THE SILVER SURFER
THE END OF ETERNITY: PART TWO
(#1875-14)
WRITTEN BY
LARRY BRODY
FINAL DRAFT
FEBRUARY 18, 1998
THE SILVER SURFER
“THE END OF ETERNITY: PART TWO”
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. VARIOUS PARTS OF THE UNIVERSE – SERIES OF SCENES – * ALL NEW ANIMATION *
EXT. DEEP SPACE
WIDE ON the starry wonder that is the universe as reality *
itself seems to RIPPLE, and the outlined figure of THE *
WATCHER appears! *
THE WATCHER
I am the Watcher. For eons it has *
been my sacred duty to observe all *
that happens in the universe — *
and never interfere… *
As he speaks, we PAN FROM THE WATCHER TO: *
EXT. ANOTHER PART OF SPACE *
Where the SILVER SURFER soars past a huge blue star, moving *
through its corona and emerging unscathed. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Long have I watched the journey of *
the being known as the Silver *
Surfer… *
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER *
As a comet streaks directly at him, its icy head followed by *
a burning tail so bright and colorful it reminds us of a *
fiery peacock. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.) *
Wandering the spaceways, he has *
sought his lost home, the planet *
of peace and hope called Zenn-La… *
The Surfer FIRES A BOLT OF THE POWER COSMIC at the comet, and *
it EXPLODES around him, the Surfer continuing through the *
flaming debris as: *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Yet no matter his personal needs… *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 2*.
EXT. SOLAR SYSTEM OF MOROVUS *
As the Surfer uses his TRANSMUTATION BEAM on a WAVE OF *
DESTRUCTIVE ENERGY headed toward the planet Morovus V. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Always has the Silver Surfer cast *
them aside for the greater good… *
EXT. PLANET OF MOROVUS – DAY *
Where PIP, KILI, and the other trolls CHEER and dance *
excitedly as the ENERGY in the sky turns to gentle RAIN! *
MORE SHOTS – THE FOLLOWING SCENES COMING MORE QUICKLY: *
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY – DAY *
As the Surfer battles the VIRALS, BLASTING with the power *
cosmic. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
In sacrificing his mission for the *
good of others… *
EXT. PLANET OF HARMONY – DAY *
Where the Surfer sideslips a blow from the hammer of BETA RAY *
BILL. *
INT. GALACTUS’ BODY *
The Surfer racing through Galactus’ bloodstream, BLASTING the *
antibodies that get in his way. *
EXT. PLANET SKRULLOS – DAY *
The Surfer and NOVA burst out of a nest mound, evading crack *
Skrull shock troops. *
EXT. DOUBLE STAR SOLAR SYSTEM *
The Surfer BLASTS at a BLACK HOLE, creating a PLASMA JUMP *
into which the Wanderers’ fleet flees. *
EXT. PLANET KREE-LAR *
The Surfer soaring up from the ENERGY TUBE in which the Kree *
Supreme Intelligence has imprisoned both him and ADAM *
WARLOCK, using his power cosmic to pull Warlock with him as, *
in ONE CONTINUOUS SHOT, they flee into space. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 3*.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
The Silver Surfer has met cosmic *
challenge after challenge… *
EXT. EGO THE LIVING PLANET – DAY *
As images of its existence as Zenn-La vanish, revealing the *
Surfer deep in the bowels of the planet with the fiery face *
of Ego. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
And suffered personal loss after *
loss… *
INT. THE WANDERERS’ FLAGSHIP *
Where, standing before the tribunal of Wanderers that has *
judged him guilty of terrible crimes, the Surfer is drained *
of his power and is transformed into NORRIN RADD. *
INT. THE LANDING SPACE STATION *
As the Silver Surfer uses his HEALING BEAM on a blind *
woman — and is “rewarded” by being JEERED AT and physically *
attacked by the watching crowd of aliens. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.) *
Scorned by a universe that *
regarded him a lackey of the *
omnivorous Galactus. *
EXT. DEEP SPACE *
Where the Surfer stands on an asteroid, before the immense *
figures of ETERNITY and INFINITY. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.) *
Omniscient Eternity and his *
sister, Infinity, however, knew *
that the Silver Surfer’s quest had *
ennobled him… *
Reaching out, Eternity takes the Surfer and his board onto *
the palm of his great hand — *
THE WATCHER (V.O.) *
(continuing) *
And these two, the very essences *
of Time and Space, enlisted the *
Silver Surfer as their champion… *
Eternity thrusts the Surfer into his chest. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 4*.
INT. ETERNITY/EXT. THE UNIVERSE *
As the giant hand of Eternity pushes the Silver Surfer in a *
wild ride through space. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.) *
Against the most dangerous menace *
ever encountered… *
As Thanos’ ship approaches, bathing it in a PURPLE BEAM. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing) *
Thanos! Worshipper of havoc! *
Master of destruction! *
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THANOS *
Turns from the viewscreen to the statue of Lady Chaos, face *
filled with pride. *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
To earn the love of Lady Chaos, *
goddess of devastation, Thanos *
reversed the flow of time… *
EXT. A PLANETARY SYSTEM *
The system changes, devolving and becoming more and more *
primitive, the planets moving back into the sun as: *
THE WATCHER (V.O.) *
Seeking to contract the ever- *
expanding cosmos and return it to
the instant before its own
creation…
The sun evaporates into spinning gases and EXPLODES! *
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Thus creating the ultimate
devastation — the destruction of *
the universe itself!
