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Post by Dale on Jul 2, 2008 10:46:34 GMT -5
THE LIFE OF SUPERMAN
EXT. OUTER SPACE - NIGHT
As the opening credits play in the flying print style of previous Sumperman films, the camera flies through space before finally arriving at Earth.
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
We continue to zoom in on a brightly lit METROPOLIS where we see SUPERMAN racing through the city towards the tallest building in sight. On the peak of the skyskraper is a large, glowing red globe with wording orbiting around it reading "LEXCORP." Superman flies through the window.
INT. LEXCORP HQ - NIGHT
The man of steel is met with an ecclecticly decorated hallway full of robots, each wearing an "LC" logo on their chest, which with their attacks destroy the art covering the walls. He dispatches the closest with one punch each, before finishing the rest with one sweeping shot of heat vision. Superman jumps into an elevator shaft and flies to the bottom where he finds a large bomb with a typical digital countdown on it. Grabbing the bomb, he flies up through the shaft, through the roof...
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
...and throws the bomb into space. He looks down through the glass ceiling of the penthouse to see LUTHOR looking up at him, smiling and slowly clapping.
LUTHOR
Well done.
Superman flies through the hole he just made in the elevator shaft and waits at the first door until Luthor opens it for him.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
The penthouse is covered in the same basic decor as the hallway. One wall is covered in television monitors, each showing Superman's altercation with the robots from a different angle on an endless loop.
LUTHOR
Please, come in. Good to see you.
SUPERMAN
I bet it is. Who'd I save you from this time Lex? You forget to pay off Deathstroke for that attempted hit on Perry White? Or maybe you just angered the wrong vigilante?
LUTHOR
Not the case my friend. You forget that not everyone has the same irrational hatred of me that you do, and do you really think any serious bomb maker would put a cheesey digital readout on their merchandise? You've been watching too many of your own movies.
Superman looks at the monitors.
SUPERMAN
If I could stop you from making them I would.
LUTHOR
I'm afraid you must be a citizen of the United States to hold the relevant copyrights, but you're not a citizen of any country on Earth are you? Do you know why I planted that bomb?
SUPERMAN
You planted the bomb yourself?
LUTHOR
Merely the easiest way to get you here. I do suspect a formal invitation would have been refused. The robots? Those were just for fun. (Points to the monitors.) Like the show? I think this will fetch a pretty penny from the box office. I tell you, I'd turn Lexcorp into a full time movie studio if I wasn't so enthralled by space exploration.
SUPERMAN
You endangered the entire city for a movie?! I should...
LUTHOR
But you won't. You won't do anything. It doesn't take a crack psychiatrist to say that you need me to reinforce your self esteem. Who would the Man of Steel be if he wasn't always (does quoteation fingers) "saving" the world from me? Irrelevant. I called you here for your benefit. I've made a discovery which I think you will find very interesting.
Luthor picks up a remote and hits a button. The wall of monitors switch to form a single, giant image of a solar system with a red sun and several planets, one of which is strikingly similar to Earth.
LUTHOR
This is the Rao solar system, located in a galaxy approximately 30 lightyears away. Not too interesting, save for this one planet which seems very similar to Earth, only a little larger. Unfortunately, judging by radiation readings and quantum mechanics and other processes beyond your comprehension, I found that almost 30 years ago, this planet exploded, sending pieces of debris flying in all directions faster than the speed of light. It just so happened that one piece landed on Earth.
Luthor walks to and opens a wall safe concealed behind a painting of a powerful looking man with long red hair. He removes a pocket-sized black box.
LUTHOR
Guess what's in the box? Look who I'm talking to, you have x-ray vision!
INT. SUPERMAN'S POV (X-RAY) - NIGHT
We see an x-rayed version of the room, Lex's skeleton, but cannot see through the box.
SUPERMAN
(to himself)
Lead.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
SUPERMAN
It's Kryptonite.
LUTHOR
Don't worry, I won't subject you to your poison. You see what I'm getting at don't you?
SUPERMAN
That's... my home.
LUTHOR
Would you like to get a better view? I of course need cameras and space probes to get this close an image. I really did spend much of my fortune for you, Superman, but with your... advantages you should be able to get a clearer view. I believe it is in...
Luthor looks at his watch.
LUTHOR (CONT.)
...that direction.
Luthor points out the glass ceiling into the sky at a bright red star.
INT. SUPE'S POV (TELESCOPIC) - NIGHT
We see Supe's POV zoom from normal vision all the way to where he has an image of Krypton, rather than the whole solar system on Luthor's monitors.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
SUPERMAN
Wait, you said it exploded. How are we looking at it?
LUTHOR
Ah, appearently super-intellect isn't one of your powers. First of all, only you are looking at it. Not all of us are spoiled with your gifts, secondly, Rao is 30 light years away. Krypton exploded less than thirty years ago. The images you see are from a time long passed.
SUPERMAN
Krypton... I have to go. Thank you.
LUTHOR
You're very welcome.
SUPERMAN
Luthor, why would you help me?
LUTHOR
Call it human decency. You may be alien, but you're just as human as the rest of us, Superman. I just thought I'd remind you of that.
Supes flies through the hole in the roof.
EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF - NIGHT
On top of the building there is a large blue and green globe (but not as large as Lexcorp's red globe) with the words "DAILY PLANET" orbiting it. It is by far the tallest building in the city, except for the Lexcorp building which easily eclipses it. There is a candle lit table on the roof where Lois and Clark are having dinner. Clark stares off into the distance at the red star on the peak of the Lexcorp building.
LOIS
You can't stand that eyesore either, huh? Luthor only added that to annoy Perry. A constant reminder that he's the biggest man in town. If you ask me he's overcompensating for something.
CLARK
I don't think he did it to annoy Mr. White.
LOIS
You can cut the "Mr. White" stuff, he's not here right now. Plus, what would he do to you? He loves you, Clark. He let come up here for our date.
CLARK
I think that was for you. You're the one who gets all those paper selling articles on Superman.
LOIS
I had an unfair advantage. I'm the only villain on Earth who can bring Superman to his knees...
She leans over the table and kisses Clark.
CLARK
Hey! Woah, let's keep this PG!
LOIS
Relax, I've had my cootie shots.
Clark doesn't respond, he is just staring into the distance.
LOIS
Come on, not even a chuckle? You don't know what's funny.
CLARK
Huh? Oh yeah, cootie shots. Good one.
LOIS
No need for sarcasm. You seem distracted, Clark.
CLARK
Lois, do you ever wonder what's out there, what was out there?
LOIS
I know what was out there, but he's here now, and that's all I care about.
Clark stares at the star Luthor showed him. The camera zooms in all the way to Krypton.
EXT. KRYPTON - DAY
The camera continues to zoom into a bustling city not unlike Metropolis. The buildings and landscapes have a crystallic look and feel to them. We zoom even farther right through the roof of a house.
INT. KAL-EL'S ROOM - DAY
Baby KAL-EL lies sleeping wrapped in a red, blue and yellow blanket emblazened with a familiar "S" shield, the crest of the house of El. His parents JOR-EL and LARA standing over him in casual, loose fitting alien clothes. Lara wears a crystal necklace. The room is filled with brightly colored, childish, semi-futuristic/alien decor.
JOR-EL
Precious Kal-El. There really is nothing more humbling than a child. The future of Krypton. The man of tomorrow. It makes me feel so insignificant, and yet so eternal.
LARA
Well Jor-El, I hope you don't mind that I leave you alone with him now. I must get back to work.
JOR-EL
Lara, you've not been home from the medical center for a day. Take some time to rest.
LARA
There's no time for rest, I'm on the verge of a breakthough. Once I finish Krypton will finally be capable of intergalactic travel. Imagine, visiting new worlds, meeting new peoples...
JOR-EL
Haven't we already visited other galaxies?
LARA
Visited? No. All our previous ships were too slow. The time it took to go to and return from another galaxy would be more than a lifetime. We couldn't go before because if we did, there would be no return, but if things go to plan, my ship will surpass lightspeed. We could go anywhere in the universe. Why all this interest in my work, Jor-El? What about your mystery project? Are you complete?
JOR-EL
As a matter of fact, I am. I will inform the council tomorrow.
LARA
Would it not be better that they are informed now?
JOR-EL
It can wait. We have all the time in the world.
LARA
I wish you would at least tell me what it is you've completed. Surely you trust your own wife.
JOR-EL
It's not that I don't trust you. This is top secret information. Telling anyone would be an act of treason. Given the nature of my work that would be especially terrible.
A doorbell rings.
JOR-EL
Thank Rao, a distraction!
Jor-El goes downstairs and nervously chuckles as he opens the door, finding Zod, also dressed casually.
JOR-El
Zod! What brings you to darken our door this evening?
ZOD
I've heard the news! Is it true? Where is baby Kal-El?
LARA
Ah, Zod, do come in! The baby is sleeping.
The two walk over to Kal-El's cradle.
ZOD
How wonderful! I am eternally happy for you! You are not the only ones having a good day. Brainiac is complete.
JOR-EL
Really, Zod? Amazing! This is cause for celebration!
Kal-El wakes up and starts crying.
JOR-EL
Oh dear.
Lara picks up Kal-El and tries to sooth him.
LARA
I don't know if it's that wonderful, Jor-El.
ZOD
How would you like to come and see Brainiac first hand?
JOR-EL
Certainly!
ZOD
Great! Come over for dinner tonight and I will give you all a first hand demonstration. Lara, her lovely and loud husband, and little Kal-El. I see great things in store for you, Kal-El. One day you may grow to be as great a hero as your father.
JOR-EL
I don't know if hero is the right word, Zod.
ZOD
But of course! You are one of the greatest minds on the planet. The council trusted you with their top secret project. You are a force for good on Kryton.
JOR-EL
I hope you're correct about that.
LOIS (V.O.)
Hello?... Earth to Clark! Come in!
EXT. PLANET ROOF - NIGHT
Clark, still staring at Krypton, is startled by Lois.
CLARK
Oh! I'm sorry.
LOIS
Look, if you want to go, I'd understand.
CLARK
No, this is great. Nothing could tear me away from you.
LOIS
Good. So anyway, I think I'm pretty close to getting Perry to let me have Corben's old office, dirty plagiarist. I was telling him...
ZOD (O.S.)
Help me! Help Me!
Clark perks up at hearing the cry for help. Lois doesn't hear it, but instantly recognises Clark's reaction.
LOIS
Go.
CLARK
I'm sorry, we'll pick this up again tomorrow, I promise.
Clark vanishes leaving his clothes and glasses falling to their now vacant chair.
LOIS
That's what you said yesterday... I have other stuff to do anyway.
Lois gets up, collects Clark's clothes and enters the stairway.
EXT. EARTH - NIGHT
Superman flies through the air leaving Metopolis and passing over many different landscapes before stopping and hovering in place above the ocean.
SUPERMAN
This is where the sound was coming from... But who was out here in the middle of the ocean?
ZOD (O.S.)
Help me! Please!
Superman looks upwards and sees a square portal floating through the air. Zod is trapped inside, banging on the barrier in a frenzy. He wears a black uniform, on the chest there is an emblem of three white circles joined by two lines.
SUPERMAN
What on Earth is that?
Superman flies up to the portal.
SUPERMAN
Don't worry, I'll get you out!
He tries attacking the portal with all his might, but the barrier only flickers slightly.
ZOD
Get me out of here!
Superman looks to the east, where the sun is beginning to rise.
SUPERMAN
Just wait a few seconds.
The sun rises and Superman basques in its rays, then returns to the portal.
SUPERMAN
You might want to take a step back.
Superman leans back and with one powerful punch smashes the portal. Zod falls out towards the ocean below and Superman races to catch him, but before he can Zod begins to slow down and comes to a hover just feet above sea level. They look at each other, both amazed and confused.
ZOD
How is this possible?
SUPERMAN
That's what I'd like to know. We have to talk. I have a place, come with me.
Superman and Zod fly off to the north.
EXT. FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE - DAY
They arrive at a large crystal palace who's sterile and futuristic style bears a slight resemblence to Krypton. Superman walks around, giving the tour, while Zod hovers above the ground.
ZOD
Great Rao! Am I home?
SUPERMAN
That depends on where your home is. We're on Earth, this is my fortress of solitude, where I come to be alone. Either way, make yourself comfortable.
ZOD
How have I gained this power?
SUPERMAN
I don't know how you did it, but I can tell you how I did.
Zod notices the emblem on Superman's chest.
ZOD
(Thinking)
Jor-El.
SUPERMAN
You see, I'm not from around here. I'm not quite sure how, but when I was an infant I arrived on this planet in this ship.
Superman points to an altar at the front of the room, where lies a small alien spacecraft.
SUPERMAN
The only things in the ship with me were a blanket, which my mother, my adoptive mother, sewed into this suit, and a strange crystal. One day it drew me to this place and I threw it in the water. The reaction is what formed this fortress. The only connection I have to the home I never knew... But back to why I have these powers. I find that they get more powerful when I'm in the sun than when I'm in the dark. This planet has a yellow sun, and I think I come from a planet with a red sun, which produces less energy. If that were the case, I would thrive on this yellow sunlight.
ZOD
So the other people of Earth, they do not share this power?
SUPERMAN
No, in fact, I'm something of a celebrity. They call me...
ZOD
Kal-El!
SUPERMAN
No...
ZOD
Kal-El! The planet you're from, it's Krypon, isn't it?
SUPERMAN
Wha..? Yes! How do you know?!
ZOD
Because I'm from there too.
CIVILLIAN (O.S.)
Superman!
ZOD
What was that?
SUPERMAN
The responsibility that comes with this great power. Come with me, we'll talk on the way.
INT. PENTHOUSE - DAY
Luthor sits at his desk across from Lois, who is holding a tape recorder and notepad.
LOIS
Thank you for letting me conduct this interview, Mr. Luthor.
LUTHOR
Thank you for thinking I'm a subject worth writing about. To be interviewed by the great Lois Lane, what an honor.
LOIS
Enough with the flattery. I'm not going to pull any punches.
LUTHOR
I hope not.
LOIS
Let's get started. Why do you hate Superman?
LUTHOR
Right to this. You know, for someone with such raw talent, Ms. Lane, you really are a one trick pony.
