In the picture, he's
even standing in the same cheesy, heroic pose with his fists
on his hips.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Two lives, yet in both you were an
ideal. Perhaps it was you who was
victorious in the end, old friend.
A BONGING sound suddenly bellows through the dark halls.
Master Mind comes to a grandfather clock standing next to a
gigantic BOOKCASE.
On the twelfth bong it falls silent.
Master Mind begins to slide it across the floor until he
hears a loud CLICK.
The bookcase slides into the wall, REVEALING A HIDDEN
PASSAGE.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
I'll miss how predictable you were.
The passage way leads Master Mind to a WORKING ESCALATOR.
Master Mind gets off the escalator to see a long hallway with
stone walls.
He begins to hear strange SOUNDS, almost like MUFFLED
SCREAMS, coming from a doorway at the end of the hallway.
Master Mind starts walking towards it. As he steps closer, he
begins to notice a light cracking through the bottom of the
door.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Hello? Anyone here...besides..all
the BIG MEN who are with me now?
Nothing.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
(to himself)
What's the worst you're gonna find?
(MORE)
94.
MASTER MIND(cont'd)
The man was a boy scout, not a
serial killer.
He opens the door to his immediate amazement.
It's some kind of screening room. A PROJECTOR shoots an image
onto A DIRTY WHITE SCREEN hanging on the wall. BEER CANS
litter the floor; a table in front of a ripped-up couch is
covered in discarded snack goods; and a Kiss Pinball machine
stands in the far corner next to a CLOSED DOOR.
Master Mind turns his attention to the action on the screen.
SCREEN
A woman dressed in a leather DOMINATRIX OUTFIT is whipping an
overweight man lying on a swing-like device with his butt
sticking out.
DOMINATRIX IN FILM
YOU ARE A WORM!
She whips him three times. The man CRIES out in pain.
FAT MAN IN FILM
PINEAPPLE!!! PINEAPPLE!!!
Master Mind's eyes are transfixed on the disturbing imagery.
The door by the pinball machine suddenly swings open.
WAYNE SCOTT, dressed in raggedy sweats, steps into the room
carrying a CAN OF BEER and a bowl of JIFFY-POP.
Master Mind cannot believe his horrified eyes.
MASTER MIND
Ahhhhhh!
Wayne Scott is just as startled.
WAYNE SCOTT
Jesus!
He drop his drink and snack to the floor.
The two men stare at each other as they struggle to regain
their normal breathing patterns.
Wayne Scott walks over to the couch, brushes off a thick
layer of chip crumbs, and sits down.
WAYNE SCOTT (CONT'D)
What the hell are you doing here?
95.
MASTER MIND
I might just ask you the same
question. I had thought I
incinerated you.
WAYNE SCOTT
You scared the bejesus out of me.
How'd you figure out I was still
alive? Wait, how do you know my
identity!?
MASTER MIND
Roxanne told me. As for your ruse,
I forgot to line the bottom of the
copper cage - Somebody pointed that
out to me recently. Figured if they
could do it, so could you. But one
thing I couldn't figure out -
WAYNE SCOTT
The skeleton? Something I
"borrowed" from a medical school a
few months before.
MASTER MIND
A few months? How long had you been
planning this?
WAYNE SCOTT
I always planned to retire -
eventually. I mean, come on, you
can't do this sort of thing in your
fifties. You'd just look
ridiculous.
The pieces of the puzzle appear to be coming together in
Master Mind's head.
MASTER MIND
I see it all so clearly now.
INT. MASTER MIND'S HYDROFOIL - FLASHBACK
Master Mind and his minions cover their eyes as the
observatory explodes.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D - V.O.)
You must have done it just seconds
before the observatory exploded.
96.
INT. OBSERVATORY - FLASHBACK
Similar to what Titan did, Uberman bores out from under the
cage.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D - V.O.)
You bore out from under the cage.
Then, using your Uber-Speed, -
EXT. OBSERVATORY - FLASHBACK
Running in a blur-like haze, Uberman screeches to a halt in
front of some bushes.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D - V.O.)
- you made your way to safety,
where you had the skeleton safely
hidden away somewhere.
EXT OBSERVATORY - SKY - DAY
Uberman soars high above the clouds. He looks down at the
observatory, which is a mere speck in the distance.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D - V.O) (CONT'D)
Then you must have flown to a safe
distance and waited for the
explosion, then...