INT. ETERNITY/EXT. THE UNIVERSE
The Silver Surfer’s ride in Eternity’s hand continues. *
Around him, time flows backward, and we witness, in QUICK *
FLASHES, the destructions of PIP and DRAX, KILI and the
TROLLS, THE WANDERER FLEET, THE KREE, THE SKRULL, ADAM
WARLOCK, BETA RAY BILL, even the EARTH, and ZENN-LA! *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 5*.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
For the Silver Surfer, it was *
truly a race against time… *
EXT. INTER-DIMENSIONAL NEXUS
As the Surfer tries to fight his way through the containment
field with COSMIC BLAST AFTER COSMIC BLAST.
THE WATCHER (V.O.)
Which not even he, for all his *
power cosmic, could win.
The HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE of Thanos appears before the Surfer,
LAUGHING as Thanos’ ship FIRES back. The PURPLE FIELD
returns to its source as the Watcher’s outline again RIPPLES *
into view: *
THE WATCHER
I am the Watcher. Yet, to the *
great sorrow of all, fate seems to *
have decreed that no one ever will *
know what occurs next next…! *
And with a SOUND LIKE THE LOUDEST THUNDERCLAP EVER, a WHITE *
NOTHINGNESS spreads over the SCREEN. The Watcher’s *
expression changes to one of terror, and he WHITES OUT, *
vanishing with the rest of the universe, as we *
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. NOTHINGNESS THAT WAS THE UNIVERSE
PANNING ACROSS what seems an eternal GRAYNESS, relieved not
by sight but SOUND: THE TRIUMPHANT LAUGHTER OF THANOS.
THANOS (O.S.) *
Lady Chaos! It is as you *
predicted! The energy I absorbed *
from the Universal Nexus has *
preserved us! *
The LAUGHTER GROWS LOUDER, as we FIND Thanos’ ship, the only
thing in existence! We TIGHTEN ON the ship as, like a poet:
THANOS (O.S.) *
(continuing)
Outside, where once a universe *
went its clockwork way, now is *
only nothing! Nothing at all! *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 6*.
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THANOS
Stands before the organic viewscreen, looking out at the
NOTHINGNESS. He gestures toward it grandly with one hand.
THANOS
But here, my love, is the prize… *
Thanos strides from the viewscreen to the garden, and the
statue of Lady Chaos. *
THANOS *
(continuing)
Open your eyes — and gaze upon my *
ultimate gift — the supreme proof *
of my worthiness to you. *
He holds out his other hand. In it is a small, dark object *
about the size of a tennis ball.
THANOS (O.S.)
Not even your vaunted power, your *
wild forays and crushed stars, *
could have accomplished so great *
a deed… *
We TIGHTEN on the “ball” that is the universe. Its surface
twists and writhes and changes shape and color as though
alive — which, in some ways, it just may be.
THANOS
All creation — reduced to its *
primal state of utter chaos, *
before even the Big Bang! *
We TIGHTEN CLOSER ON the Universe Ball. A tiny SILVER FLARE
erupts on its surface. Another. A third. We ZOOM IN ON the *
latest SILVER FLARE, FINDING:
INT. THE UNIVERSE BALL – THE SILVER SURFER
Adrift on his board in what could pass for the descent to *
Jupiter in the film 2001: A MAELSTROM OF EVER-SWIRLING, EVER- *
CHANGING COLOR AND ENERGY. The SILVER FLARES are his arms, *
flailing frantically. We HOLD ON the Surfer’s face — *
anguished — desperate, as we
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 7*.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THE UNIVERSE BALL
FLASHING and writhing.
THANOS (O.S.)
Well, my love? I am waiting… *
We WIDEN TO SEE the Universe Ball still in Thanos’ hand as he
stands before the statue of Lady Chaos.
THANOS
You are so silent! Where are the *
thanks I deserve? Where is my *
reward?! *
Thanos’ voice rises angrily. He tosses the Universe Ball *
from one hand to the other. *
THANOS *
(continuing) *
Always so cold! It can be only *
that you are envious of my power! *
My greatness! *
Thanos whirls, takes one step away, another. Then he turns *
back. Again his tone changes: *
THANOS *
(continuing)
Oh, my lady…forgive me. I do *
not mean to judge you so harshly. *
(beat) *
But now — now that I have *
achieved my life’s goal and still *
do not have your approval — what *
is left for me to do…? *
His voice grows plaintive. We ANGLE PAST Thanos TO: *
THE STATUE OF LADY CHAOS
Is it our imagination, or do her eyes seem to GLINT with an *
emotion of her own for just a fraction of a beat? *
PULLING BACK, we SEE that the light may in fact be simply a *
reflection from the Universe Ball, as again Thanos tosses it. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 8*.
We TIGHTEN ON the Ball as it arcs from hand to hand, SEEING *
MORE SILVER FLARES as we *
CUT TO:
INT. THE UNIVERSE BALL – THE SILVER SURFER
Carried along on his board, as though by an invisible
current. Around him is a truly psychedelic universe with all *
its familiar forms, except that those forms — stars, comets, *
planets, galaxies — whirl endlessly in the BRIGHTEST OF *
COLORS. *
Within the COLORS are wild FLASHES and EXPLOSIONS — more of *
the CHAOS we have already SEEN. The Surfer fights for *
stability, trying desperately to stay on his board. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Can this be…?