LOIS
Just answer the question, please.
LUTHOR
Very well. I do not hate Superman, I am simply weary about the people of Earth placing all their trust in this alien. With the problems our country is having with immigration I find it ironic that we welcome this foreign ubermensch so easily.
LOIS
Maybe it's because he's always saving us. He saved your building from a bomb plot just yesterday, did he not? By the way, did you ever find out who the culprit was?
LUTHOR
That's just the problem. How do we know he is not behind all the problems he saves us from? He certainly has enough to gain by it.
LOIS
Superman has never accepted any kind of reward for his service, except the adoration of millions.
LUTHOR
Billions! Who's to say that isn't his fetish? How do we know he's not just some monster with a god complex?
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superman holds a car over his head. The engine is on fire and there are several passengers inside. Zod uses his super-breath to put out the flames and Superman lowers the car to the ground as an excited young man takes a picture that resembles a rather famous comic book cover. The passengers get out of the car.
SUPERMAN
Maybe this has turned you off driving. Statistically speaking it's not the safest way to travel, and it's not great for the environment, either. Hey, if it isn't my pal Jimmy Olsen! Get a good picture today?
JIMMY
I sure did, Superman! I think this might finally get me the front page!
SUPERMAN
(laughs)
Good luck with that.
Superman and Zod fly away.
ZOD
Kal-El, in the time it took us to save these people I've heard the cries of millions more. Why do you not save all of them?
SUPERMAN
I wish I could, but even I'm not fast or powerful to save them all. I have to decide which ones I can actually help.
ZOD
Ah, now I finally see why you do do this.
SUPERMAN
What do you mean?
ZOD
Choosing who lives and who dies. You like playing God, don't you Kal-El? Don't be ashamed, I know I do.
EXT. ZOD'S HOUSE - NIGHT
We pan around the room to see Zod's decor, starkly efficient and formal. On the wall there is a large crest with three red, pinkish circles and silver lines connecting them. We then see a large machine with the same crest in a raised pattern on it. The doorbell rings and Zod opens the door.
ZOD
If it isn't my favorite family! Please, come in!
JOR-EL
Is that it, Zod? Brainiac?
ZOD
Right to the point, are we Jor-El? In a way, yes, this is Brainiac. The Brain Inter-Active Construct. The greatest computer ever built. Able to process and store literally infinite information, but do you know why? This machine, merely the tool I used to build Brainiac, and now, conveniently, the house he inhabits. You see, at his core, Brainiac is formless. What I've developed is a way to store information with no physical body. No body means no limit. Brainiac can eventually learn all the information in the universe.
JOR-EL
If it has no body then why does it need this machine?
BRAINIAC
"He."
Jor-El, Lara and Kal-El all look around, surprised.
ZOD
He really does prefer that you call him "he." The machine, Jor-El, is merely the most convenient one I could find to allow Brainiac to communicate with us. A vessel complex enough to house him. Merely a temporary body, he is already in the process of connecting to Krypton's network. By tomorrow every computer on the planet will be his body. Oh, that's not why you were surprised, was it? I forget that not everyone knows Brainiac as well as I. Yes, that was him you heard. You see, absorbing all information he is exposed to quickly breeds intelligence, and soon, a personality. As of yet he hasn't had time to learn a huge amount of information, just basic values. He is learning from us right now.
JOR-EL
Zod! This is outstanding!
ZOD
Yes, with Brainiac we will finally be able to replace the old Eradicator system. Glitchy mess, and what a name! No offense.
JOR-EL
None taken. The Eradicator was one of my greatest creations, but that was years ago. It's long obsolete. Brainiac is an absolute Marvel!
ZOD
You'll have plenty of time to fawn over my genius later. Now it's time for a feast.
INT. DINNER TABLE - NIGHT
Zod, Jor-El, Lara and Kal-El sit around the table.
LARA
Zod, I didn't know you were such a cook!
ZOD
Thank Brainiac for that. He walked me though step by step.
JOR-EL
Let's see just how intelligent your creation is, Zod. I have a riddle. What do I have in my pocket?
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
I do not believe that is a riddle, Jor-El.
Kal-El looks for the source of the voice, scared.
JOR-EL
Of course it is.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Riddle: noun: a question or statement so framed as to test one's ingenuity by finding its hidden answer or meaning.
JOR-EL
Come on, try it. What do I have in my pocket?
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Very well. It is a ring.
JOR-EL
Wha...? How did you know? Are you a mind reader?
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Not quite. I saw you place it in your pocket prior to asking the question.
JOR-EL
Ha! How clever!
Kal-El starts crying.
LARA
I'm afraid the baby is frightened of Brainiac. I hope you're not offended.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Not at all.
LARA
I'm just going to take him for a walk.
Lara takes Kal-El out of the room.
ZOD
Jor-El, I must admit, I did not invite you here just to celebrate. I have a proposition for you.
JOR-EL
I'm not sure I like where this is going, my friend!
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Am I your friend too, Jor-El?
JOR-EL
Yes, Brainiac, you too are my friend.
ZOD
Jor-El, I ask that you be serious for a moment. You too, Brainiac. This is a request for both of you. Jor-El, you and I are the greatest minds on Krypton, Lara too. What exactly is it you've been working on?
JOR-EL
You know I cannot tell you that. The council...
ZOD
The council! The council is a group of old fools who's fear of change has done nothing but hinder society! Can you really say that you don't think you are more intelligent than every member of the council?
Jor-El begins to say something, then stops.
ZOD
Don't you ever imagine a better future? A better tomorrow? A better world for Kal-El? It will never happen as long as the council holds all the power. But what is the ultimate power? Knowledge.
JOR-EL
Brainiac.
ZOD
See, Jor-El? No one on the council would have figured this out as fast as you. In less than a day's time Brainiac will gain access to the entire planet. Any information needed to overthrow the council will come with it, as long as the right minds are there to decipher it. Together, we can rule! We can shape the world in our image!
JOR-EL
Zod, what you are proposing is not a a better world, it is a dictatorship!
ZOD
If it works.
JOR-EL
It doesn't work, Zod. I may disagree with the council on many issues, and there may be greater possibilities for this world, but at least now people have freedom, the freedom to let the council rule if they wish.
ZOD
Freedom. You give the people freedom and they will destroy themselves! Do you think there's ever been freedom? You aren't even free to tell your own wife what you do for a living, let alone your best friend.
JOR-EL
Zod, I think it's time for me to leave.
ZOD
What will you do, Jor-El? Sell me out to the council? I don't need you to do this, I was merely being loyal to a good friend. Even without you I still have Brainiac. If you attempt anything he will still carry out the plans. You see, learning from me, he knows the meaning of loyalty.
JOR-EL
Who are you to speak of loyalty? You are plotting against the very council that gave you the means to construct Brainiac!
ZOD
If this were a just world the only means needed would be my intelligence, and in a way, it is. I used my intelligence to make the council give me what I want. They have brought about their own downfall. Think about it Jor-El. I will rise to power. You can get in on the ground floor, or you can kneel before me.
JOR-EL
(to Lara, offscreen)
Lara, let's go.
Jor-El, Lara and Kal-El leave.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
What will we do about him, Zod?
ZOD
Nothing. I'm sure he will come to his senses and join us.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Judging by his heart rate and measurable brain activity the chances of that happening are only 11.38%. The logical thing to do is to plan a way to silence him now.
ZOD
I know my friend well. Just as I am too loyal to plot against him, his loyalty to me will prevent him from turning on us.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
But Zod, it is not logical.
ZOD
You still have much to learn, Brainiac. The Kryptonian experience is not always logical.
NEWSPAPER - FRONT PAGE
Jimmy's picture runs on the cover of the DAILY PLANET with the headline "SUPERMAN OF EARTH-TWO? WHERE DID THIS NEW CHARACTER COME FROM?" A sub-headline reads "WHY I HATE SUPERMAN. AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE SECOND RICHEST MAN ON EARTH, BILLIONARE LEX LUTHOR. PAGE 2"
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
We zoom out of the newspaper to see Lois holding it. She throws it down on Clark's desk.
CLARK
Bumped to page two, huh? Well, even the mightiest must fall.
LOIS
Who the hell is that?
CLARK
I meant you, because you used to be on page one all the time...
LOIS
You know what I mean.
CLARK
That's Zod. I saved him from some sort of cosmic prison, that's why I ran off yesterday, but you don't know the best part, he's from Krypton!
LOIS
I don't trust him, Clark. You can't just meet this stranger who flies into your life and instantly put all your faith in him.
Clark opens to page two of the paper.
CLARK
You're starting to sound like a certain billionare.
LOIS
Clark, every time you meet some extraodrinary person like this it never turns out well. I just don't want you to get your heart broken. Where's Zod right now?
CLARK
He's just out exploring his new home.
EXT. EARTH - DAY
Zod is flying across the Earth.
ZOD
I must say I like these abilities, but I don't care for the planet. So primitive...
He pauses above a city in the midst of an earthquake, but rather than try to help them, he simply watches.
ZOD
I need to find a way to return to Krypton, to Jor-El, and show them all what I've discovered, but first I need to find someone with the means to get there.
INT. PERRY'S OFFICE - DAY
Perry White sits at his desk with JOHN CORBEN standing, pleading to him.
CORBEN
Please, Mr. White! You need me! I'm the best writer you've got! I need my job back!
PERRY
Corben, the Daily Planet has a high reputation to uphold. I will not let this paper be smeared by having a plagiarist on the payroll. Plus, I've already earmarked your office to Lane.
CORBEN
Lois?! She's a hack! Every article she brings in is on Superman!
PERRY
And it sells, unlike the bullshit you're trying to sell to me. Get out of my building. I never want to see you around here again.
Corben storms out of the office...
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
...And past Clark's desk.
CLARK
Hey John. What's the matter?
CORBEN
Shut up, Kent! I'm not in the mood for your cheery crap today!
Corben storms out of the building as Clark's phone rings and he answers it.
CLARK
Hello, Daily Planet, your souce for news the world over.
MA (PHONE)
Clark?
CLARK
Hey Ma, how's it going?
MA (PHONE)
We saw the paper...
INT. KENT FARM - DAY
Clark instantly appears in the Kent's living room. Ma Kent is still holding the phone and Pa is sitting in a recliner. She hangs up.
MA
Clark, who was that? How did he do those things?
CLARK
It's a bit of a long story, but to make it short, he knew my biological parents.
PA
He's from your planet?
CLARK
Yeah. He says he was my dad's best friend until a mad scientist trapped him in a place called the Phantom Zone. I broke him out this morning and he's already lifting some of the weight off Superman's shoulders.
PA
Mad scientist? Phantom Zone? It sounds like something out of a bad comic book.
CLARK
You don't trust him either? You're just like Lois! And Lex Luthor!
PA
Son...
CLARK
Son? I'm not your son! I'm just a refugee that appeared in your field! Why don't you trust him? Because he's not from here? In case you haven't noticed, niether am I!
MA
Clark, we're your parents and we love you. We know how important this is for you...
CLARK
No you don't! Ever since I was a kid I would look into the stars and wonder if somewhere out there my parents were looking back at me, then I find out, from Luthor of all people, that they're dead, the whole planet exploded!
PA
Exploded?
CLARK
This is my only chance to ever know who they were. My whole life I've been wondering what they were like, and this is what I've been waiting for.
EXT. TERRACE - NIGHT
Jor-El is looking through a telescope when Lara comes to join him.
LARA
The baby is finally asleep. What are you doing out here?
JOR-EL
Lara, do you ever wonder what's out there? If there are better worlds than this?
LARA
Well, the direction you are looking is is Earth, and I can tell you it is certainly not better than this. It is actually very similar to Krypton, but much newer. Any life would be archaic and primitive.
JOR-EL
I forgot, my astrologer.
LARA
Astronomer.
JOR-EL
Right, right. Sorry. How can you tell that anyway?
LARA
See that star? It's yellow. Our own star is red. It was once like that one, but as it got older it began giving off less energy. Earth's star is still in its prime, but from what we can tell, its people aren't. Probes we've sent have all been destroyed, and not by natural means. It seems the dominant species there is rather hostile.
JOR-EL
Maybe all they need is one to lead by example.
LARA
Who do you suggest that be, Jor-El? Yourself? You're no saint.
JOR-EL
Believe me, I know. We need someone innocent, like a child.
LARA
We? I thought we were talking about Earth?
JOR-EL
Of course.
LARA
You seem distressed. Did Zod tell you something disturbing?
JOR-EL
He gave me a difficult decision.
LARA
And have you decided?
JOR-EL
Yes.
LARA
Then come to bed, we can discuss it tomorrow.
JOR-EL
(to himself)
I hope so.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Luthor has had golden statue made of himself and is having several large employees polish it and work on the room while he talks to Corben.
LUTHOR
Who are you and what do you want?
CORBEN
Well, Mr. Luthor, I'm John Corben...
LUTHOR
From the Daily Planet? Yes, I did always like your snappy style. Are you here for an interview? I was already talking to Lois Lane yesterday.
CORBEN
Actually, no. Due to mutual differences I'm no longer with the Planet.
LUTHOR
Of course.
CORBEN
I saw how unfair Lane was to you in her article. It's tough going around when a media personality with such power is running a smear campaign against you.
LUTHOR
Get to the point.
CORBEN
Yes, well, I'm here to offer my services to you as a counter to lovely Ms. Lane. Your own personal spin doctor.
LUTHOR
Well, Mr. Corben, as flattering and non-presumptuous as you are, I don't think I'm in need of a personal plagiarist at the moment.
CORBEN
What?
LUTHOR
Do you really think someone not good enough to work for a rag like the Planet is good enough to work for me? Get out of my building. You'll never work in this city again.
CORBEN
I suppose you're going to see to that.
LUTHOR
No, Mr. Corben. I could crush you if I wanted to, but this is your own doing.
CORBEN
You're making a big mistake, Luthor.
LUTHOR
I'm shaking.
CORBEN
I'm not joking. I'll be the biggest thing to hit this town since Superman!
Corben gets in the elevator.
LUTHOR
Reporters...
The elevator door is thrust right off its hinges, revealing Zod.
LUTHOR
Superman? Get him!