Just as the observatory explodes Uberman aims and throws the
SKELETON like a javelin.
It soars through the air like a missile, tearing through the
flames of the explosion, and crashing right into the
windshield of Master Mind's hydrofoil.
END OF FLASHBACK
Wayne stares at Master Mind, clearly impressed.
WAYNE
Man, you ARE smart.
MASTER MIND
But why fake your death? Why go
through all of it? You could have
just quit.
WAYNE SCOTT
But the responsibility would still
be there.
(MORE)
97.
WAYNE SCOTT(cont'd)
A cop can retire and stop handing
out speeding tickets - but people
expect more from superheroes. I
tell you, a volcano couldn't erupt
in Zimbabwe without everyone
expecting me to do something about
it. I figured, out of sight, out of
mind.
MASTER MIND
And Wayne Scott? Why did he have to
disappear?
WAYNE SCOTT
Both of my lives have so much
baggage. It's time for new baggage,
you know?
Master Mind's is absolutely flabbergasted.
MASTER MIND
I just can't believe it. This whole
time you've been in hiding while a
force of great evil is tearing your
city apart?
Wayne rises to his feet, waving his hands for Master Mind to
say no more.
WAYNE SCOTT
I don't want to hear about it.
That's why I don't have a
television in here to remind me of
all the things I SHOULD be doing.
Hell, I could get a wife to do
that.
MASTER MIND
There's a demented supervillain out
there about to destroy our - I
mean, your city.
Wayne shrugs indifferently.
MASTER MIND
You're really going to do nothing?
WAYNE SCOTT
Good and evil have a way of
balancing themselves out. If this
guy is as bad as you say, somebody
will rise up to fight him. It's
just the order of things. You found
me, didn't you?
98.
Wayne puts a condescending hand on Master Mind's shoulder.
WAYNE SCOTT (CONT'D)
I know it's hard, but you'll find
someone else someday.
He then starts walking to the door.
MASTER MIND
You're the only one who can stop
him.
Wayne turns around.
WAYNE SCOTT
Couldn't if I wanted to. Gotta a
plane to catch.
MASTER MIND
A plane?
WAYNE SCOTT
Going to Barbados for a little
change in climate. Now, if you'll
excuse me, I got to go pack.
He reads the still defeated look on Master Mind's face.
WAYNE SCOTT (CONT'D)
You were a good foe. I'm sorry if
I've let you down. If it makes a
difference, you were the best foe a
hero could ask for.
MASTER MIND
Not smart enough to come up with a
full-proof trap.
WAYNE SCOTT
Well, you did almost have me when
you figured out my weakness was
copper. Now that made me sweat a
little. Took me way too long to
drill out from under that cage.
MASTER MIND
I got lucky.
WAYNE SCOTT
Anyway, it's a good thing for my
sake that I could always count on
you for an out.
99.
MASTER MIND
(suddenly confused)
What do you mean?
WAYNE SCOTT
C'mon, we always threw each other a
couple of bones. You would always
leave me an out in one of your
`full-proof' traps, and I'd never
had you incarcerated at a
penitentiary that you couldn't
eventually escape from. It kept our
little game going.
Master Mind seems deflated.
MASTER MIND
Game? - Was that all this ever was
to you? You know, I was trying my
best every time I fought you. Those
`outs' as you call them were
unintentional.
WAYNE SCOTT
Oh.
MASTER MIND
I guess I was never really a match
for you, was I?
Wayne shrugs.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
(thoughtfully)
Then how can I expect to be one for
Titan?
A beaten man, Master Mind heads for the door, but stops and
turns around.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
What about Roxanne?
Wayne unleashes an exhausted sigh.
WAYNE SCOTT
I think we both got what we wanted
out of our relationship. She got a
career out of me, and I got plenty
of other things out of her. But I'm
ready to move on to greener
pastures.
100.
Master Mind's steel hand clinches into a fist at his side.
Wayne's oblivious to this.
MASTER MIND
I guess I wasn't the villain I
thought I was, and you...you
weren't the hero I thought you
were.
He turns to make his exit when he suddenly sees ROXANNE
STANDING IN THE DOOR FRAME.
Wayne is almost at a loss for words.
WAYNE SCOTT
Roxanne! How long have you been...
ROXANNE
Long enough.
Roxanne looks at Master Mind.
ROXANNE (CONT'D)
Don't you have something else you
can go do?
