TheDeathOfSuperman
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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FADE IN :
INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - NIGHT
LOIS LANE is asleep on her couch, with a blanket pulled
around her. The TV is on, but muted, casting a blueish light
around the room.
The open door, which leads to the balcony, is letting in just
enough of a breeze to blow through Lois' hair.
LOIS (V.O.)
Each night, it's the same. I fall
asleep, wishing...
INSERT FLASH
A quick, almost strobe-light style flash. From "The Birth Of
Superman", we see a Lois' first meeting with Superman, in her
apartment.
BACK TO SCENE
LOIS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
There are times, just as I wake up
in the morning, when it all seems
like a dream. A man who can fly.
Bullet-proof.
(beat)
A hero.
INSERT FLASHES
More strobe flashes.
Superman flying with Lois.
Superman punching into Metallo's chest.
Lois walking down the street as Superman's body falls onto a
nearby car, crushing it.
BACK TO SCENE
Lois stirs, just a little. She's still asleep.
LOIS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
There are times when I can see him,
and I ask him why it had to happen
that way.
(beat)
He never answers.
There is a CLASH OF THUNDER. The TV goes off.
Lois' eyes shoot open and she sits up on the couch as
lightning flashes.
LOIS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
There are times when I can't bring
myself to accept that he's gone.
(beat)
But more often than not...
The balcony doors SLAM shut. Lois jumps to her feet.
LOIS (V.O.) (CONT'D)
...I don't see Superman at all.
As lightning flashes again, we can see a SHADOWY FIGURE
standing in front of the balcony doors. It's the shape of a
man.
Lois is deeply troubled by the sight of this man. She begins
to tear up.
LOIS (CONT'D)
This isn't happening.
Another flash of lightning now REVEALS CLARK KENT. We only
see a quick glimpse of him as he stands before Lois, soaking
wet, and with blood falling from his eyes like tears.
LOIS (CONT'D)
This isn't happening.
Clark (still bathed in shadows) extends a hand toward Lois,
reaching for her. Begging for her.
Lois is finding it harder to contain her tears.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Clark?
Another flash of lighting, and Clark is now gone.
Lois gasps. She stands, staring at the balcony doors.
THUNDER rips through the darkness. Another flash of lighting.
This time, Lois vanishes.
INT. LOIS' APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Lois wakes with a gasp. There is no lightning or thunder now.
Only the sound of SIRENS in the distance.
Lois looks at the clock. It's 2:33 am.
She turns over and looks toward her window.
LOIS (V.O.)
At least this time, I was asleep.
FADE TO BLACK:
MUSIC AND OPENING CREDITS:
FADE IN:
INT. DAILY PLANET - CITY ROOM - MORNING
The room is swarming with REPORTERS, rushing around, talking
on cell phones and typing on their computers. It's more
hectic than we've seen it before.
PERRY WHITE is standing back, watching this confusion with a
slightly troubled expression on his face.
JIMMY OLSEN approaches Perry and turns to look at what Perry
is watching.
JIMMY
Are you okay, sir?
PERRY
Look at it, son. Just look at this
mess.
Jimmy isn't sure how to respond, so he just looks and tries
to appear smart by nodding.
Perry grabs a copy of the Daily Planet off of a nearby desk
and holds it out for Jimmy to see.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Murders. Rapes. Armed robbery.
Arson.
(beat)
It's out of control.
Jimmy finally gets what Perry is saying. Now he looks around
the room and nods, but with much more sincerity.
JIMMY
Yeah.
PERRY
It's hard to believe how fast a
city can go to hell after the death
of one man.
JIMMY
Well, he wasn't just any man, sir.
PERRY
I know that.
(beat)
I know.
Perry turns and starts to walk toward his office.
PERRY (CONT'D)
Walk with me, Olsen.
Jimmy hurries to catch up to Perry.
JIMMY
You want me to walk with you?
I'm... I mean, it's an hon--
PERRY
(ignoring Jimmy)
It's not like I haven't seen my
share of darkness. I've reported
from combat zones. I've gone head
to head with mob bosses and street
pimps. It's just that... After
Superman died, this city mourned
together. We were all connected by
the same tragedy. There was such...
resolve.
JIMMY
But it didn't last.
PERRY
No.
(beat)
Now we're back to business as
usual. Everyone's looking out for
themselves. Nobody could care less
if their neighbor is suffering.
It's not just Superman, the person,
who died, Jimmy. The more time that
passes, the more I'm convinced that
-
JIMMY
His spirit died too.
Perry stops walking and looks back to Jimmy who actually
seems to get what Perry is saying.
