1.03
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.

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               EXT. MANHATTAN - FISK TOWER

               A limo pulls up to the front as a large man - SOLOMON -
               approaches and opens the door. Norman steps out.

                                   SOLOMON
                         Mister Fisk is expecting you.

               Norman walks past him without a response.

               INT. FISK TOWER - ELEVATOR

               Norman stands with Solomon behind him.

                                   NORMAN
                         Where's the rest of the security?

                                   SOLOMON
                         Mister Fisk doesn't believe in
                         heavy security.

                                   NORMAN
                         Of course he doesn't.

               The elevator stops, and the doors part, revealing:

               INT. FISK'S OFFICE

               Solomon stays in the elevator as the doors close, and Norman
               walks forward. Standing near the center of the room with his
               TRAINER is WILSON FISK. He's in a pair of gym shorts and a
               tank top, boxing a large punching bag.

               He sees Norman approaching, but continues boxing.

               Norman stops a dozen or so feet from them. Fisk stops after a
               moment, grabbing a towel.

                                   FISK
                             (to the trainer)
                         That's enough for today.

               The Trainer nods, then exits.

                                   FISK
                         Morning, Norman. Can I interest you
                         in a cup of coffee?

               Norman scowls as Fisk moves to a shelf, and pours two cups of
               coffee. He returns to his desk, where Norman joins him.

                                   FISK
                             (sitting)
                         So, what's got you up this early,
                         Norman? A board meeting? Family
                         matters?

                                   NORMAN
                         After what you pulled...

                                   FISK
                         I'd like to put that behind us. It
                         was a mistake on my part. I got a
                         little anxious is all. I've made a
                         deposit to cover the cost of the
                         incident.

               Norman takes the cup of coffee in his hand, then slowly pours
               it out onto the floor. He throws the cup down, shattering it.

                                   NORMAN
                         Stay away from my company, stay
                         away from my labs, stay away from
                         Renaissance.
                             (beat)
                         Stay away or you will regret it.

                                   FISK
                         No need for threats.

                                   NORMAN
                         It's not a threat.

               Fisk's face goes dark.

                                   FISK
                         Be very careful, Norman. I am not
                         some employee you can toy with for
                         your amusement. You want to end our
                         arrangement, fine. Perhaps we can
                         work out another.

                                   NORMAN
                         You don't get it do you? This isn't
                         a joke! It's not guns, or heroin or
                         some gimpy police detective you're
                         dealing with here. These people
                         will take you out. They will, and
                         no matter how powerful you think
                         you are, I assure you they can.

                                   FISK
                         How touching, You're concerned for
                         my well being.
                             (beat)
                         Or perhaps it's what would happen
                         if these people found out you'd
                         been going behind their back to
                         develop the serum.

               Norman's had enough. He stands up, and looks down at Fisk,
               leaning over so that they're face-to-face.

                                   NORMAN
                         Stay away. This is your only
                         warning.

               Fisk doesn't respond. Norman turns, and walks briskly back to
               the elevator. As the doors shut, Fisk picks up the phone.

                                   FISK
                         Joseph, it's Wilson. Bring him in.

               Fisk hangs up, glaring at the door Norman just left through.

                                                               FADE TO:

               INT. MIDTOWN HIGH - GYM - AFTERNOON

               Peter is doing a few push-ups on his finger tips. Eddie
               stands a few feet away playing basketball with a three other
               STUDENTS. Gwen and Mary Jane can be seen on the opposite
               side, playing volleyball with the girl's class.

                                   PETER
                             (to himself)
                         One hundred twenty, one twenty
                         one...

               Peter keeps counting. On the court, one of the boys leaves
               the game. Eddie rushes over, and kneels down next to Peter.

                                   EDDIE
                         Hey, Pete, we need someone else.
                         Jason has to take his medication.

               Peter stops his push-ups.

                                   PETER
                             (sitting up)
                         No thanks, not my thing.

                                   EDDIE
                         I'll buy you a burger later.

                                   PETER
                         I'll pass.

                                   EDDIE
                         Come on, if not for your best
                         friend, then who?

                                   PETER
                         Eddie, you...

               Peter trails off as he looks at a smiling Eddie.

                                   PETER
                         Fine, but only for a few minutes. I
                         want to give Aunt May a call and
                         see how she's doing.

                                   EDDIE
                         No prob.

               Eddie stands and offers his hand. Peter takes it, and is
               helped to his feet. They walk back onto the court, where the
               other two boys begin laughing.

               They are GLEN and STEPHEN.

                                   STEPHEN 
                         You got Parker to play?

                                   EDDIE
                         Why wouldn't I?

               They laugh again.

                                   GLEN
                         Parker doesn't do sports. This
                         should be a riot.