The board is buffeted perpendicularly. The Surfer holds onto *
his board with his hands. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing) *
I have been given the most *
monumental task of all time, and *
I have failed…! *
ANOTHER ANGLE *
The Surfer is DROWNED OUT BY A HOWLING DIN, his body moving *
with it, literally RIPPLING like tall grass before a gale as *
new SWIRLING ENERGIES he is sent spinning head over heels *
over board. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.) *
And yet still do I live on! *
Fighting the elements that pound at him, the Surfer rights *
himself. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Eternity and Infinity were *
correct…! *
Another WAVE OF HOWLING SOUND AND WHIRLING ENERGY PASSES, and *
the Surfer’s body and board STRETCH AND DISTORT, flaring *
outward, and then receding. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 9*.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Wrenched as I was by Galactus, out *
of my own place in time and space, *
I have not been fully affected by *
Thanos’ foul crime — *
NEW ANGLE *
Still another WAVE APPROACHES, and the Surfer bends low on *
his board, trying to outrace it. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.) *
Yet how does that avail me? How *
can even the Silver Surfer turn *
this deepest of failures to *
success…? *
The WAVE OF SOUND AND ENERGY HITS, sending the Surfer flying *
from his board. They go their separate ways, STRETCHING AND *
DISTORTING, as we *
CUT TO: *
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THANOS *
Shaking the Universe Ball angrily. (NOTE: It should be *
visually clear that it is this shaking which has been causing *
the WAVES within it.) *
THANOS *
Very well, Lady Chaos, I will find *
a way to celebrate my success in *
spite of your mocking silence! *
Thanos drops the ball to the garden ground. *
THANOS *
(continuing; furious) *
I need no one, not even you! *
Thanos points at the far end of the garden, and from his *
finger stabs a PURPLE BEAM. *
THANOS
(continuing)
I will have my own universe. *
Ringing with the sounds and sights *
of eternal discord! *
His entire body seems to LIQUEFY, FLOWING INTO THE BEAM AND *
VANISHING! *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 10*.
We ANGLE TO the statue of Lady Chaos, eyes again seeming to *
come to life as: *
THE UNIVERSE BALL *
Rolls to the statue, coming to a stop against its base. A *
COLORED FLARE, like a great sunspot, arcs from it, and we *
TIGHTEN ON THE FLARE and *
CUT TO: *
INT. THE UNIVERSE BALL – THE SILVER SURFER *
Again, his body pulls back together. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
So this is what the universe has *
become! Everything formless, yet *
possessed of incredible power! *
Buffeted and blown he reaches for his board — but it whirls *
away from him as: *
WIDER *
A WHIRLING STORM OF COLOR like a MULTI-COLORED VERSION OF THE *
RED SPOT OF JUPITER, FLARES UP, sucking all the other COLORS *
in the Universe Ball. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Here in this place that is not a *
place all things are one — *
The Surfer’s board spins toward it, stretching, BLENDING INTO *
THE OTHER COLORS — and then then SEPARATING ITSELF! *
THE SILVER SURFER *
Allows himself a smile. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Except for the Silver Surfer and
his board. The very physics of *
the cosmos do not allow me to *
belong…
He dives away from the COLOR STORM, realizing: *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.) *
(continuing)
But might that not at last be a *
blessing, instead of a curse? *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 11*.
WIDER *
The WHIRLING EDGES of the COLOR STORM reach him, and it’s as *
though he is colliding with a spinning galaxy! *
The STORM starts to pull the Surfer inside it, the lower half *
of his body vanishing within. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Ever have I striven…and so now
must I fight on!
The Silver Surfer’s fists GLOW — and he FIRES a COSMIC POWER
BLAST into the edge of the COLOR STORM! The edge FLARES UP,
exposing more of the Surfer, and he FIRES into it again!
CLOSER ON THE EDGE OF THE COLOR STORM
It FLARES UP once more, completely freeing the Surfer. He *
looks around, calling out:
SILVER SURFER
To me, my board!
WIDER
From the far side of the COLOR STORM, the Surfer’s board *
appears, zooming to: *
THE SILVER SURFER
Leaping onto the board, he soars from the COLOR STORM, *
looking above him, at: *
THE SILVER SURFER’S POV – THE AREA BEFORE HIM
In the distance is a tiny pinpoint of light. We ZOOM IN, the *
pinpoint GLOWING OPAQUELY — and becoming enormous. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Can it truly be — a barrier *
marking the end of this realm? *
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Soaring toward what he has seen.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Then there is where I must go to *
right Thanos’ wrong! *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 12*.
Gaining speed, he soars faster and faster, higher and higher. *
We ANGLE PAST him, TO the pinpoint of light, and *
CUT TO:
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THANOS *
Coalescing out of the PURPLE BEAM at the far edge of the
garden. He stands before a twisted, gnarled forest of
skeletal-shaped trees, nods with satisfaction.
THANOS
Others will appreciate my *
greatness, Lady Chaos, even if you *
do not! *
Again he shoots his PURPLE BEAM, and we ANGLE WITH it as:
THE TREES
RIPPLE AND WAVER and change both shape and composition,
taking on the appearance of humanoid beings, hanging in the *
air: MENTOR; an older man we will learn is ALARS; and almost *
a dozen others.
ANOTHER ANGLE *
We PAN FROM one TO the other as, trying to get their bearings: *
MENTOR *
Where am I? What has happened…? *
(seeing his creator) *
Thanos?! *
THANOS *
Ah, Mentor, my despised brother. *
So good of you to come. *
ALARS *
Thanos…what have you done to us? *
THANOS *
Why, father, dear, I have created *
Replicas of you, of course. *
Thanos points to the others. *
THANOS *
(continuing)
As I have you, my sire’s fellow *
members of the Titan System *
Science Council! *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 13*.