Master Mind leaves Roxanne and Wayne facing each other in
silence.
EXT. ANOTHER BAR - DAY
Titan emerges with Brad and Frank. He's holding a BEER CAN
and a bag of PORK RINDS.
TITAN
Alright, I want this whole thing to
look ESPN professional, understand?
A distant MECHANIZED RUMBLE can be heard. The noise rises,
signaling the approach of something powerful.
Titan and his crew walk out to the center of the plaza as the
sound becomes almost deafening.
A TANK TRACK
as it moves over the street. We PULL BACK to see a whole line
of TANKS rolling along the street.
PLAZA
From the five streets branching off the plaza, a dozen tanks
roll toward Titan.
101.
Titan turns to Brad and Frank.
TITAN (CONT'D)
You guys are about to get some good
footage. I might need a little
room, though.
Brad and Frank look at each other and run to take cover
behind a nearby building.
Meanwhile, Titan nonchalantly sips from his beer as the tanks
begin to surround them.
FEEDBACK belts out of one of the tank's loudspeaker's,
causing Titan to do a mock wince.
TANK LOUDSPEAKER
Titan, we have orders from the city
of Metro to take you into custody.
If you do not give your self up
willingly, we will be forced to
open fire.
There's a long pause as no one says anything.
TANK LOUDSPEAKER
What is your answer?
Titan takes a sip of his beverage and UNLEASHES A GIGANTIC
BURP - The shockwave of which sends several of the tanks
flying into a nearby building.
Two of the remaining tanks close in on the villain. Both have
him dead to rights at point-blank range with their massive
guns.
Titan sets down his beer, then calmly plugs a fist into each
barrel.
They FIRE.
The FORCE OF THE BLAST SENDS THEM BOTH FLYING IN OPPOSITE
DIRECTIONS where they CRASH into nearby buildings.
Titan bends down and pick his beet back up.
TITAN
(to beer)
Miss me?
Titan is suddenly bombarded by a massive barrage of machine-
gun fire. The force sends him flying into the windshield of a
nearby car.
102.
He looks up to see an APACHE ASSAULT COPTER. It's nose-
mounted GATLING-GUN is turning toward him.
Titan gets up to his feet and looks down at his beer can. The
bottom of it was blown apart in the blast.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Didn't mean to get you involved in
all of this.
He stared daggers up at the helicopter pilot just as the gun
gets a bead on him.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Hey, man! You killed my suds!
Titan throws the can up and slaps it with the palm of his
hand.
It flies with so much force it knocks the helicopter blade
clean off. The rest of the Apache crashes to the street like
a car dropped off a building.
TITAN (CONT'D)
That's one was for you, beer.
Titan salutes the wreckage and walks away to find Brad and
Frank still hiding behind the building.
TITAN
Guys, please tell me you got that
last bit.
BRAD HELMS
Huh?
TITAN
You're kidding me. I give you my
sexiest moves and you mean to tell
me it was for nothing?
BRAD HELMS
We were afraid something might hit
us.
TITAN
Looks like I've given the story of
the century to the wrong man.
He thinks about this for a moment, then it hits him.
103.
TITAN
Wait. What about that other
reporter. Blond. Not so lumpy on
the topper half, but killer legs.
BRAD HELMS
Roxanne. You want Roxanne. She's a
much better reporter than I am. You
want her.
TITAN
Where can I find her.
FRANK
We're actually not supposed to give
out that sort of information.
BRAD HELMS
1314 Mockingbird Lane. I believe
she lives in a penthouse.
TITAN
You've been very helpful.
He tosses Brad over his shoulder like a discarded ice cream
cone.
In the faint distance we see him splash down in the middle of
the Metro City river.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - DAY
Master Mind, pacing anxiously as Plato and Da Vinci pack
boxes. Obviously Master Mind is going on the lamb.
MASTER MIND
Hurry, we must be on our way as
soon as possible.
DA VINCI
Master, why must we flee?
MASTER MIND
I told you, Titan is too powerful.
If he's set on destroying us,
there's precious little we could do
about it.
DA VINCI
Where are we going?
104.
MASTER MIND
To another city, someplace with a
shitload of superheroes to fight.
We'll start over, we'll go back to
doing what we do best.
PLATO
With our tails between our legs?
The old Master Mind would never have let this comment slip
by, but as we have seen, he's not the same man.