               Peter is quiet, but clearly annoyed.

                                   EDDIE
                             (whispering to Peter)
                         Look, just pass me the ball. We'll
                         take care of them.

                                   PETER
                         I've got this.

               Eddie passes the ball to Peter, who quickly moves between
               both boys, shoots a basket, and scores.

               Eddie slaps him on the back as they go back to playing. The
               boys try to pass, but Peter steals the ball.

               He races down the court and sinks another basket.

                                   PETER
                             (to Stephen)
                         Yeah. Real riot.

               The process repeats itself several times. The boys are never
               able to score, while Eddie and Peter do so several times.

               Across the gym, Mary Jane and Gwen have left their game, and
               are watching along with several others.

               Pretty soon, the entire gym is focused on Peter.

               He makes another basket, after which Glen rushes him, pushing
               him to the floor. He slides across the court.

               As he comes to a stop, he looks down at his hands and sees
               small wood shavings lining them.

               Eddie jumps up in front of him.

                                   EDDIE
                         Hey, jackass, do that again and
                         I'll beat you like a red-headed
                         step child. We clear?

               He glances across the gym at Mary Jane.

                                   EDDIE
                         No offense!

               Peter gets up and dusts off his hands. He takes the ball and
               begins to dribble.

                                   PETER
                         Wanna finish this?

                                   EDDIE
                         Gotta go?

               Peter nods and breaks left as Eddie rolls off Stephen. Both
               are around him before he knows it.

               Eddie crosses in front of Glen and then stops. Glen pushes
               into Eddie but can't move him.

               He tries to move again to stop Peter, who's crossing too.

               Peter bounces the ball through Glen's legs and is on the
               other side before Glen knows what's happened.

               Peter grabs the ball, leaps into the air and DUNKS it. He
               retrieves the ball and tosses it to Eddie.

                                   PETER 
                         I gotta go, time to make that call.

                                   EDDIE
                         Dude, where did you learn to play
                         like that?

                                   PETER
                         I uh... used to play when I was a
                         kid. I have to go, see you later.

               Peter turns and exits the gym, on his way, exchanging smiles
               with Mary Jane and Gwen. Eddie watches Peter leave.

               And watches as Stephen and Glen follow him.

               His face suddenly gets dark. He throws the ball down and it
               bounces away as he jogs after them.

               INT. MIDTOWN HIGH - LOCKER ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

               Peter is putting his shirt on and grabbing his stuff when the
               two boys come in and move to push him.

               Everything begins to slow for Peter as his SENSE kicks in.

               Stephen takes a swing at him, but Peter moves out of the way.

                                   GLEN
                         Think you're real funny don't you,
                         Parker?

                                   STEPHEN
                         You should have just kept doing
                         your push-ups man.

               Peter looks on as Glen raises his fists.

                                   PETER
                         This is stupid.

               Peter tries to push past him but is thrown against a locker.

                                   GLEN
                         Come on, Parker, let's see what you
                         got!

               Peter sighs and drops his arms. Glen takes a swing...

               Peter easily dodges.

               Glen's fist impacts the locker, and he screams out in pain.

               Peter turns and shoulders his backpack, but Glen isn't done,
               taking another swing, which Peter once again dodges.

               Stephen rushes toward him... 

               But is stopped short by A PUNCH TO THE JAW!

               He looks up to find Eddie standing over him.

                                   EDDIE
                         What did I tell you? 

               Eddie grabs him and pushes him into the locker just as COACH
               MANSFIELD enters. He screams out and everyone stops.

                                   MANSFIELD
                         Alright! Enough, boys!

                                   GLEN
                         They jumped us, Coach!

                                   MANSFIELD
                         Oh really? I doubt that. All of
                         you, take a walk. Wally's office.

               Peter looks over at Eddie, who is white as a ghost.

                                   PETER
                         Thanks, man. You okay?

                                   EDDIE
                         I hope to God I don't get
                         suspended.

                                   PETER
                             (grins)
                         Yeah, me too. It wouldn't be the
                         same without you.

               They walk out after Glen and Stephen. Mansfield follows, and
               as Peter begins to exit he catches up.

                                   MANSFIELD
                         Peter!
                             (Peter stops, turns)
                         How are you holding up?

                                   PETER
                         I'm okay. You know... as okay as
                         you'd expect anyway.

                                   MANSFIELD
                         Glad to hear it, and hey - don't
                         let those punks get to you. They're
                         all about ego, guys like that.

                                   PETER
                         Yeah, I know.

                                   MANSFIELD
                         I'll make sure Wally knows what
                         really happened. He's a good guy -
                         he won't be too hard on you.

               Peter smiles.