FIRST REPLICA SECOND REPLICA *
Created? How can that be? I think! Therefore I must *
be real! *
NEW ANGLE *
As Thanos laughs. *
THANOS *
You will be as real as you need *
be — so long as you celebrate my *
deeds! *
MENTOR *
“Celebrate” them? Your “deeds” *
have always been crimes, Thanos! *
THANOS
Poor Mentor. As deluded as you *
were in life — so are you more *
mistaken now! *
Thanos raises his hand, and another PURPLE BEAM stabs out at *
Mentor, sending him flying backward, into the forest. Alars *
rushes to him. *
ALARS *
My son…! *
THANOS *
(ironically) *
Yes, father dear, worry about the *
scholar — and leave the “monster” *
you created to yet another sweet *
victory! *
WIDER
As, with those words, Thanos starts BLASTING away at Alars *
and the others. The older man goes reeling, and the *
Councilmen reach for the weapons at their belts and begin *
FIRING. *
THANOS
Still you disdain me, just as in *
my youth? Very well — for now I *
know what to do! *
Their BLASTS bounce off him. Still laughing, Thanos FIRES *
HIS PURPLE BEAMS at the others, and as they fall we *
CUT TO:
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 14*.
INT. THE UNIVERSE BALL – THE SILVER SURFER’S POV *
We are very near the OPAQUE CIRCLE OF LIGHT that is obviously *
the border of the Universe Ball. From here we can SEE that *
it is made up of RACING PARTICLES INTERWOVEN TOGETHER. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.) *
I have reached the very border of *
the universe — ! *
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER *
Flying directly at the center of the OPAQUE CIRCLE,” he *
breaks off as from all around it COLORED ENERGY CLASHES! *
From the center of it comes the SOUND OF EXPLOSIONS — *
CRYING — SCREAMS OF URGENCY — all the SOUNDS OF THE *
UNIVERSE as: *
WIDER *
The Surfer’s hands go to his head as, crying out: *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.) *
So this is how it holds itself *
together! But it will not hold me! *
The COLORED ENERGY CRASHES against him, and the Surfer goes *
flying back, then gathers himself: *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing) *
No! I cannot — I will not — be *
stopped! All creation is at stake! *
And, gathering himself, the Surfer FIRES a COSMIC BLAST at *
the COLORED ENERGY before him! *
He continues to BLAST, OVER AND OVER, carving a kind of
“tunnel” through the ENERGY and riding through it the way an *
Earth surfer would ride through the tube of a wave, as we
CUT TO:
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THE STATUE OF LADY CHAOS
Eyes definitely seeming to SPARKLE now. We ANGLE DOWN TO: *
THE UNIVERSE BALL
Roiling and erupting, as an EXPLOSIVE BURST OF SILVER FILLS *
THE SCREEN and: *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 15*.
WIDER ANGLE
The Silver Surfer and his board erupt from the Universe Ball! *
He soars high over the statue, which rocks back from the
force of the EXPLOSION! The statue teeters precariously —
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I — have — triumphed…! *
And he looks back down, where he came from, at:
THE SILVER SURFER’S POV – THE STATUE OF LADY CHAOS
Steadies. Below it the Universe Ball writhes.
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Circling. He stares at the Universe Ball with both horror *
and sorrow.
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
That is what has become of the *
cosmos — ? *
(looking around him) *
So this is Thanos’ ship… *
He flies toward the viewscreen, with its GRAY image of *
nothingness, and his voice rises in fury: *
SILVER SURFER *
THANOS! *
WIDER *
The Surfer BLASTS at the viewscreen, and it EXPLODES into *
rubble. He BLASTS again, at the neighboring foliage. *
SILVER SURFER *
There will be a reckoning!!! *
The Surfer seems almost as crazy as Thanos. He starts to *
BLAST again — but stops himself. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
What am I doing…? Thanos is far *
too formidable a foe for me to *
allow myself to lose control — *
He breaks off, as, from the other end of the garden, the *
Replicas come floating toward him, led by Mentor and Alars. *
The Surfer reacts with surprise: *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 16*.
SILVER SURFER
Mentor, old friend! I left you on *
the Universal Library, in another *
form. Have the Virals survived?! *
The Surfer soars toward the others — just as an ENERGY BLAST *
comes from the forest, catching the Mentor Replica squarely
in the back and DISINTEGRATING it! *
SILVER SURFER *
(continuing;
anguished) *
Mentor…! *
NEW ANGLE *
More BLASTS follow, completely annihilating all the Replicas, *
and a PURPLE BEAM appears. MATERIALIZING within its PURPLE *
FIELD is Thanos. *
THANOS
(with heavy irony) *
Silver Surfer, “old friend!” *
Welcome to my little world. How *
did you escape your inevitable *
fate? *
And, before the Surfer can react, Thanos FIRES BLAST after *
BLAST, like CHAIN LIGHTNING. The Surfer falls back on his *
board, careening uncontrollably across the “sky” of the ship, *
and we *
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 17*.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. NOTHINGNESS THAT WAS THE UNIVERSE – THANOS’ SHIP
Suspended against the GRAYNESS. The ship shakes violently
as, from O.S., we hear the SOUND OF THANOS’ ENERGY BLASTS,
along with:
SILVER SURFER (O.S.) *
Thanos! Listen to me…! *
As Thanos speaks, we TIGHTEN TO: *
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THE SILVER SURFER *
BLOWN off his board by another BLAST. He starts to fall, and *
the board swoops back to him. Swiftly, the Surfer flips back *
onto it feet first. *
SILVER SURFER
(calling out) *
I come to persuade you of the *
error of your actions! *
WIDER
SEEING Thanos standing solidly within his PURPLE FIELD, *
laughing. *
THANOS
“Error…?” *
Thanos BLASTS again. This time the Surfer FIRES his own *
BLAST OF THE POWER COSMIC to block Thanos, and the two forces
meet each other in mid-air and EXPLODE!