MASTER MIND
Plato, do you have a better plan?!
Master Mind's cell phone rings. He turns in shame from his
men and answers it.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Hello...Roxanne?
INT. ROXANNE'S APARTMENT
Roxanne paces back and forth on the phone.
ROXANNE
What are you going to do about
Tighten?
INTERCUT between Master Mind and Roxanne on phone.
MASTER MIND
Right now I'm packing, later I'll
have a snack on the train.
ROXANNE
You're running away?
MASTER MIND
In a word - yes.
ROXANNE
You created this monster...
MASTER MIND
I didn't create this - the god's of
irony did and I am eating the crow
I so richly deserve.
ROXANNE
There's no time for self pity.
105.
MASTER MIND
I'll make the time.
Roxanne can't believe what she's hearing.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
You can leave with us. You'll be
safe.
ROXANNE
I'm not going anywhere.
MASTER MIND
Will you listen to me, no one can
stop him.
ROXANNE
You have to try. The city needs
your help.
MASTER MIND
I'm afraid you have an inflated
opinion of me.
ROXANNE
What the hell's happened to you?
The Master Mind I knew would never
have run from a fight even though
he knew deep in his heart that he
didn't have a chance in hell of
winning it. It was your best
quality. You need to be that man
right now...I...
MASTER MIND
What?
ROXANNE
(heart felt)
I believe in you.
Master Mind is taken aback, in a good way. But he catches
himself before the words swell his heart.
MASTER MIND
Sweet words, but that man is dead.
Please, Roxanne, just come with me.
ROXANNE
No...I guess you are a coward after
all.
Suddenly, there's a loud crash.
106.
Roxanne looks up to see a huge hunk of her ceiling has been
completely ripped off.
Titan is flying above, holding the debris as casually as if
it were a paper plate at a barbecue.
He looks down at her and smiles.
TITAN
Man, have I got a story for you.
Master Mind can hears Titan's familiar laugh from his side of
the line.
MASTER MIND
Roxanne? Roxanne?
EXT. KINGPIN BOWLING - DAY
Titan is standing in front of the bowling alley, trying to
decide on an appropriate pose for the occasion.
TITAN
What pose would be best? The corny
folded arms thing?
He demonstrates, arching his chin proudly in the air.
TITAN
Or maybe on the hips, like this.
It's the classic Superman pose, only not as masculine.
TITAN
No, makes me look like a flamer
pirate.
As Titan starts to fix his hair in the window, Frank pretends
to fix the lens on his camera as he speaks to Roxanne.
FRANK
(whispering)
Shouldn't we be making a run for it
right about now?
ROXANNE
(whispering)
The guy can outrun bullets. I don't
think either one of us is in that
kind of shape.
TITAN
She's right, Frank.
107.
Frank looks up, stunned that Titan could have possibly heard
him.
TITAN
Also got super hearing. I promise
not to keep the both of you long,
but you'll thank me when this is
all over.
Frank and Roxanne exchange helpless expressions.
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - DAY
Master Mind reverently stares up at the painted portrait of
his father.
MASTER MIND
Dad, it's me...
(he looks around to make
sure no one can hear)
...Bubsy. I know we haven't talked
in a while, and I'm sorry. It's
been a little crazy trying to live
up to a legacy.
The painting's menacing stare seems to reach into his very
soul.
MASTER MIND
Anyway...You raised me to be the
worst that I could possibly be. And
I've tried to live up to that as
best as I could - even dropping out
of dentistry school like you wanted
me to. But I'm about to do
something now that would really
piss you off. I'm going to go
against everything you ever taught
me. I hope...I hope that maybe
you'll look down at what I'm about
to do as not so much a good deed,
but more like the outright defiance
of a hateful and ungrateful, son.
If you could do that, then maybe -
in your own little way - you could -
for probably the first time - find
a reason to be proud of me.
He looks back up at the picture. Is it our imagination, or
does the painting's stare suddenly seem even angrier?
108.
MASTER MIND
Well...either way, you're probably
going to see me real soon.
(calling over his
shoulder)
Men?
Plato and Da Vinci suddenly stop what they're doing and look
up at him.
PLATO AND DA VINCI
Yes Sir?
MASTER MIND
Stop packing. Our work is not
finished here.
PLATO AND DA VINCI
YES SIR!
TELEVISION
A news report shows an aerial shot of Titan setting the giant
ball down in the middle of a vacant city street.