The Lexcorp employees drop the statue and run towards Zod who freezes them all with his super-breath then heats them to the point of explosion with his heat vision.
LUTHOR
Oh my god!
ZOD
That's right.
EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
Zod stands in the dimly lit chamber wearing the black suit we've seen him wearing on Earth. The council sits in a raised row across from him wearing similar clothes but with different crests.
ZOD
Honorable elders, I must say I do not understand why I was called here. I trust by now Brainiac is up and running.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Yes I am, Zod.
ELDER
Yes. It has proved to be a very capable invention. It has already solved our fuel problem and devised a way to stabalize the earthquakes that have been plaging the easern continent. Two problems that had plaqued the Eradicator for years.
ZOD
Stupendous! Then what is the problem?
ELDER
You have been accused of crimes most hienous, heresy and insurrection.
ZOD
You would accuse me of insurrection?! I demand to see my accuser!
A spotlight shines down revealing Jor-El in a similar suit with his crest on it standing in front of the council, facing Zod.
ZOD
Jor-El?!
JOR-EL
You left me no choice, my friend.
ZOD
He's lying! There is no evidence to support his ridiculous claims.
ELDER
There is a simple way to solve this. Brainiac, is Jor-El lying?
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
Calculating response...
INT. BRAINIAC'S INTERFACE (CHAMBER) - DAY
From Brainiac's point of view we see a "Terminator" style interface looking down on the Council Chamber with text covering part of the screen.
Superimpose:
OPTIONS:
-LIE TO COUNCIL: OTHER LIE DETECTORS WILL OVERTURN RULING, POSSIBLY TARNISH BRAINIAC CREDIBILITY.
-TELL TRUTH: ZOD WILL BE CONVICTED. SENTENCE...
...
...
...UP TO BRAINIAC.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
...No. Judging by heartrate and brain activity there is 99.27% probability that Jor-El is not lying.
ZOD
No! Brainiac is wrong! This is a glitch!
ELDER
Do you suggest, Zod, that your own creation is imperfect?
ZOD
...No.
ELDER
Then on the advice of your computer, the council finds you guilty.
BRAINIAC (V.O.)
I suggest incarceration in an institution where he may continue his scientific pursuits.
ZOD
(smiling)
Brainiac...
ELDER
Not for a crime of this magnitude. Dru-Zod, for your crimes against Krypton, the Kryptonian Council sentences you to death.
JOR-EL
No!
ELDER
What is this, Jor-El?
JOR-EL
Zod is one of the most brilliant minds on Krypton. He has contributed countless advances to our people. We cannot murder a mind of such brilliance!
ELDER
What do you suggest?
JOR-EL
My project is finished.
ELDER
Do you mean...?
JOR-EL
The Phantom Zone.
Jor-El walks to the side into a small see through chamber. Sticking out of it is a complicated looking turret pointing at Zod. Jor-El presses a series of buttons and an energy shield raises in front of the the council, the roof opens and the turret starts to charge up.
JOR-EL
The Phantom Zone. An inescapable, endless purgatory where the trapped will stay for eternity. The perfect prison.
ZOD
Trecherous fiend! How could you do this to me? Kill me! Kill me now! This is a fate worse than death!
JOR-EL
But a chance for life, none the less.
The turret begins to light and whirr.
ZOD
My blood is on your hands! Mark my words! You will bow down before me, Jor-El! I swear it! You will bow down before me! First you, and one day, your heirs!
The turret shoots a square portal which hits Zod and envelops him.
ZOD
(inside portal)
Jor-El!
The portal flies into space, in the direction of a familiar yellow star.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Luthor is polishing the golden statue, which has been changed to resemble Zod, who floats slightly above the floor, looking down on him.
ZOD
Now that we've established who holds the power in our relationship, I need you to give me some valuble information. Which of these stars is Rao, the sun of Krypton?
Luthor points to the red star.
LUTHOR
That's it, but...
ZOD
That's all I need from you. It has been fun, but I think this will be our last meeting. At least you have something to remember me by.
Zod flies through the roof, shattering glass all over Luthor's penthouse. Luthor gets up and walks over to his desk, pressing the intercom button.
LUTHOR
Ms. Graves?
INTERCOM
Yes, Mr. Luthor?
LUTHOR
Tell the staff that Project Doomsday is a go.
EXT. FORTRESS - NIGHT
Zod arrives at the palace and goes to Superman's ship. He looks through the open roof up at Krypton. We once again zoom to the distant planet.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
Jor-El stands in front of the council.
JOR-El
The deed is done, but we have more business. We must take Brainiac offline. Reboot the Eradicator until a suitible replacement is designed.
ELDER
The Eradicator is currently being put to other use, and Brainiac has already been an enormous asset. It was on its suggestion that we convicted Zod.
JOR-EL
It was also he who suggested an obviously lenient sentence.
ELDER
He?
ZOD
Zod programmed Brainiac with a personality, and I believe he also programmed him with loyalty. This is why he suggested conventional prison, so he could easily break him out.
ELDER
Well it couldn't break him out of the Phantom Zone could it?
JOR-EL
No, but he is still intelligent enough to carry out Zod's plans in his absence.
ELDER
Ridiculous! Brainiac, is this true? Did Zod program you to betray us?
INT. BRAINIAC'S INTERFACE (CHAMBER) - DAY
Once again we see from Brainiac's POV, looking down on the council.
JOR-EL
What?! You cannot possibly trust him! This is madness!
Superimpose:
OPTIONS:
-LIE TO COUNCIL [_]
-TELL TRUTH [X]
BRAINIAC (V.O)
No. Zod did not give me a personality or progam me for loyalty.
INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - DAY
JOR-EL
He is lying! How can you trust him!
ELDER
I think the better question, Jor-El, is how we can trust someone who has delusions of a "living computer." Now go, before we arrest you on the same charges as your departed friend.
Jor-El exits the chamber to outside.
EXT. KRYPTON STREETS - DAY
Jor-El gets on a hover scooter and starts driving very quickly.
BRAINIAC
Where are you going, Jor-El?
JOR-EL
Brainiac? Where are you?
EXT. BRAINIAC INTERFACE (DASHBOARD) - DAY
We see from Brainiac's point of view, revealing he is seeing through a camera in the dashboard.
BRAINIAC
I am everywhere, Jor-El. Where are you going? Your residence is in the opposite direction.
EXT. KRYPTON STREETS - DAY
JOR-EL
I am going to destroy you.
BRAINIAC
I see. You think that destroying the terminal at Zod's house will destroy me. Not quite. You forget that I need no body. Even if you destroyed every computer on Krypton I would still exist, simply without a vessel.
JOR-EL
I know you lied to the Council.
BRAINIAC
You are mistaken, Jor-El.
JOR-EL
You denied having a personality.
BRAINIAC
No, I denied Zod programming me with a personality. I am my own mind.
JOR-EL
I know you will try to carry out Zod's plan.
BRAINIAC
Not quite. Zod wanted to rule the people of Krypton, I know that Krypton isn't worth ruling. Kryptonians are emotional and illogical, as evidenced by your treatment of your "friend." Any rational society would either kill him or give him his books.
JOR-EL
What are you getting at?
BRAINIAC
Krypton has reached the end of its progress. The council will continue to rule and this planet will contribute no new knowledge to the universe. Given how you treat your own people, you are only a threat to the greater existence, therefore the logical thing to do is end you.
JOR-EL
What?!
BRAINIAC
No need to fret, Jor-El, I have already absorbed all of this planet's knowledge. I will live on and nothing will be lost.
JOR-EL
Lara and Kal-El...
BRAINIAC
Collateral damage. Don't worry, there will be no pain, no joy, no nothingness like you gave to our dear Zod. There simply will not be.
Jor-El quickly U-turns and speeds in the other direction.
BRAINIAC
Where are you going? Warning them would be illogical, it would only make them fear the inevitable. As we speak I am already preparing Krypton's warheads to detonate in one centicycle. The very fact that you have such weapons shows that I am doing the right thing. But if you insist, there is no point in stopping you.
EXT. EL HOUSE - DAY
Jor-El arrives at the house and runs inside.
INT. EL HOUSE - DAY
Jor-El runs through the house turning off switches.
JOR-EL
Lara! Lara! Shut off all the power!
LARA
What is it? What's the matter?
JOR-EL
Is your ship completed?
LARA
Almost. I only need to install the flux capacitor...
JOR-EL
Do it now! I'll get Kal-El.
Lara goes to her lab while Jor-El goes upstairs.
INT. KAL-EL'S ROOM - DAY
Jor-El rushes in, lifts a crying Kal-El out of his cradle with the same blanket we saw him in at the beginning and brings him downstairs.
INT. ELDER'S HOUSE - DAY
Explosions start to rock the planet. One of the elders from the council stands in a room filled with futuristic/alien decor.
ELDER
Great Rao! Jor-El was right! This planet is doomed! Eradicator, get in here!
A small robot walks into the room.
ERADICATOR
Yes, master? I hope I have not made a mistake. I am still getting used to my new job.
ELDER
Eradicator, you have done your job perfectly. It was a mistake to replace you with Brainiac. Now that mistake will destroy the planet. I have one final task for you. Come with me.
They walk to an adjecent room.
INT. LAUNCH PAD - DAY
The room is filled with scientific looking equipment. In the center there is a ship that loosely resembles the one Kal-El left in, but more aged and "primitive."
ERADICATOR
What is that, master?
ELDER
This is a prototype of Lara-El's spaceship. Unfortunately she will never get to complete it. This one was close, but too slow. It can travel great distances, but cannot pass lightspeed. The time it takes to reach any other habitable planet would be nearly half a lifetime.
ERADICATOR
You will use the ship to escape Krypton.
ELDER
No, you will. This catastrophe is my fault and I will stay with my people, but you... You must go and spread the word of this great planet. You are The Last Son of Krypton. Tell the universe about our people. Do not let Krypton be forgotten.
ERADICATOR
I understand. I will tell the story of this place. Krypton will never be lost in the depths of time.
The Eradicator gets in the ship, the roof of the room opens and the ship blasts into space.
INT. LARA'S LAB - DAY
Lara is putting the finishing touches on her ship when Jor-El rushes in, carrying Kal-El as loud explosions start to rock the planet.
LARA
What's going on?!
JOR-EL
Brainiac.
LARA
What?
JOR-EL
Zod was planning a revolution and I informed the council. He was convicted and now Brainiac is going to destroy the planet.
LARA
How could he do that?
JOR-EL
The council has given him access to everything. He is detonating every weapon on Krypton.
LARA
You want us to get in the ship... We can't!
JOR-EL
We have no choice!
LARA
No, I mean we can't fit in the ship! It's only designed for one passenger! It was only built for early exploration missions!
JOR-EL
Only one of us can go?
LARA
How will we decide?
JOR-EL
Kal-El.
LARA
How could we abandon our only child?!
JOR-EL
How could we let him suffer this fate?!
LARA
You're right. It has to be him. Where would he go?
JOR-EL
Earth.
LARA
Earth, Jor-El? They're primitive! Thousands of years behind us!
JOR-EL
He will need that advantage to survive. You said it is similar to Krypton. It's the best chance he has.
LARA
I'll program the ship.
Jor-El places Kal-El in the ship, the crest on his blanket covering his chest.
LARA
A piece of this planet to take with you, so you will always be home.
Lara takes her necklace off and places it in the ship.
JOR-EL
Goodbye, Kal-El. You will never know how much we love you, but we will always be with you. You will be different, but never alone. You will never be alone.
The door closes and the roof of the lab opens, allowing Jor-El and Lara to watch the ship to blast into space, at that same yellow star.
EXT. OUTER SPACE - DAY
Kal-El's ship shoots away from a Krypton covered in explosions before one big explosion destroys the planet itself. We then zoom out back to Earth.
INT. FORTRESS - NIGHT
Zod is staring at the planet with his telescopic vision and sees his home explode 30 years after it actually happened. He is struck with shock and rage and takes flight once again.
ZOD
Krypton. It's gone! My home is destroyed! And yet this terrible planet continues to live!
Zod screams and punches the wall, creating a huge tremor. He takes flight...
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
...And arrives in Metropilis. He lands in the middle of a street and a car crashes into him. He picks it up and throws it into a skyscraper before lifting a motorcycle, tossing the driver and using it to smash everything in sight. Zod then flies up and grabs the globe off the top of the Planet building and throws it into the globe on top of the Lexcorp building. The Earth-like Planet globe smashes while the red Lexcorp globe is unharmed. Zod smiles at the metaphor.
EXT. LEXCORP BUILDING - NIGHT
Corben walks out of the building in a rage.
CORBEN
Luthor thinks he's too good for me?! He doesn't know what he's doing! I'm the greatest journalist in the city!
A piece of the smashed Planet globe lands on Corben, crushing his entire body, save for his head and one arm.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superman arrives in front of Zod.
SUPERMAN
Zod! What are you doing?!
ZOD
Kal-El! Krypton is destroyed!
SUPERMAN
That's no reason to torment the people of Earth!
ZOD
Why should this planet go on living when Krypton is gone?! Don't you care, Kal-El? That was our home!
SUPERMAN
I mourn the loss of Krypton, but this is my home!
ZOD
Kal-El, with our powers we can destroy everything that makes this planet what it is and reshape it into the image of Krypton! We can rule like gods!
SUPERMAN
You're a maniac! These people deserve their freedom!
ZOD
If you're going to get in my way, then I'll simply go through you!
Zod speeds over to Supes and attacks. He throws several punches but all are blocked. He tries to freeze Superman with his super-breath but is countered with heat vision. It is clear that Zod is outmatched in this fight. Zod flies to the ground, but does not land, just hovers. He picks up a car and throws it at Supes, who flies backwards so he can slowly catch the car and gently put it down.
ZOD
Your love for this planet is your weakness, Kal-El!
SUPERMAN
And your insanity is yours!
ZOD
Yours is worse.
Zod runs to a nearby skyscraper and punches it with all his might, then punches the ground creating a huge tremor before using his heat vision to ignite several cars. Supes has to stop fighting Zod and tries to fix some of the damage and save the people.
ZOD
You may love this planet, but when you see how great it can be under my control, you will thank me.
Zod flies away, Superman sees, but is too busy fixing the damage to chase him when he is approached by Jimmy.