                                   PETER
                         Thanks.

               He looks over at Eddie and gives him a reassuring thumbs up.

                                                              FADE OUT.



                                   END OF ACT TWO
                                      ACT THREE

                                                               FADE IN:

               INT. DAILY BUGLE - MAIN FLOOR - AFTERNOON

               Robbie sits at a desk clicking the mouse at a computer. On
               both sides of him are stacks upon stacks of papers and
               folders. Behind him, rows of filing cabinets are ajar.

               An attractive woman, roughly his age, approaches.

               She is BETTY BRANT.

               He looks up at her and smiles.

                                   ROBBIE
                         Hi.

                                   BETTY
                             (smiles)
                         Hi, Betty Brant. I don't think
                         we've met.

               She offers her hand. Robbie stands and takes it with a smile.

                                   ROBBIE
                         Robbie Robertson. What can I do for
                         you Miss Brant?

                                   BETTY
                         Mister Jameson's secretary asked me
                         to get the files on the accident
                         last week.

                                   ROBBIE
                         Yeah, sure.

               Robbie begins going through the stacks of papers.

                                   ROBBIE
                         Sorry it's so unorganized.

                                   BETTY
                         It's okay. It's gotta be tough for
                         you - adjusting to everything. I
                         know it was for me.

               Robbie pulls out a folder.

                                   ROBBIE
                         It's a lot to take in, that's for
                         sure.
                         It doesn't look like anyone's
                         organized this stuff since the
                         sixties.

                                   BETTY
                             (smiles)
                         That's why we have you.

                                   JONAH (O.S.)
                         Betty! Get in here and stop
                         fraternizing with the help!

               Betty looks over toward Jonah's office.

                                   BETTY
                         He'll soften up some.
                             (beat)
                         Eventually.

                                   ROBBIE
                         I'm sure.

                                   BETTY
                         Look, if you need anything, don't
                         be a stranger. I'm just over here.

                                   ROBBIE
                         Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

               Betty gives him a friendly smile one last time and walks
               away. Robbie watches her for a second, then sits down and
               pulls out a copy of the upcoming cover story.

               It's a picture of Peter, wearing his makeshift costume and
               standing outside OsCorp.

               The headline reads: WHO IS HE?

               INT. MIDTOWN HIGH - HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

               The class bell rings, and Peter and Eddie step out from the
               principal's office. Eddie has a wide grin on his face.

                                   EDDIE
                         Dude, did you see that croc? That
                         thing was HUGE!

                                   PETER
                         It wasn't real, Eddie.

                                   EDDIE
                         Whatever, dude, I'm just glad we
                         didn't get suspended.

                                   PETER
                         Yeah, I...

                                   GWEN (O.S.)
                         Eddie! Peter!

               Down the hall, Gwen pushes through the crowd.

                                   EDDIE
                         Man...

                                   PETER
                         What?

                                   EDDIE
                         She's just... you know.

                                   PETER
                         'Hot?'

                                   EDDIE
                         Beautiful.

               Peter gives Eddie an odd look as Gwen finally reaches them.

                                   GWEN
                         What happened? We heard there was a
                         fight.

                                   EDDIE
                             (proudly)
                         We kicked their asses.

                                   GWEN
                         I'll bet.

                                   PETER
                         Just the two of them being the two
                         of them. No big deal.

                                   EDDIE
                         I bet they never try to pull
                         something like that again. I think
                         Wally really freaked them out with
                         that croc story.

                                   GWEN
                         Are you guys in trouble?

                                   EDDIE
                         Nope, Wally said it was self
                         defense. He didn't even call our
                         parents.

                                   GWEN
                         Wally?

                                   PETER
                         The new principal. Long story.

                                   GWEN
                         MJ and I were talking about hanging
                         out after school. You guys wanna
                         come? They've got student discount
                         week at Dante's.

                                   EDDIE
                         Definitely.

                                   PETER
                         Sounds good, but I have to get
                         home. I might catch up later.

               Gwen smiles and gives Peter an eager hug.

                                   GWEN
                         Great, well just call us.

                                   PETER
                         You got it.

                                                               FADE TO:

               INT. SHIELD - LAB

               A darkly lit room, filled with practically every medical
               device known to man, and no doubt quite a few that aren't.

               Near the center of the lab is an operating table, on which
               sits a corpse. As we get closer we recognize it as MAC
               GARGAN. Standing over him is SHIELD DOCTOR MORLEY.

               The doors swing open, and in walk Fury and Trest.

                                   FURY
                         Report, Doctor.

               Morley removes his mask, and picks up a folder from a nearby
               table. He hands it to Fury, who begins reading.

                                   MORLEY
                         His body is in excellent shape. For
                         someone who had just been through
                         the physical trauma he had, you'd
                         never know.