REPORTER
We interrupt your regular afternoon
programming to show you live
footage of a potential dangerous
situation in downtown Metro. The
former hero knows as Titan is
placing what appears to be a giant
ball...
INT. ABANDONED METRO CITY LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
Da Vinci stops in front of a television set, seeing the news
report in progress.
REPORTER
Hold on...It appears our own
Roxanne Ritchi is somehow at the
scene. We now go to her with a live
report.
DA VINCI
Sir, I think you should see this!
CUT TO:
109.
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
Roxanne is standing in front of a camera with a mike in her
hand.
ROXANNE
I'm here with the cause of the
destruction in Metro City. He has
kidnapped me and a cameraman to
chronicle what he refers to as the
creation of a monument to his
invincibility and overall
"Asskickiness." He will use this
giant concrete bowling ball to play
the largest game of bowling ever
using the buildings of downtown
Metro City as his pins.
Titan suddenly steps into the shot.
TITAN
And I'm going for the biggest
strike ever.
He leans into the camera.
TITAN
And you, Metro City, have a
ringside seat as I cement my name
in the anal of history.
ROXANNE
Annals.
TITAN
What?
ROXANNE
Nevermind.
EXT. CITY STREET - MOMENTS LATER
Titan holds up the massive bowling ball, lining up his shot.
TITAN
(in quiet professional
bowler announcer voice)
Like Tiger before him, a young
savior has come to raise a sport
from the ashes. Rookie Hal Stewart,
a young man with a dream, realizing
that dream here today, folks.
(MORE)
110.
TITAN(cont'd)
One might click there heels and say
"There's no place like home" upon
finding themselves in such a
fantasy. Well, Hal looks very much
at home right were he is - with a
ball in hand and glory in his
sights.
INT. METRO CITY LIBRARY - CONTINUOUS
In the bowels of Master Mind's hideout, the HYDROGEN REACTOR
glows and HUMS MENACINGLY.
BACK TO SCENE
Roxanne just stand helpless as Frank films away.
ROXANNE
Hal, I know everyone treated you
like shit, but you don't have to do
this.
TITAN
You're right. I don't HAVE to do
anything. Isn't that cool?
Titan lines up his shot.
TITAN
Here's one for the record books!
Titan flies a few feet and rolls the ball down the main
street.
ROXANNE
Her face is utter horror as she watches the inevitable
destruction of Metro City.
As the ball rolls - it demolishes everything in it's wake;
cars, street lamps - windows shatter as the giant concrete
sphere brushes along side buildings.
TITAN
He smiles in anticipation and uses "body English" to direct
the ball.
GIANT BOWLING BALL POV
It's nearly halfway to its target.
ROXANNE
111.
She closes her eyes.
Titan's smile fades. He looks around as if he hears something
we don't.
About two hundred feet in front of the first building a GIANT
SPIDER WEB flies across the path of the ball, creating a
defensive barrier. An enormous letter "M" is etched in the
web's center.
TITAN (CONT'D)
What the...?
The ball breaks through the web, but it's speed is greatly
reduced.
FRANK
Look, what's that flying in the
air?
We suddenly see MASTER MIND FLYING OVER THE ROLLING BALL IN A
JET PACK.
He quickly pulls out his goo gun and starts laying down a
path of sticky plasm to stop the destructive sphere's path.
MASTER MIND
C'mon, slow down
Master Mind looks down to see the meter of the gun close to
empty.
MASTER MIND
C'mon.
The ball slows drastically then starts rolling to the side.
It heads off an embankment and rolls harmlessly into a CANAL.
MASTER MIND
Gutterball!
TITAN
He's furious to say the least.
TITAN
YOU!
Master Mind gives him a mocking grin.
MASTER MIND
Bowling? What other trailer park
sports can you play?
112.
TITAN
You are becoming a real pain in my
ass. I should have done this a long
time ago.
Titan lunges at his tormentor. Master Mind hits the BOOSTER
on his jet pack and heads back toward the other side of the
city with Titan in hot pursuit.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
(into walkie talkie)
Plato, Da Vinci. Secure Roxanne,
he's falling for it.
ELSEWHERE
A flustered Titan lands. He begins searching the city
streets, but Master Mind is nowhere in sight.
He turns upon hearing an EEKING sound to his left.
Sitting on the ground is a CHIMPANZEE wearing a strange
collar. It smiles at him.