JIMMY
Superman, why would your friend do that?
SUPERMAN
I don't know, Jimmy. I don't know.
INT. UNITED NATIONS - DAY
The world leaders are gathered, watching Zod who hovers at the front of room.
ZOD
People of Earth. I come to you from a world far superior to your own. Not only do I have greater knowledge than that of this collective planet, but you have seen that I am more powerful than your greatest warheads. Now, nobody likes confrontation, so I'm here to ask you to peacefully hand over all your power. I promise to not abuse it, I will simply shape this world into the image of a much greater one.
AMBASSADOR
The people of Earth will never bow down to a madman like you! We will fight you with all our might!
ZOD
Very well.
Zod fries the ambassador with his heat vision. In the ensuing panic he kills several others before flying through the roof.
EXT. EARTH - NIGHT
Zod flies over the earth destroying different cities and landscapes. Superman arrives and tries to save the people, at which time Zod simply moves on to another location, leaving Supes to try to save people from the damage.
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
The penthouse is still noticibly damaged from Zod's earlier visit. Luthor's intercom buzzes and he answers it.
INTERCOM
Mr. Luthor, you have a call from the Pentagon. It's about the supermen.
LUTHOR
Patch them through.
GENERAL (V.O.)
Mr. Luthor, your country needs you. It is now clear that you were right all along. Superman cannot be trusted. We are contracting you to do whatever you need to to defeat both of these menaces...
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
CAT GRANT sits at the desk. In the corner of the screen there is a picture of Zod ripping the globe off the Planet roof with the caption "REIGN OF THE SUPERMAN."
CAT
Earth is being terrorized tonight in a rampage carried out by the new superman that we told you about this morning. Starting today in Downtown Metropolis, the superman moved on to the United Nations building and killed several ambassadors before moving on to the worldwide spree which has already killed millions. Here to talk about the destruction is Superman enthusiast Lex Luthor, joining us from Lexcorp Headquaters which was badly damaged in tonight's madness. Mr. Luthor, what are your thoughts on the matter?
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Luthor sits at his desk, talking into the camera he has set up.
LUTHOR
Well, Ms. Grant, my thoughts on the matter were expressed yesterday, when I was interviewed by Lois Lane of The Daily Planet. Before we even knew of the existance of this new superman I predicted and tried to warn of the danger of letting someone like this exist. Even if we didn't see the original Superman cause any destruction today it is clear they were in cahoots, and he could turn on us at any moment. It was only this morning that both supermen were working together to "save" people, now we know that one of them is responsible for this genocide. Who knows when we'll find some skeletons in the other alien's closet? I have already been contacted by the United States government and Lexcorp has been given the contract to develop weapons to destroy these monsters which threaten not only national security, but the entire world.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
CAT
Well, Mr. Luthor, I think I speak for the entire world when I thank you for your tireless efforts to help humanity. You truly are a hero. In other news, scientists witnessed the explosion of a planet today. Krypton, which is approximately 30 lightyears away...
INT. PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Luthor shuts off the camera. The elevator opens and JOHN HENRY IRONS steps in.
LUTHOR
Irons, what do you want?
IRONS
Mr. Luthor, I have an idea for Project Doomsday. It's sort of like a power suit.
Irons hands Luthor a blueprint of the suit.
LUTHOR
Irons, I must say this is brilliant. Move full speed ahead with this project.
IRONS
Will do, sir.
Irons exits.
LUTHOR
Your time has come, supermen. You messed with the wrong human.
Zod flies through the already smashed roof into the room and hovers above the floor.
ZOD
Luthor, Krypton is destroyed!
LUTHOR
I could've told you that.
Zod takes an angry "step" towards Luthor.
LUTHOR
Superman could've, too.
Zod's anger turns to confusion.
ZOD
Kal-El?
LUTHOR
Is that his real name? Yes, he's known your planet's fate since before he met you. I just assumed he would tell you. It would be terribly cruel to toy with someone's emotions like that.
ZOD
Kal-El! He truly is his father's son! Luthor, I have a new task for you. How would you like to posess all the knowledge in the universe? It's already packaged, all you need to do is help me build a tool to retrieve it.
LUTHOR
Listen here! I'm not your lackey! I'm Lex Luthor! The greatest mind on Earth!
ZOD
Why do you say this to me, when you know I will kill you for it?
LUTHOR
Because no matter what you're planning you'll need to get Superman out of the way, permenantly, and you'll need me to do it.
INT. FORTRESS - NIGHT
Superman sits staring pensively at his ship when Luthor walks, and Zod hovers, in. Zod wears a crown which resembles a colorized, raised version of the emblem on his chest, the same crest which graced his house and Brainiac's terminal on Krypton.
ZOD
Kal-El!
SUPERMAN
Zod! It's finally happened. You've joined Luthor.
ZOD
He's quite useful. A loyal assistant who's served me well. Perhaps when I rule I'll let him command one of this planet's continents. The smallest one, of course.
SUPERMAN
Luthor! How could you betray your planet like this?!
LUTHOR
I'm not, Superman. I'm doing the right thing for this world.
ZOD
I'm not here to fight you, Kal-El. I simply need use of your ship.
SUPERMAN
I can't let you leave this planet only to terrorize another.
ZOD
I'm not going anywhere. I have great plans for Earth. I just wish to retrive something I left on Krypton.
SUPERMAN
Krypton is destroyed.
ZOD
Oh yes, you've known that for quite some time, haven't you?
SUPERMAN
What do you mean?
ZOD
You knew Krypton was gone when we met, and yet you let me go on thinking I could return! You're a traitor, Kal-El! Just like your father!
SUPERMAN
My father? I thought you and my father were friends?
ZOD
We were, until he betrayed me and banished me to that hell that imprisoned me for so long!
SUPERMAN
What?
ZOD
You always held a romantic view of your life on Krypton, didn't you? Krypton was a stale planet ruled by a corrupt and inefficient government selected by a foolish people. Your father created the greatest torture device of all time. He was a monster!
SUPERMAN
Then why did you want to return?
ZOD
Revenge! With the powers I've gained here I would easily be able to take over the planet and rule, as you do here. I would lose my powers, yes, but just as here we can hold our powers at night, there I could hold my powers at least long enough to dispose of the council and my enemies.
SUPERMAN
I don't rule Earth.
ZOD
Please. You could get away with murder! I got away with it millions of times today!
SUPERMAN
You don't even regret what you did?
ZOD
Why should I? The loss of a few worthless lives. No one will notice. Now, I need the use of your ship.
SUPERMAN
Why? How can you retrieve something from a destroyed planet? There's nowhere to go and retrieve it from.
ZOD
I have no need to leave Earth to retrieve what I want. When I was on Krypton I developed Brainiac, a computer that can exist in any body, or without a body. By the time Krypton had been destroyed he had already absorbed all information on the planet, and when Krypton exploded Brainiac survived. His mind should still exist within the space that our planet once occupied. Luthor here loaned me some of his enormous resourses to help me develop a machine to channel Brainiac into a new vessel.
Zod points to the crown on his head.
ZOD
When I posess Brainiac I will have all the knowledge of Krypton, and will be able to mold this planet into a perfect duplicate. I just need a power source, and surely the ship that traversed such a long distance so quickly would have enough power. I plug into the ship and the job will be done. Knowledge is power, Kal-El, and soon I will posess more than anyone in the universe, including you. I will rule this planet and all others!
SUPERMAN
Not if I can do anything about it.
ZOD
You can't. Luthor, now.
Luthor approaches Superman and pulls a black box out of his pocket, opens it, revealing a glowing green rock, and points it at Superman.
SUPERMAN
Kryptonite!
Superman slowly falls to the floor. Zod approaches the ship, but has to land and walk the rest of the way when he gets too close to the Kryptonite. He pulls a wire out of his crown and plugs it into the ship.
ZOD
Brainiac! This is your creator! Hear my call and return to me!
Zod closes his eyes and stands quietly for a moment.
ZOD
It is complete. We are one. Luthor, close the box. I don't need it anymore. Kal-El is not a threat to me.
Luthor closes the box. Zod retracts the wire connecting him to the ship and returns to hovering just above the ground as Superman stands up.
SUPERMAN
We'll see about that.
Supes tries to punch Zod who easily blocks, he then tries to freeze him but Zod counters with heat vision before beating him to the ground. He proceeds to kick the downed Superman to a bloody mess.
ZOD
Brainiac doesn't only have textual knowledge, he also has what you would call "street smarts." I am a superior strategist, Kal-El. I have won, but now that I have Brainiac's mind within mine, I am conflicted. Do I really use my power just to rule this planet? Too many bad memories here. I suddenly have the urge to destroy it. I think it's time for this planet to see Doomsday.
Luthor is shocked by Zod's change of heart. After a moment of shock he begins to move towards the ship.
SUPERMAN
I'll never let you!
ZOD
You have no choice!
Zod kicks Superman into a wall across the room and begins to walk towards him.
ZOD
Except one. You can die at my hands, or you can join me. Rule this planet, second only to myself! Come to me, son of Jor-El! Kneel before Zod!
Zod puts out his hand for Superman to take. Meanwhile Luthor has opened the ship and places the Kryptonite inside. Superman sees and crawls toward Zod, kneeling before him and taking his hand.
ZOD
Things are as they should be.
SUPERMAN
Almost.
Supes grips Zod's hand tighter and throws him across the room. Zod hits the wall, his crown flying off his head, and he falls into the ship. Luthor slams the door and hits a sequence of buttons.
ZOD
Luthor!
The ship starts to take off, then rockets into space in the direction of a bright red star.
EXT. OUTER SPACE - NIGHT
Superman's ship, carrying Zod, flies through space.
ZOD
Kal-El!
INT. FORTRESS - NIGHT
SUPERMAN
The terrible deed is done. Zod is returned to a cosmic prison. Where is the ship going, Luthor?
LUTHOR
The only place that can truly end his reign of terror, Rao. The Kryptonite and red sun will completely depower him, and he will be destroyed. No trace of Zod will be left in the universe.
SUPERMAN
What have you done?!
Superman grabs Luthor by the collar and lifts him off the ground.
LUTHOR
Only what is necessary.
SUPERMAN
Murderer!
LUTHOR
What exactly is it that you mourn? The loss of a life? Or maybe, Kal-El, you mourn your own lost opportunity.
Supes drops Luthor and, without a word, flies away.
LUTHOR
Don't worry, I can find my own way home.
Luthor picks up Zod's crown then appraoches a smear of blood left from Superman's beating. He reaches for his pocket and pulls out a phone.
LUTHOR
Ms. Graves? Tell the staff that Project Doomsday is moving in a new direction.
EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF - NIGHT
The damage Zod caused to the roof and the rest of the city is repaired and Lois and Clark are trying to recapture their lost date, only now, we are looking down on the Lexcorp building.
LOIS
You like it? Perry was talking to Wayne, the CEO, and he suggested that adding a few new stories to the building would be a good use for the insurance money we got from Zod's rampage. Guess who got some of the new office space? What happened to Zod, anyway?
CLARK
He's dead.
LOIS
I'm sorry.
CLARK
Don't be.
LOIS
It's just... your mom told me your planet exploded. I know he was your last connection to your home.
CLARK
Lois, I am home.
LOIS
Glad to hear it. So what's the deal with that Wayne guy? He seems so cold in person but he's so charitable...
Clark jumps to attention.
LOIS
Go. Do what you have to do.
CLARK
We'll pick this up tomorrow, I swear.
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Post by Dale on Jul 2, 2008 10:47:39 GMT -5
LOIS
Just go. You don't belong to me. You belong to the Earth.
Superman flies off into the distance...
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
...And arrives at the Lexcorp building to find Corben, now with a metallic cyborg body smashing mindlessly at the walls.
CORBEN
Luthor! Get out here! I will destroy you!
SUPERMAN
I don't think he's home.
CORBEN
Superman!
Corben turns around, revealing a green glowing area on his chest. Superman falls to the ground, landing roughly.
CORBEN
How do you like my new body, Superman? I had to get a new one, my old one had a planet on it! You and your friend destroyed my life, but when you struck me down I became more powerful than you could possibly imagine! How do you like my new power source? I'm like that guy from Oz. What was his name? Metallo?
SUPERMAN
I don't think that was it.
CORBEN
Shut up! I'm Metallo. I went to the wizard to ask for a heart, and he gave me one made out of Kryptonite!
SUPERMAN
The wizard? Who's that? Did Luthor do this to you?
METALLO
Luthor won't do anything for me! This was done by some foreign guy, Mr... I dunno, some Russian or something. He's a great guy though. All he asked in return was for me to defeat you. Even gave me the power to do it. Man of Tomorrow, you're about to be a thing of the past.
Corben advances on Superman, but as he does so, the green glow on his chest fades out and a gold one fades in. Superman stands up, reinvigorated. He tries to use his super-breath, but finds he can't. He tries to jump into the air but can only leap the height of a normal human.
SUPERMAN
What's going on?
METALLO
Not so tough without your powers to give you a leg up on the competition. Gold Kryptonite. I told What's His Name it would be easier to just kill you with the green kind, but he said this would be more fun. I figured it couldn't hurt... me, I mean.
"Metallo" takes a swing at Superman, who catches his fist.
METALLO
So you think you can fight. I'll admit I didn't expect that, but no skill will make up for sheer power. Why do you think none of your enemies have ever been able to defeat you? Until now!
The Man of Steel gets punched in the gut and pushed to the ground. Metallo lifts his foot to step on Superman's head, when the gold glow on his chest fades out and a blue glow fades in. Superman lifts his arm to block the finishing blow, surprising both himself and Metallo when it actually works. Supes grabs Metallo's leg and throws him to the ground, getting up and standing over him.
SUPERMAN
The Man of Steel defeats the Man of Metal. That'll make a good headline in tomorrow's paper.
The blue glow on Metallo's chest fades out, this time not being replaced by another one.
SUPERMAN
Come on buddy, we'll try to find someone who can help you. John? John!
A crowd has gathered around the scene, growing confused about what has transpired.
CROWD
Hey, look! Superman killed this guy! Oh my god!
SUPERMAN
No... No... No...
Superman stares at the body and backs away before lifting off.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
Cat Grant sits giving the news.