THANOS
(continuing) *
The destruction of the universe *
was far from an error… *
Accompanying Thanos’ words is another BARRAGE OF ENERGY
BLASTS. The Surfer dodges one, FIRES back to EXPLODE *
another, as: *
THANOS *
(continuing) *
How, after all, can it be wrong to *
attain one’s heart’s desire? *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 18*.
ANOTHER ANGLE *
Another of Thanos’ BLASTS catches the Surfer and slams him *
backward. The Surfer careens across the ship to: *
THE STATUE OF LADY CHAOS
Once more, its eyes seem to GLINT, this time reflecting the *
BLASTS hitting the Surfer. We WIDEN as he CRASHES to the *
ground nearby. GROANING, he raises his head groggily to see: *
THE SILVER SURFER’S POV – THANOS *
Appearing before him BLURRILY in another PURPLE BEAM. Thanos *
gestures toward the statue. *
THANOS *
If I made any mistake at all, it *
was in expecting to share my *
success with a love who has *
abandoned me! *
(beat) *
But perhaps you will remedy that. *
Can the Silver Surfer not *
appreciate my accomplishment — *
just a little? *
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER *
Regards Thanos’ groggily. He shakes his head to clear it, *
pulls himself up by leaning on his board. *
SILVER SURFER *
All I appreciate, Thanos, is your *
enmity! *
And, gathering his fading strength, the Surfer BLASTS at his *
foe. We WIDEN TO SEE Thanos’ ENERGY FIELD deflect the BLAST *
easily. Thanos speaks sadly: *
THANOS
Ah, once again am I met with *
ingratitude! *
FIRING his own PURPLE BLAST, Thanos sends the Surfer’s board *
skidding away from the Surfer along the ground. The Surfer *
brings up his hands, fists GLOWING, about to BLAST again as: *
SILVER SURFER *
“Ingratitude?” For what could I *
possibly to be grateful to you? *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 19*.
THANOS *
Why, for your identity, of course. *
Your very soul… *
And, before the Surfer can react, Thanos FIRES another PURPLE *
BEAM. The Surfer throws himself aside so that it misses him, *
but instead of EXPLODING, the BEAM instead creates: *
A HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE *
Of the Silver Surfer and Thanos, in the strange, dreamlike *
landscape that (in #1875-02) was the Surfer’s mind. *
THANOS (O.S.) *
Was it not I who revealed to you *
the past Galactus had hidden? *
As Thanos speaks, his image strikes at a hatch cover, opening *
it so that the Surfer’s memories of Zenn-La and Shalla Bal *
can stream out! *
THE SILVER SURFER AND THANOS *
The Surfer tears his gaze away from the images, turns to *
Thanos. *
SILVER SURFER *
What you did was for the basest of *
reasons! To gain destructive *
power! *
THANOS *
And yet look how much good came *
from it. Oh, Silver Surfer, can *
you imagine what it is like — to *
always be so misunderstood? *
And Thanos FIRES ANOTHER PURPLE BEAM at: *
THE HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE *
The image changes to that of a miniature hi-tech city with *
spiraling towers, zooming shuttles, and bustling crowds. *
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
(in spite of himself) *
What place is this? *
THANOS (O.S.)
Eons ago, it was my home. *
Saturnan, capitol of the Titan *
system…
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 20*.
Three figures EXPAND from the tiny buildings, so that we can *
SEE them better: Alars, Mentor, and Thanos Replicas. The *
Alars Replica puts a fatherly arm around Mentor’s shoulder. *
ALARS REPLICA *
Mentor, my firstborn. Your thirst *
for knowledge will take our people *
to heights no one now can imagine! *
Then Alars turns to Thanos — and backs away. *
ALARS REPLICA *
(continuing) *
Thanos, my second son. Your power *
daunts even I, who bestowed it *
upon you — but it will keep our *
people from harm! *
THE SILVER SURFER AND THANOS – INTERCUT WITH THE ABOVE AS *
NEEDED *
The Replicas shrink back down to scale, and the Surfer turns *
to Thanos. *
SILVER SURFER *
Your own father feared you? *
THANOS *
Sad, is it not? *
Thanos gestures, and a fleet of Skrull war craft appears over *
the city! The images of the ships begin FIRING ENERGY *
WEAPONS. Towers collapse! Shuttles crash! Crowds flee! *
A smaller version of the Thanos Replica appears in a PURPLE *
ENERGY FIELD, FIRING at the Skrull! *
THANOS *
(continuing)
When the Skrull attacked, I beat *
them off, but the price was high. *
The Skrull fleet flees…but the city is badly damaged. The *
Surfer finds himself pulled into the drama before him. *
SILVER SURFER *
You fought your best — *
THANOS *
More was demanded of me. I had *
hoped to make my father proud. *
Instead I was disgraced. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 21*.