TITAN
What the hell?
From behind, Titan is immediately set upon by five more RADIO
CONTROLLED APES.
TITAN (CONT'D)
GODAMNIT!
The critters bite hop and hit Titan. As soon as he throws one
off two more jump him.
Titan breaks free and with his mighty breath blows them
across the street into a fruit stand. With Titan out of their
sight they begin to attack the fruit.
MASTER MIND
He's a block away frantically hitting his remote.
MASTER MIND
Shit! Stupid monkeys and their
fruit.
Titan flies away from the mad monkeys and lands to find
Master Mind sitting on the ground wrapped in a long cape with
only his head sticking out.
113.
TITAN (CONT'D)
No more games.
Titan FIRES HIS LASER VISION AT MASTER MIND's CHEST.
Master Mind pulls the cloak away to reveal a FIRE HYDRANT.
Titan's EYE LASERS burn through the hydrant releasing a high
pressure stream of water.
Master Mind uses the last remote which dumps two tons of
CEMENT mix into the truck.
The crowd, police and news crews move in closer when Titan
doesn't emerge.
Master Mind drops his last remote and walks toward the truck
cautiously.
MASTER MIND
Could it really be that easy--
- BOOM - The back of the truck explodes, throwing dust and
concrete everywhere. When the dust clears we see and enraged
Titan.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
Didn't think so.
As the villain walks toward him, he pulls back his fist to
give Master Mind the killing blow.
TITAN
If you don't mind, I'm going to
punch trough your face now.
Preparing himself for the end, Master Mind shuts his eyes as
a SUDDEN GUST OF WIND BEGINS TO PICK UP.
AS Titan goes to strike, a BLURRY FIGURE RUNS IN AND SNATCHES
MASTER MIND OUT OF THE AWAY.
Stunned, Master Mind begins to feel around his body as if to
make sure everything's still in place.
MASTER MIND
I'm alive.
He turns to see UBERMAN standing next to him.
MASTER MIND
Uberman?
114.
The terrified bystanders start to notice the figure standing
next to Master Mind.
BYSTANDER 1
It's Uberman!
BYSTANDER 2
Uberman's alive!
BYSTANDER 3
We're saved!
As the CROWD CHEERS, A confused Master Mind turns to Metro
City's newly resurrected champion.
MASTER MIND
I thought.
UBERMAN
So did I.
He puts a hand on Master Mind's shoulder.
UBERMAN
Thank you, old enemy.
MASTER MIND
For what?
UBERMAN
Showing me the error of my ways,
Showing me I'm meant to be this
city's savior, showing me that,
while we can try, there is no
running away from our true destiny.
With that, UBERMAN IS STRICKEN BY A LASER BLAST, INSTANTLY
TURNING HIM INTO A CHARRED HUMAN SKELETON.
Master Mind turns to see Titan smiling with his STILL SMOKING
EYES.
TITAN
Oh...Did I interrupt something?
Master Mind turns to run, but, suddenly Titan is before him.
TITAN
Where you going, buddy?
Titan grabs Master Mind by the collar and throws him across
the street into a parked car.
115.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Welcome to Paintown. Population:
you.
Master Mind manages to stand on shaky legs. He seems in a
daze, unable to move.
Titan flies up in the air.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Time to finish this.
With his fist front and center, Titan speeds toward Master
Mind. He's like a human torpedo, coming in for the killing
blow.
Master Mind comes to his senses and puts up his hands.
MASTER MIND
WAIT!!!
Titan screeches to a halt and stops just in front of him like
an old Warner Bros cartoon.
TITAN
What?
MASTER MIND
Quick joke - What's the capital of
Thailand?
TITAN
Huh - I don't know.
MASTER MIND
It's bang cock!
In a sudden surge of strength, MASTER MIND PUNCHES TITAN IN
THE GROIN.
The once mighty man instantly drops to his knees, searching,
with tears in his eyes, for the proper word to express the
pain suddenly surging through his member.
TITAN (CONT'D)
Ow.
Baffled, he looks up at Master Mind's hand and sees his
gauntlet is now made ENTIRELY OUT OF COPPER.
MASTER MIND
So, I guess pennies are good for
something.
116.
He punches Titan in the face, knocking him out cold.
Master Mind looks down on Titan with more than a little
pride. Suddenly he hears something behind him. He spins to
see the crowd making a strange noise - APPLAUSE.