PERRY
Yeah.
After the moment passes, Perry starts to walk again. Jimmy
keeps up.
PERRY (CONT'D)
(holding up the paper
again)
The sad part is, we need that
spirit now more than ever. Things
are worse now than they were before
Superman came along. This
"Intergang" and their weapons...
I've never seen anything like them.
JIMMY
I know.
Jimmy looks across the room, toward Clark's desk which sits
empty now.
When Perry sees what Jimmy is looking at, he stops for a
moment and looks toward Clark's desk as well.
After a moment without saying anything, Perry starts to walk
again.
PERRY
You should get back to work, Olsen.
Jimmy keeps his eyes on Clark's desk.
JIMMY
Yeah.
INT. GBS BUILDING - NEWS SET - DAY
A news anchor, MICHELLE DEEDS, is sitting at the news desk,
speaking to CAT GRANT, who is a gossip reporter in her early
30's, and who appears to have had quite a bit of plastic
surgery.
MICHELLE
Okay, so fill me in on this story.
It's not really true, is it?
CAT
Well, I can't tell you how true it
is, except to say that one of the
people at the scene was a Keystone
City police officer and he reported
the same thing as everyone else.
MICHELLE
Superman?
CAT
That's what they're saying, more or
less. Most people only caught a
quick flash of red. Some are saying
that they actually saw Superman's
face.
MICHELLE
Why would he suddenly be so shy?
CAT
It's a classic story, Michelle. A
celebrity becomes this huge media
sensation and the next thing you
know, they just want to escape.
Some choose to run, others punch a
photographer.
MICHELLE
It's a good thing he hasn't done
that.
CAT
(laughs)
Right? But seriously, it could just
be that he needed to get away for a
while.
MICHELLE
If it works for Elvis...
CAT
Exactly.
MICHELLE
Well, thanks for filling us in on
the latest gossip. It was juicy as
always.
CAT
My pleasure.
Michelle turns to the camera.
MICHELLE
If you want to hear more from Cat
Grant, you can log onto our
website, www.GBSNews.com and read
her blog which is updated daily.
Michelle turns to another camera and keeps talking.
MICHELLE (CONT'D)
We're going to switch to a somewhat
related topic now. Joining us in
our newsroom downstairs is Daily
Planet reporter and GBS
contributor, Lois Lane. Lois, it's
good to see you again.
On a nearby monitor, we can see Lois, looking into the
camera.
LOIS
Good morning, Michelle.
MICHELLE
You've been away for the past four
months, since the death of
Superman, but you're back with a
report on the recent crime
outbreak. What can you tell us
about this wave of violence? Can we
chalk it up to normal thugs, or is
this another Livewire situation?
LOIS
Well, we haven't seen many
confirmed reports of what the
authorities are now calling "meta
humans".
MICHELLE
Meta-humans?
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. GBS BUILDING - NEWSROOM - DAY
Lois in the newsroom, with a camera on her.
LOIS
Right. These are the people who
somehow acquire abnormal abilities,
like Leslie Willis, but we really
haven't seen many cases of meta
human activity in the last few
months. Since Superman died. What
we're seeing instead are normal
people with weapons and technology
unlike anything we've seen before.
MICHELLE
Like these... I want to call them
ray guns. We're seeing them more
and more every day.
LOIS
Right. Now, I've spoken to some
sources within our military and a
few of the leading tech labs in the
world, and nobody has a clue where
these weapons are coming from. They
don't resemble anything that even
our own military has been using.
MICHELLE
(with a wink)
When you refer to your military
connections, can we assume that
you're talking about your father,
General Sam Lane?
Lois looks into the camera without expression for a moment or
two before answering.
LOIS
No.
MICHELLE
Oh... Okay.
(beat)
One last question before we go.
(beat)
We just had your old friend, Cat
Grant, on the show to discuss
rumors that Superman may still be
alive. Do you think it's possible
that he might be?
Again, Lois doesn't look thrilled with the question.
LOIS
With all due respect to my good
friend, Cat...
(beat)
I was there. I saw Superman fall
onto a car from the roof of a high
rise. I saw the burn marks on his
clothes. I saw the blood coming out
of his ears...
Lois starts to look more and more distant as she continues.
LOIS (CONT'D)
His eyes were open, just like you
see in all of the movies. Only, his
expression wasn't blank. It wasn't
peaceful. Superman died and he knew
it was coming.
(beat)
He was terrified.
Michelle is silent for several seconds, not knowing how to
respond to Lois. Finally, she looks into the camera and
says...