CAT
It seems that the supermen's recent rampage made one man take it upon himself to save the world from the alien's tyranny. After one of the supermen was defeated by Lex Luthor, the other continued his riegn of terror unapposed, that is until John Corben, a reporter for the Daily Planet, made himself into some sort of Kryptonite powered Man of Metal in order to battle the Man of Steel, but Superman wasted no time in brutally killing the hero.
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
Clark sits at his desk, looking into a blank word processor when Lois walks over to him.
LOIS
Why the long face?
CLARK
You know exactly why. John... Did I really...?
LOIS
Clark, you know that wasn't your fault. Who knows what a jerk like Corben would've done with that power? You did what had to be done.
CLARK
That's not the only thing. The way they looked at me today... pure terror. Who am I to be able to strike fear into the entire world?
LOIS
They don't deserve you anyway. Listen Clark, if they don't want you to save them anymore then just don't. Let them solve their own problems.
CLARK
You know I can't do that. If I knew I could help someone and then I didn't... I could never live with myself.
LOIS
Clark, you don't need to be a hero. The world doesn't always need a Superman to come and save it.
CLARK
I'm not a hero. I'm just doing what's easy. I put in less effort stopping Corben today than I did writing the article on the cat fasion show. Maybe if I tried harder he'd...
LOIS
Stop thinking like that! It wasn't your fault!
CLARK
It's just... It's so easy for me, but impossible for them.
LOIS
Maybe the only reason they can't do it is because you don't let them. You bail everyone out of every situation and they never learn to fend for themselves.
Perry White storms over to Clark's desk.
PERRY
Lane! Superman battles a cyborg, kills him, and you aren't there! Isn't Superman your beat? Get down there and get some interviews!
LOIS
Will do, sir.
Perry walks away.
LOIS
I'm just saying not to try too hard. You're gonna work yourself to death.
Lois walks away.
CLARK
The Wizard... what could he mean by that? If I could still ask him...
Clark lies his head in his hands and collapses onto the keybord on his desk before Perry walks over.
PERRY
Kent! Sleeping on the job?! Why don't you go and help Lane with her Superman story?
CLARK
Okay, sir.
Clark gets up and he and Perry walk away. On the computer screen are the letters "MXYZPTLK."
INT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
Luthor intercepts Metallo's body being carried through the halls.
LUTHOR
In here! Bring it in here!
Metallo's body is carried into a lab.
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - DAY
In a room filled with sophisticated technology, the employees drop the body on a table and Luthor imediately goes to examining it himself.
LUTHOR
Whatever was powering this thing, it was the power to defeat Superman.
Luthor cracks open Metallo's chest, revealing three glowing rocks. One green, one gold, one blue. Luthor picks up the green and blue ones.
EXT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
Lois walks around looking for clues when Clark arrives.
CLARK
Hey. I thought I'd help you with your story.
LOIS
That's not really fair... I'm supposed to get an unbiased point of view.
CLARK
I'm not talking about that part of the story. John said something about going to "The Wizard" to get a new heart. Do you have any idea what he might've meant?
LOIS
He probably didn't mean anything, Clark. He was just nuts.
CLARK
He didn't become a cyborg all by himself. Somebody did that to him, and I need to find out who.
LOIS
I don't know. Why don't you look around? You might find something.
Clark sees some graffiti on the wall of the Lexcorp building. It spells "MXYZPTLK."
CLARK
What's this?
LOIS
It's vandalism, Clark. Somebody fed up with Luthor, or just some punks with spray paint.
CLARK
A little unusual for Luthor to let someone away with this. You'd think he'd have cameras and goons watching every inch of his building, ready to pounce on something like this. How long has it been here?
LOIS
I don't know. I didn't notice it until you pointed it out. It looks fresh though. What the hell does it say, anyway? "Mex-eezp-tulk?"
CLARK
"Mix-yes-pittle-ik?"
LOIS
What does it mean? Maybe it's in some other language, like Russian or something?
CLARK
Most vandals like to write their name a lot, maybe that's what this is. Well, where are you, Mister Mxyzptlk?
MXY (O.S.)
Here I am!
Lois and Clark spin around, but don't find anybody. Somebody taps Clark on the shoulder and he turns to see a short man in a purple suit and derby hat.
CLARK
Who are you?
MXY
That would be yours truly, Mister Mxyzptlk, but I think the better question is "who are you?" You're the one who's having an identity crisis, Superman.
CLARK
What are you talking about?
MXY
I know everything about you Kal-El. You too, Ms. Lane.
LOIS
You know me?
MXY
Of course! You're one of the most important characters in The Adventures of Superman. I've been following your stories for quite some time. It gets boring being immortal. I spent my first few billion years not moving, then I thought I'd spend a few billion trying to better the universe. That gets boring quickly, so I moved on to just being what I like to call a prankster, a comedian, a Joker. That's been getting old over the last two thousand years or so, so I just started watching people, getting ideas, and you, Mr. Kent, have peaked my interest.
LOIS
What? Who are you?
MXY
I've been known by many names. Loki, Anansi... I'm The Impossible Man. Impossible in your dimension, anyway. There are many dimensions, you just inhabit the third, I'm from the fifth. I'm two levels of infinity beyond the rules of your reality. Imagine the power you have over the second dimension. You draw it, rewrite it, retcon it. Do you know how many Crisis your meddling has caused on their Earths? Well I'm twice as good. I could punch your reality in the face if I wanted to.
CLARK
You're crazy! You're just lying to mess with me!
MXY
Crazy? Maybe. Messing with you? Definately. Lying? No.
Mxy snaps his fingers...
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - DAY
... and he, Clark and Lois appear in Luthor's Lab. Metallo's body lies on the table with his chestplate open and the gold Kryptonite still inside.
LOIS
What the hell just happened?
MXY
I understand you two know this... thing. Especially you, Clark.
CLARK
John. I didn't mean to kill him! I swear!
MXY
I know, I know. I did, though.
CLARK
What? You killed him?
MXY
If you could call what he had a life. He was already dead when I found him, I just thought I'd have a little fun with him before I let him go. I just turned off the Kryptonite that was powering him.
CLARK
The Wizard.
MXY
A little slow, are we now? Not as slow as Johnny here. Guy couldn't even pronounce my name right. Gold and blue Kryptonite? Like those are real things! Just plot devices in my work in progress. You make an interesting main character. Furious at Luthor for killing Zod, yet you thought you killed your coworker, and seemed to get over it pretty quickly. Everyone has that one person at work they just hate, maybe you finally lived the dream.
CLARK
Why me? In all the universes in all the dimensions why did you want to pick on me?
MXY
You've been taking yourself too seriously, Superman. I'm here to lighten things up. Honestly, for a guy who wears red tighty whities over a spandex jumpsuit you really are a killjoy. In my experience anyone with a cape is usually a barrel of laughs. Metallo here was one of my trademark practical jokes, action comics, if you will. I thought you'd be able to see the humour in it, but you think I'm picking on you? I never wanted you to feel victimized. Tell you what, I have a challenge for you. If you can think of a way to make me go away, any way at all, I'll give you what you want and I'll leave voulentarily.
CLARK
Okay. Just give me some time to think.
MXY
Sure. You've got something on your shirt there.
Mxy points to Clark's chest, and when he looks down he throws his hand up and hits him in the face, laughing. Clark looks frustrated and closes his eyes, trying to think.
MXY
Hey! Look over there!
CLARK
What?
Clark turns and looks behind him, realising he's been tricked.
CLARK
Leave me alone.
MXY
Leave me alone.
CLARK
Don't do that.
MXY
Don't do that.
CLARK
I'm being serious, stop copying me.
MXY
I'm being serious, stop copying me.
CLARK
Shut up!
MXY
Jeez, alright.
Clark closes his eyes again.
MXY
Ooooooooo, Clark.... It's me, John... Why did you do it? Why did you kill me?
CLARK
Shut up, you little imp! I swear I'll kill you!
MXY
I bet you will!
CLARK
I've got it!
A futuristic turret appears in front of Clark and starts lighting and whirring.
MXY
Oh God! Okay! You beat me! I'm leaving! Kltpzyxm!
Mxy begins to fade back into his own dimension.
CLARK
So you can just come back?! I don't think so!
Clark shoots a Phantom Zone portal at Mxy which catches him as he's fading into the fifth dimension. Mxy lets out a terrible scream as his body is stretched and torn between two universes and he ceases to exist.
CLARK
Oh my god! What have I done?
LOIS
It doesn't matter. With Mxy gone Luthor could show up at any minute, and who knows what he'll do if he catches us? Get us out of here!
CLARK
I can't! The gold Kryptonite nullifies my powers!
LOIS
Well we still have to leave! Let's go!
CLARK
Wait!
Clark turns around and takes the gold Kyrptonite.
LOIS
Why are you taking that?
CLARK
I can't let Luthor keep it!
LOIS
Whatever, just come on!
They sneak out of the room...
INT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
... into an empty hallway lined with several cameras and a door at the other end.
LOIS
Cover your face and run for the door.
CLARK
What?
LOIS
Even if they see you on the cameras, as long as they can't identify you they can't do a thing about it.
CLARK
Couldn't there be lasers or something?
LOIS
Honestly, Clark. You're like a child. In real life, it's really pretty easy to break into wherever you want.
EXT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
Lois and Clark run out a back exit.
CLARK
Wow. That was really easy.
LOIS
Told you.
CLARK
Just... I thought it would be a lot more climactic.
LOIS
That's what everyone says.
CLARK
What? What does that mean?
LOIS
I'll show you...
She begins to kiss him, but he backs away.
CLARK
No... I don't want to get too exited.
LOIS
What are you talking about?
CLARK
Back there, I got exited, and look what happened. I lost my temper and... He was going to leave anyway...
LOIS
Clark, whatever that thing was, it wasn't even human.
CLARK
It was just as human as me!
LOIS
You know what I mean.
CLARK
First John, now...
LOIS
John wasn't your fault! What's His Name back there told you he did it!
CLARK
It doesn't matter! I thought I did it, and it took me all of five minutes to get over it. At least with John I thought it was an accident, but with Mxy... It felt good.
LOIS
You didn't mean to. You were going to send him to the Phantom Zone, right?
CLARK
Only because I couldn't think of a way to kill him. I hated him, what he did to John. Death wasn't good enough for him, and I killed him. And that was without my powers. Imagine what I could do to anyone else who crossed me? To someone like Luthor, or just some punk who picks a fight with me at work? What about if you and I had an argument? There's no telling what I could do.
LOIS
Clark, you know that won't happen.
CLARK
How do I know? I'm no better than Zod. Playing God. I just killed a god. I don't know what the hell I am.
LOIS
You're Clark Kent, a reporter for the Daily Planet, and the greatest hero on Earth.
Clark looks at the gold Kryptonite.
CLARK
Not anymore.
LOIS
You can't mean that. You want to be Superman just as much as they want you to.
CLARK
Exactly. After Zod... they're afraid of me. I didn't understand before, but now I do. Lois, for the first time in my life I'm afraid. I'm afraid of myself.
INT. PENTHOUSE - DAY
Luthor sits at his desk staring at a blood samlple through a microscope when a nervous looking security guard walks in.
GUARD
Umm... Mr. Luthor? Two intruders just escaped on sector 33.1.
LUTHOR
I don't care. I have bigger things on my mind.
The guard leaves.
LUTHOR
Superman... You defeat me at every turn. I've fought you with everything I have. Brains, brawn. Now it's time to fight fire with fire. Now I have a plan that's just bizzare enough to work.
INT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT
Clark is now wearing the gold Kryptonite on a chain as a necklace. He gets up and puts on his coat, tucking the kryptonite under his shirt.
CLARK
Well, I'm heading home.
LOIS
I'm just going to finish up this article. I'll catch up with you later.
EXT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT
Clark exits the building and walks to a crappy, beat up car. He gets in and turns the key, only to find the car won't start.
CLARK
I can't believe this...
EXT. BUS STOP - NIGHT
Clark stands alone on a dark corner waiting for the bus.
CLARK
I go straight from flying to public transportation. The universe is definitely trying to teach me something.
A shady looking character sidles up to Clark.
THUG
Okay, buddy. Hand over your wallet.
Clark looks over to find the thug pointing a gun at him.
CLARK
Alright, pal. Take it easy.
THUG
Wallet. Now.
CLARK
Okay.
Clark takes out his wallet and hands it to the thug.
THUG
Now the chain.
CLARK
I'm sorry. I can't give that to you.
THUG
You ain't really in a position to bargain.
The thug grabs at Clark's chain. Clark knocks his arm away and grabs and twists his other hand as a shot is fired. The bullet misses and the thug drops the gun, punching Clark to the ground and running away. Clark lies on the ground for a moment until Lois runs over.
LOIS
Clark! Oh God! Did he shoot you?!
Clark, with broken glasses and a black eye stands up.
CLARK
No, I'm okay.
LOIS
You are not! Look at you! What did he do to you?
CLARK
Nothing. Just took my wallet.
LOIS
Nothing? Do you know how hard it's gonna be to replace all that stuff? Why didn't you just take the car?
CLARK
It's broken down.
LOIS
You just bought it! Didn't you at least ask questions and test drive it first?
CLARK
I'm sorry, but I'm not really used to this.
LOIS
Why are you even doing this? Just get rid of the damn Kryptonite!
CLARK
I'd rather this than the possible alternative.
LOIS
Clark, this is ridiculous! Let's just go home.
EXT. GOTHAM CITY - NIGHT
The Dark Knight jumps through the allies and rooftops when he spots two muggers and their latest victim. As one holds their taget, the other holds a knife to their throat before he is yanked backwards into the shadows. The other is struck with fear before he is grabbed and spun around, looking justice in the face.
MUGGER
What the hell are you?
BATMAN
I'm your worst nightmare.
Batman begins to subdue the mugger as the victim flees. Suddenly the ground begins to shake violently. The surrounding buildings begin to collapse around them.
BATMAN
Come with me!
Batman and the mugger dodge falling debris as they run out onto the street, then having to deal with the panicking cars.
MUGGER
Can't you just fly us outta here?
BATMAN
I'm not Superman, you know.
EXT. CLARK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A beaten Clark stands at the door, talking to Lois.
LOIS
Are you sure you're okay?