NEW ANGLE – STILL INTERCUTTING AS NEEDED *
Another gesture, and the image of the city DISSOLVES into *
that of a ship speeding through deep space. *
THANOS
I traveled the universe, searching *
for more power… *
Ahead of the ship is what looks like a beautiful LIGHT SHOW *
OF GLORIOUS FIREWORKS! As the ship gets closer to it, we SEE
that it is actually two huge cosmic masses smashing against *
each other!
THANOS
(continuing)
At last I encountered an awesome *
sight. Two nebulae colliding…! *
Stars and planets hit each other and EXPLODE! Thanos’ ship
is caught in the vortex of destruction, spinning out of
control.
THANOS
(continuing)
It was pure freedom — *
SILVER SURFER
(aghast) *
Pure chaos —
THANOS
And why not? Since, at the heart *
of the destruction, guiding it… *
We TIGHTEN TO SEE, standing in space at its very center, a *
human-like woman, her hair and dress blowing as though from *
a hurricane, her head thrown back in the heartiest of LAUGHS. *
THANOS
(continuing) *
Stood Lady Chaos herself! *
SILVER SURFER *
On Zenn-La we knew her as goddess *
of the Quantum Force! The living *
embodiment of disaster! *
The image of Thanos’ ship is struck by one of Lady Chaos’ *
random ENERGY BOLTS. It splits apart, and the image of *
Thanos spins out toward her. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 22*.
THANOS
Her wildness taught me the *
futility of order and direction. *
She made all else seem pointless. *
(beat) *
I, Thanos, fell in love, and *
begged her to take me — *
The image of Lady Chaos LAUGHS LOUDER.
THANOS (O.S.)
But she replied that I had not *
proven my value… *
The image of Lady Chaos waves her hand, and the image of *
Thanos is blown away like a leaf. He skids to a stop, begins *
FIRING his PURPLE BOLTS at her! *
ANOTHER ANGLE – STILL INTERCUTTING AS NEEDED *
SILVER AND PURPLE SPARKS FLY as the two images BLAST at each *
other until they are lost in a CLOUD OF SPARKLING SILVER AND *
PURPLE DUST. *
SILVER SURFER *
So you fought her…? *
THANOS *
I fought for her! Our battle *
spanned galaxies, and in the end… *
Thanos stops. The DUST CLEARS, and we SEE Saturnan again — *
a charred ruin. The Silver Surfer’s voice shows his horror: *
SILVER SURFER *
In the end you destroyed your own *
home world? *
THANOS *
A mere side effect. Nothing, of *
course, compared to what I have *
since achieved. *
CLOSER ON THE SILVER SURFER AND THANOS *
Thanos’ voice is filled with pride. The Silver Surfer is *
filled with rage. He leaps to his board, and soars upward. *
SILVER SURFER
Never would I have believed a
being could be so barbaric…! *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 23*.
From the Surfer’s eyes comes a TRANSMUTATION BEAM. *
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
You have “achieved,” vile one, *
what not the Kree, the Skrull, *
nor even Galactus could…! *
We ANGLE WITH THE BEAM as it strikes the image Thanos has
created — replacing it with a series of images of various *
planets, all filled with life. *
CLOSER ON THE NEW IMAGES
We SEE animals…plants…sentient beings…
SILVER SURFER (O.S.)
Look upon the life that once *
filled the now-empty void. Life *
you destroyed!
THE SILVER SURFER
His fists GLOW WITH THE POWER COSMIC as he swoops at Thanos.
SILVER SURFER
Ever have I sought the ways of *
peace. But how can I continue *
that way now? You seek to excuse *
yourself? For you, Thanos, there *
is no excuse… *
(beat) *
But justice there must be! *
And the Surfer FIRES!
WIDER – SERIES OF SHOTS
Now it’s the Silver Surfer FIRING A BARRAGE OF ENERGY BLASTS.
But one after the other they EXPLODE in empty air, as, time
and again, Thanos aims his PURPLE BEAM and DISSOLVES INTO it,
reappearing at its end and then vanishing again until:
THE SILVER SURFER
FIRES again. But it’s only a SPUTTER. The Surfer tries *
again. His hands GLOW…and then the GLOW SUBSIDES. *
WIDER
Thanos and his FIELD APPEAR directly in front of the Surfer. *
He speaks with exaggerated concern:
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 24*.
THANOS
What a pity. You have used up all
your power…
(laughing) *
Without a cosmos, what source did *
you think to draw on to replenish *
your vaunted “power cosmic?” *
CLOSE ON THE SILVER SURFER
Looking down at himself in dismay. His silver color is *
literally FADING TO GRAY. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
I cannot allow myself to be *
defeated — or all hope for the *
universe is lost! *
(beat) *
But what can I do…? *
We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer’s agonized face and *
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE – THE SILVER SURFER – (FLASHBACK FROM
EPISODE #1875-13)
The Surfer is on his board before Eternity and Infinity. *
INFINITY
You must use the power of Galactus
and the soul of Zenn-La to stop
the agent of our destruction —
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER SURFER’S MIND – (FLASHBACK FROM EPISODE
#1875-02)
Where Thanos falls to his knees in pain, as: *
THANOS
No! You are from Zenn-La…! *
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THANOS
PURPLE ENERGY BURSTS from him, EXPLODING all around.
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 25*.