MICHELLE
We'll be right back with more of
today's news.
Lois pulls an earpiece out of her ear, and takes off her
microphone. She wants to get out of there.
INT. KENT HOUSE - LIVING ROOM/FOYER - DAY
MARTHA KENT is sitting in a chair, watching GBS. Her eyes are
filled with tears.
As a commercial comes on, Martha turns off the TV and walks
to the front door. She stands next to the screen door,
letting a gentle breeze blow past her, and gazes at the world
outside.
In the background, we can hear her phone ring. She doesn't
move to answer it.
INT. GBS BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY
Lois is walking toward the elevators at a faster than normal
pace.
Cat catches up to her, with a smile on her face, and keeps
pace.
CAT
Check us out. Side by side once
again.
LOIS
We were never side by side, Cat.
CAT
Okay, well not like partners or
anything, but we worked in the same
office for years. Tell me you're
not thrilled to see me.
LOIS
I'm not thrilled to see you.
Lois quickly glances at Cat before returning her eyes to the
path ahead.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Hell, I can barely recognize you.
CAT
It's neat, huh? Check this out...
Cat stops walking and jumps up and down, just slightly. She
then hurries to catch up with Lois who hasn't stopped to
check anything out.
CAT (CONT'D)
That kind of bounce doesn't come
naturally.
Lois stops at the elevators and presses the "down" button.
CAT (CONT'D)
Are you mad?
Lois turns to Cat, wanting to let loose, but she stops
herself. She turns back to the elevators, waiting for the
doors to open.
CAT (CONT'D)
I know when you're upset, Lois. You
start pulling this snobby "I'm so
superior" routine. I always thought
you'd outgrow that. Guess I was
wrong.
LOIS
Maybe I will by the time I'm your
age.
CAT
My age?
(beat)
Okay, whatever. I was going to try
to be your friend, but apparently
that's not what you want.
LOIS
No, it's not. I have friends. One
of whom you seem to enjoy using for
your disgusting little gossip
fodder.
CAT
What?
(beat)
Oh, my God... Were you screwing
Superman?
Lois turns to Cat, disgusted. She's about to respond, but the
elevator doors open. Remaining silent, Lois steps into the
elevator.
Cat follows, much to Lois' displeasure.
CAT (CONT'D)
Garage, please.
Lois looks at Cat with a "push your own button" expression.
CAT (CONT'D)
What?
(holding up a hand)
Some of us have nails to worry
about.
Lois pushes two buttons. As the elevator doors close, Lois
keeps her eyes on the numbers over the doors.
LOIS
Your botox is wearing off.
INT. LEXCORP BUILDING - LOBBY - DAY
MERCY GRAVES walks into the building. She's wearing a black
suit, with her hair pulled back. She does not look happy as
she walks toward the elevator.
Before she can reach the elevator doors, a SECURITY GUARD
steps in front of her, cutting off her path.
SECURITY GUARD
Can I help you?
MERCY
I can help myself.
SECURITY GUARD
Not if you think you're getting in
that elevator.
Mercy pulls an ID card from her pocket and shows it to the
guard.
MERCY
Are you new? Because I've been
working for Lex for a while now. My
name is--
SECURITY GUARD
Graves. I know who you are.
MERCY
Then you know that I'm not some
lowly underling. You might want to
get out of my way.
SECURITY GUARD
I have strict orders to keep you in
your place.
MERCY
My place?
The security guard smiles and looks at Mercy's outfit.
SECURITY GUARD
You know. The car. That's where
drivers are supposed to hang out.
Mercy composes herself and looks the guard right in the eye.
MERCY
If you don't get out of my way
right now, I will break you.
The guard doesn't move.
MERCY (CONT'D)
Last chance.
Still, the guard doesn't move.
Mercy smirks and throws a punch, which the guard easily
blocks.
SECURITY GUARD
You're not the only talent in this
company.
Mercy throws another punch. The guard grabs her arm and holds
onto it.
Mercy knees the guard in the gut, causing him to release her
arm. She then spin-kicks him in the face, before grabbing
onto his jacket and ramming his head into the nearest wall.
Mercy reaches down and grabs a stun gun from the guard's
belt. She looks as though she's about to use it on the guard.
As she does this, TWO MORE GUARDS make their way into the
lobby.
SECURITY GUARD 2
Hold it!
Knowing that even she can't take on two security guards,
Mercy puts her hands in the air (still holding the stun gun).
She turns to face them.
MERCY
It's cool, boys. You win. I just
want you to give Lex a message for
me. Tell him...
Mercy looks down at the guard whose ass she just kicked.