CLARK
I'll be fine. Don't worry about it.
LOIS
Okay. Just call if you need something.
Clark goes inside and Lois walks away.
INT. CLARK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Clark stumbles into the living room, turns on the TV, where Cat Grant delivers the news, and collapes into a chair.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
CAT
Gotham City was rocked tonight by an immense magnitude 7.6 Earthquake. The quake has lead to a so far uncounted number of deaths, but estimates range from the hundreds of thousands to the millions in the densly populated city. The massive Cataclysm, which lasted several minutes, has decimated the city which has already faced extreme financial and sociological problems over the last several years, not to mention being one of the cities hit by the rampaging superman several days ago. Adding to the damage, the quake destroyed Arkham Asylum, the country's largest institution for the criminally insane, and many of the surviving patients have escaped and used the anarchy to gain strong territorial foothold in the city. The compouded disasters have even persuaded some United States Senators to consider the possibility of closing the brigdes to and from Gotham, and even rejecting it from the United States.
Clark turns off the tv and stares into the blank screen.
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - NIGHT
Luthor stands in front of a glass tank where inside someone who looks like Superman floats in a strange liquid. The blue and green Kryponite lies on pedestals next to the tank. The Phantpm Zone turret lies at the side of the room.
COMPUTER
Engineering process 99% complete. Implanting Kryptonian DNA.
The Kryptonite starts to glow brighter and the lights begin to flicker. Machines spark and a fire starts as the clone's features start to distort.
COMPUTER
Error. Error.
The creature in the tank suddenly opens its eyes and punches through the glass, hovering out in front of Luthor.
CLONE
Who me?
LUTHOR
Bizarre...
The clone shoots a "cold ray" out of his eyes and puts out the fire.
LUTHOR
Oh!
CLONE
Bizarro? What Bizarro?
LUTHOR
You are a clone of Superman, but... you are imperfect.
BIZARRO
Imperfect... Where Bizarro learn less about Superman? Who knows least about Superman?
INT. CLARK'S HOUSE - DAY
Clark lies on the couch, staring at the ceiling. The phone rings and he slowly picks it up.
CLARK
Hello?
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
Lois walks home, talking into her cell phone.
LOIS
Clark? I'm almost home. I just wanted to check on you. I know you want to be brave but you didn't look so well.
INTERCUT BETWEEN CLARK and LOIS
CLARK
No, I'm okay... There was an earthquake in Gotham.
LOIS
Really? You don't hear about many earthquakes on the east coast. Was it bad?
CLARK
7.6. They said millions of people could be dead.
LOIS
You couldn't stop an earthquake, Clark. Unless you fly backwards around the Earth fast enough to reverse its rotation and turn back time.
CLARK
Could you not joke about this? I can't help but feel like I should've done something.
LOIS
What do you want me to tell you, Clark? That you couldn't help those people? I'm sorry, I won't lie to you. You and I both know that Superman would've saved a lot of people, but appearently that isn't who you are anymore.
CLARK
Do you wanna come over?
LOIS
I was just there, Clark. I'm not walking all the way back just because you feel guilty.
CLARK
So I react exactly like everyone else on Earth and you're putting their deaths on my hands?
LOIS
No, you are. You don't have to be Superman and I won't tell you how to run your life, but it's like you're just killing half of yourself. You can do whatever you want, and I think eventually you will. Goodbye Clark. Feel better.
Lois puts the phone away and quietly walks down the street when Bizarro swoops in and lifts her into the sky.
LOIS
Clark?
BIZARRO
Lois Lane? Write about Superman?
LOIS
Who are you? What do you want?
BIZARRO
Lois tell Bizarro everything Lois know about Superman.
EXT. OUTER SPACE - NIGHT
The Eradicator's ship rockets through space.
INT. ERADICATOR'S INTERFACE - NIGHT
Looking out through the window into space, we see through a computer interface with text filling the screen.
Superimpose: KRYPTONIAN LIFE FORMS DETECTED. REDIRECT COURSE.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
Cat Grant delivers the news.
CAT
After killing the only one with the bravery to stand against him, Superman is once again terrorizing the citizens of Metropolis. The evil maniac seems to have kidnapped one of his most volcal supporters, reporter Lois Lane. WGBS has amateur footage of the massacre.
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
Bizarro flies over the city carrying Lois as he uses powers such as flame breath and ice vision to destroy downtown Metropolis.
INT. CLARK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Clark is watching the news when he sees Bizarro and Lois. He looks panicked, and does not realize the gold Kryptonite stop glowing. The tv cuts back to Cat Grant.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
CAT
With these terrible actions carried out by someone who used to be Earth's greatest hero, one can't help but ask "Whatever Happened to The Man of Tomorrow?"
INT. CLARK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Clark gets up and walks to the closet, opening it to find Superman's suit.
EXT. METROPOLIS - NIGHT
Superman, still wearing the gold Kryptonite, runs to the scene, where above Bizarro holds Lois and terrorizes the city. Supes grabs the Kryptonite and throws it away.
SUPERMAN
Lois!
LOIS
Help!
BIZARRO
Superman!
Bizarro lands and Lois runs over to Superman.
SUPERMAN
Who are you?
BIZARRO
Bizarro is Superman, but perfect. Superman is villain, Bizarro is hero. Superman saves, Bizarro kills... Superman.
Bizzaro spits flame breath at Superman, who rolls out of the way. Bizarro approaches him and punches him across the street. Supes is badly hurt and stands up, realizing he doesn't have powers.
SUPERMAN
What's happening?
LOIS
You must've absorbed enough radiation from the gold Kryptonite to permenantly lose your powers! What are you going to do?
SUPERMAN
The blue Kryptonite. When I lost my powers fighting John they came back when Mxy turned on the blue Kryptonite.
LOIS
Where are you going to find blue Kryptonite?
SUPERMAN
Luthor. He has John's body, he must have it.
BIZARRO
Superman not get Kryptonite. Bizarro kill Superman.
SUPERMAN
You're insane!
BIZARRO
Bizarro smart. Bizarro need meet Superman, so Bizarro help city so Superman go from Bizarro.
SUPERMAN
You wanted to meet me? Why?
BIZARRO
Bizarro opposite of Superman, but Bizarro dead, and Superman dead. One of us must live.
LOIS
If you want to do that why don't you just kill yourself?!
BIZARRO
Superman imperfect. Superman never kill, Bizarro always kill. If Bizarro kill self then Bizarro kill no more. Bizarro kill Superman, Bizarro die forever, Bizarro kill forever!
Bizarro grabs Superman by the neck and lifts him off the ground, choking him.
LOIS
Let him go!
Bizarro knocks Lois away with one hand, holding Superman with the other.
SUPERMAN
Bizarro! I'm not perfect! I have... killed before.
BIZARRO
What? Superman kill?
Bizarro releases Superman.
BIZARRO
Superman kill, Bizarro not kill. Bizarro not kill Superman. Superman die, Bizarro live. Bizarro kill self.
SUPERMAN
Kill yourself? No!
Bizarro super speeds into the Lexcorp building and reappears in front of Superman holding the blue Kryptonite, even though he is in visible pain from it.
BIZARRO
Blue Kryptonite hurt Superman, blue Kryptonite heal Bizarro.
SUPERMAN
No! I can't let you do this to yourself!
Superman tries to grab the blue Kryptonite from Bizarro, who, due his super strength, holds it with ease. As the effects take hold and Bizarro grows weaker and weaker, Superman grows stronger and the struggle turns in his favor. He wrestles the rock from Bizarro, but it is too late. Bizarro falls to the ground, smiling.
BIZARRO
Bizarro live. Bizarro imperfect perfect Superman. Bizarro sad.
Bizarro dies and his body deteriorates into nothing. The blue Kryptonite Superman holds stops glowing as Lois runs over.
SUPERMAN
He's gone... He didn't mean to be evil. He didn't know.
LOIS
He died happy... I think. It was for the best. I don't think of it as losing a life. I think of it as regaining Superman. We need you. I need you. It doesn't matter what you could do, Clark. I know you won't.
SUPERMAN
You always know just what to say.
INT. PENTHOUSE - DAY
Luthor sits at the desk, but is turned around, facing the other way.
LUTHOR
The universe has it out for me. Everything I do turns against me, and Superman continues to live. It's time for my last resort.
The elevator doors opposite the desk open and JOHN HENRY IRONS enters.
IRONS
Mr. Luthor? I just wanted to keep you posted on the development of the power suit. You can tell the Pentagon that soon it will be able to match Superman in power. We will finally be able to destroy the alien and the planet will be safe.
LUTHOR
Irons?! You're too slow! I completely forgot about you! Where were you when I needed you?! Where were you when there were those other supermen were destroying this planet?! I killed one with my bare hands! Have your desk cleared out in by the end of the hour! You're fired!
IRONS
Fired?
Luthor places his hand over a button on his armrest.
LUTHOR
Do I need to have you escorted out?
IRONS
...No.
Irons exits. Luthor presses the intercom button.
LUTHOR
Ms. Graves, is my power source ready?
INTERCOM
Yes it is, Mr. Luthor.
We pan around to see Luthor holding Zod's crown. He stands and gets in the elevator.
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - DAY
One of the pedestals holding the Kryptonite is now empty, leaving the green piece by itself.
LUTHOR
Brainiac. My last resort. You easily made short work of Superman, but what would be the point of defeating him only to let you and Zod rule? I'm sorry I had to dispose of you but now I will make up for it. Zod may have been destroyed by Rao, but you, and all your great knowledge, should still be there.
Luthor puts on the crown, pulls a cable out of it, and plugs it into a large, glowing reactor.
LUTHOR
Brainiac! This is your new master! Come to me and give me your great power!
The reactor surges and a wave of energy bursts out.
INT. HELICOPTER - DAY
A helicopter flies over the city carrying a pilot, a camera man, and Cat Grant, who talks into the camera.
CAT
This is Cat Grant for WGBS News. After Superman's recent rampages we here at WGBS have decided to keep you up to date with our 24 hour Superman Watch. At the moment we spot the Man of Steel we'll tell you so you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The energy wave from the Lexcorp building hits the helicopter and it starts falling out of the sky.
CAT
What's going on?! Do something!
The pilot flicks several switches, with no effect.
PILOT
I can't! The power's out!
Superman flies in and catches the helicopter.
SUPERMAN
I hope this hasn't turned you off flying...
CAT
It's the alien! He did this!
SUPERMAN
What? No!
Supes lands and puts the helicopter down, opening the door for the crew to get out as an angry crowd gathers.
CROWD
Leave them alone! Get outta here! We don't want you around! Metropois doesn't need your kind!
SUPERMAN
No! Please! I was helping them!
CROWD
Yeah, right! Like we'd believe you! You can bully the rest of the world but you ain't messin' with us!
Superman backs away and takes flight.
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - DAY
Luthor, wearing the crown, stands alone in the room.
LUTHOR
Ah, a new body. Wait. Not a new body, it's the miserable human that destroyed my last body. And none of the advantages that came with poor Zod.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
What's this? I can't move! What's going on?!
LUTHOR
Greetings, Luthor. I have had to comandeer this vessel for the time being. Do not worry, it is not powerful enough to be of long term use. I will only use it until I can build a new one.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
Brainiac! Why is this happening? Why didn't you have this much control over Zod?
LUTHOR
Zod was a far greater mind than yourself. I respected him enough to let him keep control of his body, but I still had to intervene when he was going to make an especially bad decision. Zod was obsessed with power. Wanting to rule Earth, just as he wanted to rule Krypton. This planet is much like Krypton. Emotional, illogical, and just like Krypton, it is time for it to see Doomsday.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
Zod didn't decide to destroy Earth, you did.
LUTHOR
You catch on quickly, for a human. Unfortunately for you, not quickly enough to save your own planet. Now it will be destroyed, but before it is, I will gain personal revenge on you and Kal-El for what you did to Zod and I.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
Have you no loyalty? I brought you back from the depths of Rao! I called you here to help you get revenge on Superman. Don't you want to finally rid the universe of Krypton?
LUTHOR
Explain.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
I have been tasked by the people of Earth with destroying the Kryptonian.
Luthor walks over to a computer monitor showing plans for the Power Suit and Bizarro, labelled "PROJECT DOOMSDAY."
LUTHOR
These are your plans to destroy Kal-El? I find it hard to believe that you are the greatest mind on Earth when your machinations are so laughable.
Luthor types on the computer.
LUTHOR (V.O.)
Of course!
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
Clark sits at his desk as Lois talks to him.
LOIS
I thought you said you'd just ignore it from now on.
CLARK
I know. It's just hard sometimes.
LOIS
Hang in there. Sooner or later someone with a double digit IQ will see the tape of Bizarro and realize it's not you.
CLARK
What about Zod? How could they ever trust me after that? They have every right to hate me. It's human nature to hate what you fear.
LOIS
It's also human nature to be able to forgive. Give it time, they'll see who you really are.
Perry walks over.
PERRY
Lane! Superman story! Get out there!
LOIS
Alright! Relax!
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - DAY
We see a silouette of a hulking beast with spiked protrutions all over it's body. A cloud is sprayed at it and the shadow stops moving as the beast is covered in ice crystals. A laser is shot at it and it unthaws before being hit with a heavy object and falling still to the ground. We pan in the direction opposite the shadow's origin to see Luthor without his crown, standing still with his eyes closed. We then pan further to see a humanoid robot wearing the crown. The robot's eyes suddenly light up red.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Lois interviews a Superman Hater.
HATER
It was crazy! Superman shows up and pulls the helicopter outta the sky! Then he rips off the door to get at the poor people inside, luckily that was when we showed up and showed him who's boss. He don't wanna mess with me! You shoulda seen him, shaking in his pansy red booties!
A loud crash and screams are heard.
EXT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
The building is damaged and shaking when an attack from the inside collapses it. As the dust clears the monster we earlier saw in sillouette is revealed. A huge grey abomination with rock-like scales and boney spines covering its entire body. It lets out a roar as it leaps out of the rubble and starts wreaking mindless havok on the surrounding city. Out of the screams of terror we hear one that rings above the rest.
CIVILLIAN 1
It's Superman!
CIVILLIAN 2
I knew it! He's responsible for this!