THANOS
Farewell, Silver Surfer. As I *
disappointed my father, so do you *
disappoint me. *
(beat) *
But, ever magnanimous, I grant you *
a quick end… *
Thanos brings up his arms for a final BLAST. We TIGHTEN ON *
the Silver Surfer’s face and *
SMASH CUT TO: *
INT. THE ACADEMY OF ZENN-LA – DAY *
Where Norrin Radd, SHALLA BAL, and other students sit around *
the MASTER, whose palm rests on the COMMUNICATION CRYSTAL. *
(NOTE: It was shattered by Galactus in #1875-01.) *
THE MASTER
Trust in our way — always will *
ultimate evil fall before ultimate *
good! *
From the CRYSTAL comes a GOLDEN LIGHT so bright even the *
students have to turn away. Only the Master can face it as we *
SMASH CUT TO:
THE SILVER SURFER
A look of new awareness shows on his face. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.) *
“The soul of Zenn-La…!” *
He pulls together all his ebbing strength, and from his eyes *
comes another TRANSMUTATION BEAM. In the air before the *
Surfer appears the same GOLDEN LIGHT we just saw, FILLED WITH *
IMAGES of Zenn-La — the sunshine — animals living
together — students from different worlds — all STREAMING *
OUT at: *
THANOS
Shocked. Surrounded by the GOLDEN LIGHT. Faster and faster *
the IMAGES STREAM, as though assaulting him! Thanos’ hands *
go to his head, and he staggers back. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 26*.
THANOS
(crying out) *
The power of Zenn-La! Once, the *
Master there fought me when I *
sought to destroy the purity of *
that accursed world — now you *
fight me now! *
Thanos flails as though fighting a physical being, and in a *
pitiful cry: *
THANOS
(continuing)
MY LADY!!!
CLOSE ON THE FACE OF THE STATUE OF LADY CHAOS
Thanos’ CRY CONTINUES O.S., REVERBERATING, and now there can *
be no doubt of the fact that the eyes of the statue are
LIGHTING UP!
Within them, ENERGY CRACKLES LIKE FIREWORKS — or the
EXPLOSIONS in Thanos’ replica of the collision of nebulae *
where he first encountered the goddess. *
The stone of the statue’s face STARTS TO CRACK, and we WIDEN *
TO SEE that the rest of the statue is CRACKING as well as:
WIDER *
With a THUNDEROUS ROAR, the statue SHATTERS into stone shards *
that EXPLODE out at the Surfer, sending both him and his *
board spiraling to the ground, the TRANSMUTATION BEAM WITH *
ITS GOLDEN LIGHT AND IMAGES OF ZENN-LA STOPPING SHORT. *
We HOLD for a beat and we SEE that standing there, so tall *
that she almost fills the entire ship’s garden is: *
LADY CHAOS *
Her dress and hair blow wildly as around her whips a great *
wind! THUNDER CLAPS! LIGHTNING SIZZLES! This is indeed the *
goddess of Chaos in every way! *
LADY CHAOS *
(amid howling *
LAUGHTER) *
I am FREE!!! *
WIDER *
Both the Surfer and Thanos stare at Lady Chaos. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 27*.
SILVER SURFER (O.S.) *
Lady Chaos!? *
THANOS *
(ecstatic) *
My love! At last you come to me! *
Thanos holds out his arms, and Lady Chaos reaches out, picks *
up both him and his ENERGY FIELD. She holds him in the palm *
of her huge hand, more LIGHTNING FLASHING as she glowers down *
at him. *
LADY CHAOS *
Vain, foolish creature — do you *
believe I ever could care for such *
as you…? *
ANOTHER ANGLE *
Lady Chaos tightens her grip around Thanos as: *
THANOS *
But my love — ! *
Frantic, Thanos FIRES ANOTHER PURPLE BEAM. But it’s too *
late. Both he and his PURPLE ENERGY FIELD vanish within Lady *
Chaos’ closed hand, and when she opens her hand again all *
that remains is a fine PURPLE DUST. The DUST trickles down *
to the ground as she turns to the Surfer. *
LADY CHAOS *
A millennium ago, Thanos and I *
battled, and I was taken by *
surprise by a genetically *
engineered foe… *
WIDER *
As she speaks, Lady Chaos begins stretching, growing — *
LADY CHAOS
He had the ability to absorb *
enough of my own power to encase *
me in the statue you saw… *
She is still growing — and bursts through Thanos’ ship to: *
EXT. NOTHINGNESS THAT WAS THE UNIVERSE *
As Lady Chaos joins with the GRAYNESS, continuing to get *
larger. *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 28*.
LADY CHAOS
There, he sought to woo me — but *
never would I relent…
Her arms and hair wave. She whips the GRAYNESS into a
frenzied storm!
LADY CHAOS
(continuing; LAUGHING) *
Your victory over my captor *
weakened him enough to free me, *
and for that you shall receive the
ultimate prize…!
She gestures, and EXPLOSIONS fill the nothingness! *
LADY CHAOS
(continuing) *
Join me, Silver Surfer, as Thanos
was never allowed. We shall unite *
to create a new universe devoted *
entirely to chaos and disaster! *
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THE SILVER SURFER *
Looking out through the huge rift in its hull as Lady Chaos *
HOWLS WITH LAUGHTER. LIGHTNING strikes down from her at the *
ship, and both the vessel and the Surfer rock and reel. *
SILVER SURFER
(calling out) *
No! Never will I be a party to *
such horror! I must find a way to *
enable the old cosmos to live on! *
Desperately, his gaze goes to:
THE SILVER SURFER’S POV – THE UNIVERSE BALL
Rolling on the ground, just a few feet away, its own ENERGY *
FLARING! *
BACK TO THE SILVER SURFER
Pulling himself to his feet — *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Thanos was wrong. A source of *
energy is here — the remains of *
the universe itself — *
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 29.