MERCY (CONT'D)
You know what? Nevermind. I think
he'll get the message.
Mercy turns and starts to walk out of the lobby. As she nears
the door, she passes a FEMALE LEXCORP EMPLOYEE who is just
entering the building, flipping through a folder full of
papers.
Mercy jams the stun gun into the woman's side and jolts the
hell out of her, sending the woman to the ground and the
papers flying.
With that, Mercy walks out of the building.
INT. DAILY PLANET - CITY ROOM - DAY
Lois walks toward her desk. As she walks, Jimmy approaches.
JIMMY
Lois.
Lois doesn't turn. She keeps walking with a less than happy
look on her face.
LOIS
What?
JIMMY
I just wanted to warn you.
Now Lois stops and turns toward Jimmy.
LOIS
Warn me? About what?
JIMMY
I-- Uhm... I mean, Mr. White...
LOIS
Jimmy, you suck at warning people.
JIMMY
Mr. White's planning to hire a new
reporter. Y'know... A replacement.
Lois doesn't immediately react. She simply stares at Jimmy,
which makes him incredibly uncomfortable.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Lois?
(beat)
Are you okay?
LOIS
I'm having a really bad day. I just
don't need this.
Lois turns toward Clark's desk.
LOIS (CONT'D)
Do you know who it is? Who's repla--
(beat)
Do you know who he's hiring?
JIMMY
No. But he's in the meeting now.
Lois turns toward Perry's office. The door is closed, and she
can't see inside.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
LOIS
I'm fine.
JIMMY
You don't look it.
Lois looks at Jimmy, as though warning him to back off.
JIMMY (CONT'D)
Right.
(beat)
I should probably go. I have a date
in...
(looks at watch)
Four hours. I should probably get
ready for that.
Lois keeps that threatening look on her face until Jimmy
wanders off.
Once Jimmy is gone, Lois makes her way back to her desk. She
sits down, facing Perry's office, and keeps her eye on the
door, waiting for it to open.
As she waits, Lois grows more and more uneasy. She glances
toward Clark's desk, which still has his name plate sitting
on it.
Just as Lois looks back to Perry's office, the door swings
open and Perry walks out. He turns and shakes the hand of the
new hire, which Lois still can't see.
Lois takes a deep breath as this new reporter steps out of
Perry's office.
REVEAL Cat Grant, walking into the city room, with a big
smile on her face.
LOIS
Hell. No.
Lois stands from her chair and starts to walk toward Perry
and Cat, just as Perry returns to his office.
Cat begins to make her way toward the empty desk. When she
sees Lois, her smile grows.
CAT
Did you just get here? What, did
you walk?
LOIS
What are you doing here?
CAT
I work here.
(beat)
Again.
Cat walks past Lois, to Clark's desk.
LOIS
I swear to everything sacred, Cat,
if you so much as touch that desk,
I will rip those implants out of
your body with my bare hands.
CAT
Colorful.
Cat stands next to Clark's desk, and looks Lois in the eye
with a slight smile on her face, as though trying to figure
out the best way to get at Lois.
Lois is staring Cat down, without wavering, which only seems
to amuse Cat even more.
Without looking, Cat grabs the name plate from the desk. It's
only once the plate is in front of her that she glances down
at the name, and then back to Lois.
CAT (CONT'D)
Clark Kent.
(beat)
Never heard of him.
LOIS
You wouldn't have. He was a real
journalist.
CAT
Was?
Lois doesn't respond. She keeps her eyes on Cat.
After a moment, Cat places the name plate back on the desk
and softens her look a little bit.
CAT (CONT'D)
You really are a busy little bee,
aren't you? Superman and Clark
Kent, both at the same time.
(beat)
It's very ironic that they both--
LOIS
I strongly advise you not to finish
that sentence.
CAT
Were you always this bitter?
Lois doesn't respond. After a few moments, Cat decides that
she's had her fun, and softens up a little.
CAT (CONT'D)
Look, we don't like each other. No
big surprise there. But as long as
I'm working here, we could at least
try to get along.
LOIS
Fine.
(beat)
You're still not sitting at this
desk.
CAT
Then where?
Lois looks around the room, but there are no other empty
desks.
LOIS
I'll work it out. Just take five,
and get a cup of coffee or
something.
CAT
I can do that.
Lois smiles, trying to seem more polite than she's feeling.
She turns and walks toward Perry's office.
Once Lois is gone, Cat turns and looks at Clark's desk. On
it, she sees a photo of Clark with his parents. She likes
what she sees.
CAT (CONT'D)
Ooh.
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.