Roxanne comes up to him.
The crowd starts to go wild and cheers for Master Mind. He's
not sure what to make of it.
ROXANNE
Pretty strange, huh?
MASTER MIND
They're cheering for me.
ROXANNE
You saved them. You saved
everybody. How's it feel?
Master Mind looks at the smiles all around him. He begins to
well up a little.
MASTER MIND
It's a...it's nice, you know? I
usually don't get a lot of
feedback.
(whispering)
But I also kind of caused all this.
What happens when they find that
out I was the cause of some of
this?
Roxanne looks at the cheering crowd, then back at Master
Mind.
ROXANNE
What they don't know won't hurt
them.
MASTER MIND
I guess that is all in the past.
ROXANNE
You're the hero.
MASTER MIND
I don't think I'd go that far...I
mean I just...er...
ROXANNE
Master Mind?
117.
MASTER MIND
Yes?
ROXANNE
Stop talking.
She kisses him.
The crowd erupts in a cheer.
TELEVISION
The channel 7 he channel 7 logo zooms in followed by the
title "Eye on Metro City."
A picture of Master Mind smiling appears on the screen behind
her.
SAMANTHA SUMMERS
Who's bad? Well, not Master Mind.
It seems the former villain has
done a career 180 after defeating
Tighten and saving Metro City from
certain enslavement. And here he is
getting a full pardon by Metro
City's Mayor, Steve Dent.
Cut to ceremony on capital steps. The MAYOR is shaking Master
Mind's metal gauntlet when it suddenly STARTS TO CRUSH HIS
HAND.
MAYOR
Ahhh!
Secret service men quickly start to draw their weapons and
take aim at Master Mind.
Realizing what's happening, he quickly lets the mayor's hand
go and puts his arms in the air.
MASTER MIND
Sorry - Metal hand. Force of habit.
He elbows the mayor.
MASTER MIND (CONT'D)
We're okay, right?
Wincing, the mayor signals the men to put their guns down.
WE CUT to video of Titan behind bars in a regular prison.
118.
BRAD HELMS
And what about Tighten? Is there a
prison in existence that can hold
this super powered menace? Well,
the answer we found is no.
A man in a white lab coat stands in front of Titan's cell
just out of reach.
PRISON SCIENTIST
Of course normally he could break
out of there anytime, but as you
can see we've taken some special
precautions.
The news camera pans over see Titan in his cell wearing a
copper JOCK STRAP with electrical cables hooked to it.
Back to Samantha at the desk.
BRAD HELMS
What is a Hero? It seems never has
that question needed to be asked
more than it does tonight. We go to
our very own Roxanne Ritchi, making
her triumphant return to our news
desk for the answer.
Brad turns. The camera pans over to Roxanne who we now see
has been sitting beside him.
ROXANNE
What is a hero? Well, there are
many different kinds. There are
those who hear a call, like the
policeman or doctor, then there's
the kind the public creates in
their search for meaning and hope.
Then, there are those who have the
courage to change.
DARK ALLEY - NIGHT
A woman is being chased by two large thugs. They're gaining
on her.
She comes to a brick wall - a dead end.
The thugs laugh.
THUG #1
Hey, gimme that purse?
119.
MASTER MIND (O.S)
I don't think it would go with your
outfit.
The thugs turn around to see Master Mind, standing with his
arms folded across his chest.
THUG #2
It's Master Mind!
Thug #1 draws a knife.
THUG #1
So? It's not like he has any
superpowers.
Thug #1 puts his fingers to his mouth and whistles.
Suddenly two more Thugs appear behind Master Mind.
MASTER MIND
I'm gonna give you a chance to
surrender.
THUG #1
Four against one. For a Master
Mind, you're really bad at math.
Master Mind throws a hand signal up in the air.
Suddenly a giant robotic foot crashes down on the two men
behind him.
Thug #1 and Thug #2 drop their knives and raise their hands
in the air.
Master Mind looks up and waves.
MASTER MIND
Way to take out those two goons,
guys!
We see Da Vinci and Plato at the wheel of a gigantic robot.
DA VINCI
What two goons?
The giant robot lifts its foot to check the bottom of it's
sole. It KNOCKS OVER WATER TOWER in the process.
The woman looks at Master Mind, horrified.
120.
MASTER MIND
(apologetically)
Sorry, we're new at this.
THE END
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