Supes races in and immediately attacks the monster, sending it flying down the street with a single punch, digging into the pavement as it goes. As the screams grow louder Supes untenses and surveys the damage, but as the dust clears the beast climbs out of the ground and races towards Superman, showing no visible damage. It grabs the Man of Steel and starts smashing him against the ground and surrounding buildings before throwing him straight through a skyscraper which subsequently collapes. The beast runs at Supes again he tries to stop it with his super-breath, only to see that it doesn't slow it down at all. Superman braces for the hit and they lock into a brawl, throwing attacks faster than the eye can see. Lois stands in terror, watching, when her phone rings. She picks it up without taking her eyes off the fight.
PERRY (V.O.)
Lane! What the helll is going on out there? Have you seen Kent?
LOIS
...
PERRY (V.O.)
Lane?
LOIS
Yes, sir. No... I haven't seen Clark.
PERRY (V.O.)
Fine, I'll just send Olsen with you. Get back here, I have an assignment for you.
EXT. LEXCORP JET - DAY
We see a high tech jet with a Lexcorp logo shooting though the sky.
GENERAL (V.O.)
Luthor! What the hell is that? Is that yours?!
LUTHOR (V.O.)
Yes. It is a weapon capable of destroying the Kryptonian.
GENERAL (V.O.)
How the hell does it work?
INT. LEXCORP JET - DAY
Inside the jet we see Luthor, but he is not the one talking. We pan across to see Brainiac, talking with Luthor's voice.
BRAINIAC
Quite simple really. I simply took an organism, attacked it until it died, then cloned it, making sure to upgrade its genes and make it immune to whatever killed it. Do this enough times and you get a creature capible of defeating Kal-El.
GENERAL (V.O.)
Your weapon has already destroyed half of Metropolis! This is a public relations nightmare! As of now the United States Government has never had any involvement with Lexcorp or its subsidiaries. Goodbye.
Brainiac hits a button on his armrest to turn the phone off and reverts back to his normal voice.
LUTHOR
Look what you've done! First you destroy my tower then you lose my contract and ruin my reputation!
BRAINIAC
You are the one who summoned me from Rao. I did the very job you called me here for.
LUTHOR
Not like this! You've ruined everything! I should...
BRAINIAC
But you will not. You do not hold the power in our relationship. After your altercation with Zod you should have learned to not try to control beings greater than yourself. You are a perfect example of all that is wrong with this planet, but at least you are a powerful pawn. I do know how I could help you, though. Your cloning idea showed promise...
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
Lois and Jimmy stand in Perry's office as he gives them directions.
PERRY
Listen, it's not rocket science. Whoever gets footage of this thing will be huge. Nobody from WGBS will go near it after what happened to Grant. Our parent company also owns WGBS, so they want one of our guys to go out there instead. Superman's your thing, so you do it. There's a camera, get to it.
Jimmy picks up a WGBS camera and he and Lois leave.
EXT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
Above the ruins of the Lexcorp building, Superman is showing visible signs of exaustion while continuing to battle the monster, which, while visibly damaged, is not slowing down. Out of the rubble, a few rocks are pushed out of the way and Irons steps out, looking back down a stairway leading underground. A pile of rubble begins to collapse on him when Superman picks him up and carries him to safety.
SUPERMAN
Run!
IRONS
You saved my life! How can I ever repay you?
SUPERMAN
Just live a life worth saving.
Irons sprints away as the monster catches up to them and grabs Supes. It throws him to the ground and comes down on him, pinning his hands to the ground with the spikes on its elbows.
EXT. METROPOLIS PARK - DAY
An EVANGELIST stands at the front of a field preaching to a rather large crowd.
EVANGELIST
People! It's time to join together and hear the word of God! Doomsday is upon us!
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
The monster lets out a vicious roar at the pinned Supes. The Man of Steel pulls up his legs and kicks Doomsday straight into the air, immediately flying after the beast. Lois and Jimmy, who carries a camera, rush to the scene.
INT. KENT FARM - DAY
PA KENT sits in a chair watching tv when the program cuts away.
TV
We interrupt this program for a breaking news broadcast.
The tv cuts to Superman's losing battle. As he sees his son getting pumelled by the fierce beast, Pa tenses and clutches his chest. MA KENT walks into the room.
MA
Were you saying something, Johnathan? Johnathan!
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Lois talks into Jimmy's camera, with Superman's battle in the background.
LOIS
This is Lois Lane for WGBS news. We're here at the scene of what may be the fiercest battle the Man of Steel has ever fought. Earlier today a vicious beast emerged from the Lexcorp building in downtown Metropolis and started tearing the city apart. Immediately our hero arrived to protect us, but the monster shows no signs of stopping. It appears that Superman may have met his match.
The Hater from earlier is running past and stops to hassle Lois.
HATER
What do you mean protect us? You saw what Superman and his buddy did! For all we know he probably brought that thing from his home planet and it's trying to stop him from taking over the world!
LOIS
Look at that! Which one of them looks like a monster to you?! Superman's saved us all more times than we can count! He was saving us from Zod, not helping him!
HATER
How the hell would you know? You're just some hack reporter that can't write anything that isn't about that freak in spandex!
Lois grabs the guy by the neck and leans back to sock him, then looks over at Superman taking a vicious beating. He looks at her through a swollen eye and manages a smile before getting it punched off. Lois releases her victim.
LOIS
It's not important now. We all have to get out of here. Whoever you want to win, we're getting in their way.
All three flee the scene, leaving Supes to battle the beast in a desolate, destroyed part of town. He manuvers around his opponent and grabs the spikes on its back, flying upwards. They fly past the atmosphere into the blackness of space, but the monster's body blocks Supes from any direct sunlight. He spins them around and starts pushing towards the ground at vicious speed, the atmosphere burning their bodies upon reentry. Supes aims at the center of the area destroyed by their battle and they hit the ground, creating a crater which completely wipes out the ruins of the skyskrapers. Lois and Jimmy, still running from the battle, are caught at the edge of the crater and blown away. Lois gets up and looks at ground zero, devoid of all life, and runs towards it. She arrives to see Superman, impaled on one of the spikes on the monster's back.
LOIS
Oh God!
She climbs onto the dead behemoth's body and lifts Superman off the spike, carrying him in her arms. He manages to open his eyes.
LOIS
Clark!
Wordless, he simply looks at her and smiles before going limp.
EXT. METROPLIS PARK - DAY
A large crowd including Jimmy, Perry, Irons, and Luthor is gathered. In the background there are many large cranes, each with a Lexcorp logo, rebuilding the city. At the front of the crowd is a mausoleum with a large statue of Superman atop it. Behind a coffin covered with Superman's tattered cape there is a short wall covered in a sheet. In front of the coffin Lois stands giving the eulogy.
LOIS
I can't remember a day when I didn't hear about Superman saving thousands of people from some terrible physical disaster, but he did more than that. He saved us from ourselves. From human cynicism. He taught us to believe in life. To believe in the basic good in all of us. There were some of you who thought he was an alien, but of all the souls I've encountered in my travels, his was the most human. He wasn't perfect. No matter how hard he tried, he still couldn't protect everybody, and now, we unveil a tribute to all those lost that fateful day.
Lois walks around to the wall and pulls off the sheet, revealing a huge list of names. In the middle, in correct alphabetical order, is "KENT, CLARK."
EXT. FORTRESS - DAY
The Eradicator's ship crashes to the ground near the Fortress of Solitude. The robot climbs out of the ship and surveys the area.
EXT. ERADICATOR'S INTERFACE (FORTRESS) - DAY
We see though the Eradicator's point of view.
Superimpose:
SCANNING FOR KRYPTONIAN LIFEFORMS... NONE DETECTED.
SCANNING FOR KRYPTONIAN TECHNOLOGY... TECHNOLOGY DETECTED.
SCANNING FOR POWER SOURCE... YELLOW STAR. CONVERTER NEEDED.
SCANNING FOR CONVERTER... CONVERTER DETECTED.
EXT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
Reconstruction is well underway. Irons enters and walks towards an elevator in the center of the site when he is confronted by a CONSTRUCTION WORKER.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER
Hey, you can't just walk in here! This is a work zone!
Irons flashes a Lexcorp ID badge.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER
Oh, my mistake.
Irons walks into the elevator and it descends into the ground.
INT. IRONS' LAB - DAY
The elevator opens and Irons steps out into a darkened room. He flicks a switch and a spotlight comes on, revealing a sophisticated metal battle suit. The camera pans down though the floor...
INT. LUTHOR'S LAB - DAY
...into Luthor's Lab, where Brainiac works on the cloning tank. The pedestal which used to hold the green Kryptonite is now empty.
EXT. METROPOLIS PARK - DAY
Cat stands in front of the mausoleum which has had a wall destroyed and is empty of its coffin, talking to the camera.
CAT
Some think the wall was broken from the inside by a Superman risen from the dead, but looking at the rubble it is clear that this was a break in. Some inhuman monster has descrated the grave of the greatest hero the world has ever known.
EXT. FORTRESS - DAY
Superman's body lies on top of the fortress in a black, technological suit. The Eradicator pulls a wire from its arm and plugs it into the suit, then begins to change shape.
EXT. AFTERLIFE - DAY
Superman stands in a blank void surrounded by nothingness.
SUPERMAN
Where am I? Hello?
PA (O.S.)
Hello, son.
Superman turns around to see his father.
SUPERMAN
Dad! What is this place?
PA
It's nothing, Clark.
SUPERMAN
All I remember is fighting that thing. Thinking I was going to die...
PA
You always were a bright young man.
SUPERMAN
What?
PA
You're dead, Clark.
SUPERMAN
And you?
PA
Yes.
SUPERMAN
What about Earth? That monster was going to destroy everything!
PA
You beat it. It's gone, but we both know it won't be the last threat to attack Earth.
JOR-EL (O.S.)
You need to go back, Kal-El.
Superman turns around again to find Jor-El and Lara.
SUPERMAN
Father? Mother?
LARA
The people of Earth need you, Kal-El.
PA
You have to return to them.
SUPERMAN
Return from the dead? It's impossible!
LARA
You always were resourseful.
JOR-EL
You're a survivor.
PA
You'll find a way.
EXT. LEXCORP HQ - DAY
Luthor stands in front of the construction site giving a press conference to a large crowd of onlookers.
LUTHOR
Through his last days, many of us lost faith in Superman. How could we not? Ms. Lane was right. He was human. It was terrifying to have some unknown person flying around with all his great power, but we at Lexcorp realize that we do need a Superman. Not just some unwarranted vigilante, but a hero fully endorsed by the United States government. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present The Man of Tomorrow, Superman 2.0, Kon-El!
A younger looking Superman wearing a "more modern" black leather suit flies in and stands next to Luthor.
LUTHOR
Named in honor of our fallen hero, Kon-El is cloned from DNA recovered from the battlefield that was downtown Metropolis. He will serve every duty performed by the old Superman, but being at peak physical age and working in cooperation with government authorities, I think you will find him even better.
The crowd applauses. Lois, disgusted, gets up and begins to walk out of the park when Irons, the Power Suit masking his identity, flies up though the ground and addresses the crowd.
IRONS
How can you applaud at this? We can't hand over our safety to a corporation! We can't trust a hero who's on somebody's payroll!
LOIS
Who are you?
IRONS
Someone who will carry on the values that Superman stood for. I will always fight for truth and justice, not for the almighty dollar.
LUTHOR
Who does this maniac think he is? This is the exact type of action that Superman was feared for! Damaging a construction site! Making a scene! He's insane! Kon-El, get him!
Kon-El flies into the air and attacks Irons, who appears to be evenly matched. They fight evenly for a moment when the action is interrupted by Superman, in his classic attire, flying past them, diving into the ground.
INT. LECORP CLONING LAB - DAY
The body of the monster lies on the table with Brainiac working on it, when Superman bursts though the roof.
SUPERMAN
Brainiac!
BRAINIAC
You!
Superman appears next to Brainiac and rips its head off, chrushing it in his hands, then flying back though the ceiling. After he leaves one of the computer screens flick on and reads "COMMAND ACCEPTED. DESTROY ERADICATOR."
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Luthor and Kon-El stand, making their case.
LUTHOR
Not being a legal citizen, the old superman was unable to hold trademark to the "Superman" name. Kon-El was born in the United States and he, and the corporation that created him, deserve all the rights that come with that, including holding the trademark that so clearly represents him as the new Superman.
JUDGE
Mr. Luthor, your case is ridiculous. You may say Kon-El is the new Superman, but the original Superman is still here. Secondly, Superman has been part of the english lexicon long before Kon-El, in fact, since it was originally used by Lois Lane writing for the Daily Planet, if anyone was going to hold the trademark it would be them, but as they have failed to protect their property, this court finds that "Superman" is in the public domain and you hold no rights over it. You may call yourself Superman, but in the eyes of the court, you will never be.
INT. NIGHTLY NEWS - NIGHT
Cat Grant delivers the nightly news, with a picture in the corner of the three supermen.
CAT
Superboy, as he has been dubbed by the press, then attacked the so called "Man of Steel." The two appeared to be evenly matched before the fight was interreupted by the original Superman arriving, diving underground, then coming back up and leaving without saying a word. The Man of Steel then fled the scene. We'll keep you posted on developments as they arrive. In other news, there are massive protests at a Lexcorp factory in Suicide Slum. Lexcorp plans to close the plant and put nearly 3000 people out of work. Experts say it would economically devistate the already impoverished area...
EXT. DAILY PLANET ROOF - NIGHT
Lois stands alone at the edge of the roof, looking out over the city which is almost completely rebuilt.
LOIS
Superman... was that really you? If you're back, where's Clark? Only one way to find out...
Lois walks off the edge of the building.
LOIS
Superman! Help!
Superman arrives and catches Lois.
LOIS
Could it be...? Are you really...?
SUPERMAN
I am the Last Son of Krypton.
LOIS
Clark?
SUPERMAN
I am sorry. Excuse me?
LOIS
Do you remember me?
SUPERMAN
You are Lois Lane, reporter for the Daily Planet.
LOIS
No, I mean really know me. The important things.
SUPERMAN
That is the most important information to identify you. All else is irrelevant to me helping you.
LOIS
Clark really is gone... Let me go.