He takes a step forward — and falls as what is left of the *
ship starts to spin! *
EXT. NOTHINGNESS THAT WAS THE UNIVERSE – LADY CHAOS *
Her LAUGHTER GROWS EVEN WILDER. Her being is so large now *
that it literally encompasses the ship! *
INT. THANOS’ SHIP – NIGHT – THE SILVER SURFER *
Dives for the Universe Ball — and it rolls away! *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
No time remains for me to absorb *
any power… *
Once more, he tries for the Universe Ball. This time the *
Surfer’s hand wraps around it. *
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Only for — THIS — ! *
And, with all his remaining strength, he throws — *
WITH THE UNIVERSE BALL
Arcing straight and true at the vastness that is now Lady *
Chaos — where it EXPLODES AS LOUDLY AS WE CAN MAKE IT and: *
WIDER ON THE NOTHINGNESS THAT WAS THE UNIVERSE
THE WHIRLING ENERGY THAT WAS INSIDE THE UNIVERSE BALL IS A
CIRCLE OF LIGHT WITHIN LADY CHAOS’ NOW MISTY FORM. *
THE ENERGY SPREADS OUTWARD, TAKING OVER EVERYTHING —
BECOMING EVERYTHING — and we WIDEN WITH IT TO SEE:
EXT. VARIOUS PARTS OF THE UNIVERSE – SERIES OF SCENES –
THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE
GALACTUS IS BORN, his body coalescing within the great
EXPLOSION that is the BIG BANG! — HUGE CLOUDS OF COSMIC DUST
SETTLE FROM THE ENERGY! — THE COSMIC DUST BECOMES STARS! —
PLANETS SPIN OFF FROM THE STARS!
And all this leads to:
EXT. PLANET OF KREE-LAR
Where primitive huts evolve into the futuristic buildings of
the Kree Empire!
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 30.
EXT. PLANET OF SKRULLOS
Evolving from an arid plain to the jungle we know!
EXT. A PLANETARY SYSTEM
As Galactus feeds!
EXT. PLANET OF HARMONY
As the WHYNNM build their civilization!
EXT. PLANET OF EARTH
As the moon breaks off from the Earth!
EXT. PLANET KARRA-DES
Where Adam Warlock is created!
EXT. THE UNIVERSAL LIBRARY PLANET
Populated by Watchers, who devolve into Virals!
EXT. PLANET OF ZENN-LA
As Galactus’ ship is visited by — NORRIN RADD!
EXT. THE WANDERER FLEET
Coming together under the leadership of Gamora and Lord Glenn!
EXT. PLANET OF MOROVUS
Where Pip leaves — with the Silver Surfer!
CUT TO:
EXT. DEEP SPACE – THE INTER-DIMENSIONAL NEXUS
In all its ENERGY-SPEWING glory. We ANGLE FROM IT TO the
rest of the universe: Stars, comets, planets, and,
encompassing all of it, two enormous, familiar forms:
Eternity and Infinity.
AN ASTEROID
The same one on which the Silver Surfer slept when all this
began. The two great entities peer down at him, sleeping
across from his board. We HOLD the moment as, awakening, he
sees where he is.
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 31*.
SILVER SURFER
Eternity! Infinity! Can it be
true? Has the universe been saved?
ETERNITY AND INFINITY – INTERCUT WITH THE ABOVE AS NEEDED
They look to each other, then to the Surfer, as:
ETERNITY
You have proven yourself a true
champion, Silver Surfer.
INFINITY
By uniting the sphere that had
been the universe with the energy *
of Chaos, you recreated that event *
many civilizations know as the Big *
Bang.
ETERNITY
Time flowed forward once again,
and the universe expanded to its
proper state.
SILVER SURFER
So all has been returned as it was? *
ETERNITY
Almost all. Some things are *
changed. People, places, events. *
This you will discover for *
yourself. *
INFINITY *
But even so, there is no record, *
no knowledge anywhere, of what has *
happened. It is as though it *
never occurred. *
ETERNITY *
Only you — and we — are aware of *
what you did, Silver Surfer.
Forever will we be grateful.
INFINITY *
You have earned your reward.
NEW ANGLE – STILL INTERCUTTING AS NEEDED
Eternity gestures, and at the center of the two entities a
planet appears, clearly visible from the asteroid where the
Surfer stands. We TIGHTEN ON the Surfer as he sees:
BRODY 1875-14 SILVER SURFER FINAL DRAFT 02/18/98 . 32.
SILVER SURFER
Zenn-La…!
And his eyes never leave the sight of his home world as,
thrilled beyond measure:
SILVER SURFER
(continuing)
To me, my board!
The board soars to him, and the Surfer leaps onto it. *
WIDER *
As the Surfer flies out toward Zenn-La, the forms of Eternity *
and Infinity fade back into the stars. Then space seems to *
RIPPLE once more, and the outlined figure of the Watcher *
appears. *
THE WATCHER
I am the Watcher. For eons it has *
been my sacred duty to observe all *
that happens in the universe… *
The Surfer catches a COSMIC WAVE, increasing his speed.
THE WATCHER
(continuing) *
Long have I watched the journey of *
the Silver Surfer. Can his voyage *
truly be coming to its end? *
We ZOOM IN on the Silver Surfer as, going still faster:
SILVER SURFER (V.O.)
Home! Home to Shalla Bal!
The Surfer FORESHORTENS INTO WARP and we *
FADE OUT:
THE END