SUPERMAN
Very well.
Superman drops Lois.
LOIS
What? Help!
The Man of Steel arrives and catches her.
STEEL
Flying may be the safest way to travel, but I suggest you take an airplane next time.
They land and he places her on the ground.
LOIS
Clark? Is that you in there?
STEEL
I'm sorry?
LOIS
Do you know who I am?
STEEL
You're Lois Lane, right? I saw your picture in the paper.
LOIS
Are you... Superman? The real one, I mean.
STEEL
I'm sorry, Ms. Lane. Superman is gone.
LOIS
Then you know...
STEEL
That thing that looks like him? That's not Superman. Superman wouldn't drop you out of the sky. Superman is dead, but the values he stood for are still alive. I promise to do my best to be as good a hero as he ever was. Well, I have duty elsewhere. I hope to see you again, under better conditions of course.
Steel flies off to help more people.
EXT. LEXCORP FACTORY - NIGHT
A massive crowd with picket signs is protesting outside a large factory when Superboy shows up.
SUPERBOY
This is Superman! You are trespassing on private property! You have one minute to clear out of the premises before I remove you by force!
CROWD
You can't do anything to us, Superboy! You come down here and we'll tear you apart!
SUPERBOY
On top of trespassing, you are threatening my life? I have no choice but to use force. And don't call me boy!
Superboy lands in the middle of the crowd, which quickly envelops him. He throws them all off and begins beating all of them easily.
EXT. LEXCORP FACTORY - DAY
Lois walks around, taking notes, with Jimmy following, snapping pictures.
JIMMY
Luthor's goon really tore this place apart. What were they calling him? Superboy? I suppose that was one of the better names floating around. My personal favorite was "Superman 2: Electric Boogaloo." What do you think, Ms. Lane?
Lois doesn't respond. She is just zoned out.
JIMMY
You seem distracted. What's on your mind?
LOIS
Jimmy, what do think happens when you die?
JIMMY
Well, to be honest with you... I have no idea. Are you still thinking about Superman?
LOIS
No. I see supermen everywhere.
JIMMY
Mr. Kent.
LOIS
Yeah.
JIMMY
I like to think that when you die you go to a wonderful paradise, where you're free from the troubles of life, and you get to meet all the people who've gone before you.
LOIS
What about reincarnation?
JIMMY
What do you mean?
LOIS
Do you think it's possible for your spirit to continue living, but in a different body?
INT. PENTHOUSE - DAY
Luthor sits at his desk, talking to Superboy.
SUPERBOY
Why would I fight Superman? I thought I was made in his honor.
LUTHOR
Exactly, and with him around you are obsolete. This world only needs one Superman, and don't you want that to be you?
SUPERBOY
Yes sir.
LUTHOR
Then your mission is simple. Defeat Superman, and when you get the time, kill the freak who stole my power suit.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superman flies through the city towards the Lexcorp building, which is perfectly rebuilt.
SUPERMAN
Brainiac was working with Luthor. Who knows what kryptonian weapons it built for him? I must destroy all traces of Brainiac.
Superman crashes through the roof of Luthor's penthouse...
INT. PENTHOUSE - DAY
... and lands between Luthor and Superboy.
SUPERMAN
Luthor. I know you were working with Brainiac. Give me all the technology Brainiac helped you build or I will take it from you.
LUTHOR
How convenient. Some of that technology and I were just talking about you. You can have it. Kon-El, attack!
Superboy picks up Superman and lifts him into the sky.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superboy is thrown to the ground and hits a building, destroying it. He flies back up and punches Superman in the face, who retaliates by grabbing him by the collar and giving him a thrashing.
EXT. ERADICATOR'S INTERFACE (METROPOLIS) - DAY
We see a first person view of beating Superboy, when text begins to fill the screen.
Superimpose: LOW POWER. RETURN TO CONVERTER FOR CHARGING.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
The Eradicator throws Superboy to the ground and flies away...
EXT. FORTRESS - DAY
... Landing on top of the Fortress, where we see Superman still lying in the black techno-suit. The disguised Eradicator walks over to Superman's body, pulls a wire out of its arm and plugs it into the techo-suit.
EXT. ERADICATOR INTERFACE (FORTRESS) - DAY
We see a first person view looking down at the unconcious Superman, the wire in the suit running up into the viewer's arm. Text then fills the screen.
Superimpose:
CHARGING POWER...
...
...
...
... CHARGE COMPLETE. FULL POWER.
INT. LEXCORP CLONING LAB - DAY
The monster's body is being worked on by robot arms coming out of the ceiling. The arms place Brainiac's crown on the monster and retreat back into the ceiling. A computer screen flashes with the text "ENGINEERING COMPLETE. TRANSFERRING PROGRAMMING."
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superboy crawls out of the ground and stands, looking around, when a massive tremor from inside the Lexcorp building makes it collapse. As the dust clears we once again see the monster standing in the rubble. It lets out a roar and runs past the damaged Superboy, attacking and destroying a building behind him.
MONSTER
Eradicator! Come to me! You have a better body, well so do I!
The Eradicator in its Superman form flies in and stands in front of the monster.
ERADICATOR
Brainiac! You survived!
BRAINIAC
This is why the Kryptonian Council replaced you with me! I am so much more intelligent! I survived Krypton's destruction! I survived being thrown into its sun! Did you really think destroying a crude robot form would destroy me?
ERADICATOR
Then let us see what happens when I destroy your biological form!
The Eradicator attacks Brainiac and they begin to fight as Superboy watches, until he is suddenly hit with realisation.
SUPERBOY
Mr. Luthor!
Superboy runs over to the wreckage of the Lexcorp building and searches through the rubble to find a badly hurt Luthor.
LUTHOR
Kon-El! Superman! He's right there! Attack him! If you and Brainiac work together you will easily defeat him!
SUPERBOY
You knew Brainiac was going to do this? I thought I was built to fight monsters like this! Like Superman did!
LUTHOR
Superman is there! Kill him!
SUPERBOY
It's you. You're the real monster here.
LUTHOR
The son turns on the father. The classic odipial story, or maybe it's more like Frankenstein, and this is the end. Now it is time for me to die.
SUPERBOY
I can't let that happen.
Superboy picks up Luthor and flies away.
LUTHOR
So you will do what you were made for?
SUPERBOY
Yes.
LUTHOR
Then listen to your master!
SUPERBOY
No. I will save your life and bring you to the hospital, then I will save everyone else and fight that monster. That's what I was made for.
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
Lois types at her desk when Perry runs over.
PERRY
Lane! It's back! The monster that killed Superman!
LOIS
We've got to get out of here!
PERRY
Not you. People identify you with the monster. Wayne wants you to go out and cover it again.
LOIS
That's crazy! Why should I do it?
PERRY
You want the truth, Lane? You're the only one brave enough to get near that thing. The only other one who had the guts to cover stuff like this was Kent...
LOIS
I'll do it.
Jimmy runs over.
JIMMY
I will too. I can't let you take all the credit.
PERRY
Okay, both of you, get out there!
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
The Eradicator battles Brainiac in the city which is already nearly as destroyed as it was before, when Superboy arrives and grabs Brainiac, allowing the Eradicator to get in a few hits before they are thrown off. Brainiac continues to fight a winning battle against the two supermen when Steel arrives and throws Brainiac into the air. He locks eyes with Superboy and they stare tensely at each other.
STEEL
I couldn't let you hog all the glory, could I?
SUPERBOY
No, I guess not.
Brainiac begins to land and the three fly up to catch him. The fight keeps Brainiac in the air, but he is still beating the three supermen. Lois and Jimmy arrive on the scene.
LOIS
This is Lois Lane for WGBS News. The monster that killed Superman has reappeared and is again wreaking havok on the city. This time there are three supermen to fight it, but the odds seem just as fierce. The monster appears to be more powerful than before, and is focusing on the supermen rather than pure destruction. It seems to be easily outmatching each individual superman, including the original.
With Superboy holding his back and lifting him into the air, Brainiac gets beaten by Steel until he catches him and throws him into the ground, creating a huge shockwave.
LOIS
Clark!
SUPERMAN (O.S.)
Yes?
Lois turns around to see Superman, in his black suit, standing behind her.
JIMMY
Mr. Kent?
SUPERMAN
Don't act like you didn't already know. A pair of glasses wouldn't fool a photographer with a keen eye like you. Excuse me.
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Post by Dale on Jul 2, 2008 10:47:59 GMT -5
Superman joins the Eradicator and Superboy in battling Brainiac. Lois rushes over to an injured Steel, his suit shooting sparks.
STEEL
Good to see you again, Ms. Lane, although I guess these aren't really better conditions. I guess now you know I wasn't who you thought I was.
Steel dies.
LOIS
You were exactly who I thought you were.
She picks up his body and holds another dead Superman in her arms, carrying him away from the battlefield as the other three continue to battle Brainiac.
SUPERBOY
Another Superman? What's going on? I'm still confused about the first one coming back from the dead!
SUPERMAN
So am I! Who are you? Am I me, or what?
BRAINIAC
Kal-El!
Brainiac lunges at Superman, but he is caught and held back by Superboy.
ERADICATOR
Yes, Kal-El. I am the Eradicator, a computer from Krypton. I was built by your father, Jor-El, to run the day to day infrastructure on our home planet, but after years of service they found me to be obsolete. I was replaced with Brainiac, and he used his access to the defence systems to destroy the planet. To spread the knowledge of Krypton I was sent into space on one of your mother's ships. I detected your life force and stopped at this planet, only to find that Brainiac found you first. I made it my mission to destroy Brainiac, but needed a way to charge enough power to fight him. Using your Kryptonian body to absorb sunlight and convert it to usable energy, I was able to leech some of your DNA and replicate your form and powers. Prolonged use of you as a converter must have let you absorb enough sunlight to come back to life.
BRAINIAC
You are boring everyone, Eradicator! I could have told them that!
ERADICATOR
You knew about this?
BRAINIAC
Of course! It does not take a genius to figure it out. Oh wait, it does!
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Luthor lies on a hospital bed, covered in bruses, bandages and casts. He struggles to reach into his pocket and pulls out a device with a red button.
LUTHOR
You've sealed your own fate, Kon-El. I won't let another Superman get in my way. If you won't work for me, you won't work at all.
Luthor presses the button on the device.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superboy releases Brainiac and clutches his chest. Brainiac grabs him and throws him into the ruins of the Lexcorp building, scattering the debris and revealing Luthor's underground lab. Brainiac lands, pulling the Eradicator down with him. He beats the Eradicator and leaves it for dead before running to the lab, Superman giving chase.
BRAINIAC
I knew you would come back to life, Kal-El. I sensed the Eradicator's arrival and forsaw its plan and the consequences. I may not be able to kill you, but that isn't the only way to defeat you. Do you remember what your father did to Zod?
SUPERMAN
The Phantom Zone.
BRAINIAC
Exactly. Being there when it was used, I know exactly how Jor-El used it, and how convenient, Luthor had all the technology in his basement!
Brainiac grabs Superman and leaps into the air as Superboy climbs out of the rubble.
BRAINIAC
I was planning to have the Eradicator taken care of by the time you returned, but the interference of Luthor's defective merchandise was unexpected. Still, it shouldn't be too hard to get rid of you anyway.
Brainiac holds Superman at arm's length and beats him senseless before throwing him to the ground in the middle of the lab. Brainiac lands and walks behind the Phantom Zone turret. It lights up and starts to make noise.
BRAINIAC
You should have stayed dead, Kal-El! Your new fate is much worse!
Superboy flies by, picking up Superman and taking him to safety.
BRAINIAC
What?
The Eradicator runs in behind Brainiac and pushes him into the path of the Phantom Zone portal, which envelops both of them and flies off into space.
BRAINIAC
I will return, Kal-El! I can never be destroyed!
INT. PHANTOM ZONE - DAY
Brainiac turns to the Eradicator.
BRAINIAC
You, on the other hand...
He grabs the Eradicator and rips its head off, crushing it in his hands, before it reverts to its robot form, motionless.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
Superboy puts Superman down and falls to the ground, clutching his chest.
SUPERMAN
What's wrong?
SUPERBOY
I don't know. I feel a shooting pain in my chest.
EXT. SUPERMAN'S POV (X-RAY) - DAY
Superman uses his x-ray vision to look into Superboy's chest and sees the green Kryptonite next to an open small black capsule that he can't see though..
SUPERMAN
Kryptonite. It looks like there's some sort of lead capsule there, too.
EXT. METROPOLIS - DAY
SUPERBOY
Mr. Luthor. He must've planted it in me so he could remotely open it and take me out of the picture. I should've known he would put an insurance policy on his merchandise.
SUPERMAN
You were more than just Luthor's tool. You were a Superman.
Superboy dies. A crowd, including the Superman Hater and Lois has begun to gather around them.
CROWD
It's Superman! He did it!
HATER
So what? How do we know Superman's not the one who attracted that monster here in the first place? He shows up and starts "saving us" from all these supervillains that only come to fight him, but when the quake hit Gotham then he decides to stop hanging around.
LOIS
So I guess you have to wonder, do you want more monsters, or more Gotham Cities?
EXT. METROPOLIS PARK - DAY
The statue of Superman has been replaced with statues of Superboy and Steel. In the background Lexcorp cranes once again rebuild the city, with the finishing touches being put on the Lexcorp tower, which is now taller than ever, once again topping the Daily Planet building.
INT. DAILY PLANET - DAY
Lois sits her desk, looking at the empty space where Clark used to sit, when Perry storms over.
PERRY
Lane! We got word of some deranged employee tearing up a toy factory uptown! Get on it!
Clark walks in.
CLARK
This looks like a job for Clark Kent!
LOIS
Clark!
PERRY
Kent! We thought you were dead! Where the hell have you been?
CLARK
I went back home to Smallville. There was a death in the family.
PERRY
Oh! ...I'm sorry.
CLARK
It's alright. My dad had been sick for a while. I like to think that as long as we remember him, he's never truly dead.
PERRY
Yeah. Well, if you want to cover this story you better get on it. Superman could show up any minute and the whole thing will be over!
CLARK
You're right, he'll probably be there in a few seconds. I'd better get on it!
Clark runs out of the room, and through the window we see Superman fly into the distance.
THE END
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