                                   TREST
                         Any idea what caused his mutation?

                                   MORLEY
                         Well, he's not a mutant, if that's
                         what you're asking.

               Fury closes up the folder and hands it to Trest.

                                   FURY
                         It's not.

                                   MORLEY
                         Right. Of course.
                             (beat)
                         An examination of his tissue didn't
                         reveal anything significant, but
                         his blood work... well, you may
                         find that quite a bit more
                         interesting.

               Trest is reading over the report with great interest.

                                   FURY
                         What did you find out?

                                   MORLEY
                         His blood contained trace amounts
                         of a synthetic material - one I
                         still haven't been able to properly
                         identify. My best guess is that it
                         was designed as a catalyst.

                                   FURY
                         A catalyst for what, Doctor?

                                   SHIELD DOCTOR
                         Renaissance.

               Fury lets this sink in.

                                   FURY
                         So the serum works?

                                   MORLEY
                         Impossible to tell. I can tell you
                         that whatever was used to introduce
                         the serum into his blood stream, it
                         was destructive.

                                   FURY
                         Meaning what?

                                   MORLEY
                         Meaning he may have been in peak
                         physical condition, but his mental
                         state...

                                   FURY
                         Negative side effects?

                                   MORLEY
                         To say the least. His nervous
                         system is in shambles. If he hadn't
                         been shot, he would have died
                         eventually from the effects of the
                         serum.

                                   FURY
                         Correct me if I'm wrong, Major, but
                         nothing like this was in Osborn's
                         latest report.

                                   TREST
                         Not a word.

                                   FURY
                         That's what I thought.

               Fury glances down at Gargan's body, then back up at Trest.

                                   FURY
                         Keep an eye on Osborn. I want
                         round' the clock surveillance.

               Off Fury:

                                                               FADE TO:

               INT. PARKER HOME - LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON

               Peter walks in the front door to find May waiting for him on
               the couch, her arms crossed. She doesn't looked pleased.

                                   PETER
                         Aunt May?

                                   MAY
                         Peter.

               Peter is confused.

                                   PETER
                         What's going on?

               May stands, and walks over to him.

                                   MAY
                         I understand that things are rough
                         right now, that you're confused,
                         but that's no excuse for lashing
                         out.

                                   PETER
                         Lashing out? Aunt May...

                                   MAY
                         Gym class today. Glen and Stephen
                         ring a bell?

               Peter sighs.

                                   PETER 
                         Principal Bartlett said he wasn't
                         going to call!

                                   MAY
                         He didn't, Coach Mansfield did.
                         He's worried about you, Peter. I
                         know you're angry but that's no
                         reason to act out.

               Peter plops down onto the recliner. May sits down on the
               couch, and leans in close to him. She takes his hand.

                                   MAY
                         Peter, I know you're confused right
                         now. I know things are rough, but
                         God will get us through this,
                         sweetheart. Just be strong and
                         trust in him. I know we may not
                         always understand, but everything
                         happens for a reason.

                                   PETER
                         Aunt May, I...

                                   MAY
                         You know, for the longest time
                         after you came to live with us,
                         your Uncle was scared. He was
                         afraid that you wouldn't be the man
                         you had the potential to be. He'd
                         often pray for God to give you the
                         strength to get through. You
                         weren't his child, but from the day
                         you were born he looked at you like
                         a son. 
                             (beat)
                         If you're going to fight Peter,
                         fight the good fight.

                                   PETER
                         I know, but I had to defend myself.

                                   MAY
                         I know dear. It's just...

               She moves in quickly and gives him a strong hug.

                                   MAY
                         I can't lose you too.

                                   PETER
                         You won't. I promise.

               She pulls away and smiles, a tear rolling down her cheek.

                                   PETER
                         Are you okay?

               May wipes the tear away.

                                   MAY
                         I'll be fine. What do you want for
                         dinner?

                                   PETER
                         I was going to go out after I
                         finished my homework. But I can
                         stay if you...

                                   MAY
                         You'll do no such thing! Peter, I'm
                         fine, go out and have some fun.

               Peter smiles and stands.

                                   PETER
                         I need to do some bio first.

                                   MAY
                         Oh, I left something on your bed
                         for you.

               Peter looks up the stairs and raises an eyebrow.

                                   PETER
                         Thanks?

               May smiles.

                                   MAY
                         You're welcome.

               Peter heads up the stairs.

               EXT. GWEN'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON

               A nice upper-middle-class home, two stories, with a nice
               sized garage attached. Gwen, Mary Jane, and Eddie walk up the
               driveway toward the porch. Eddie lets out a long whistle.

                                   EDDIE
                         Man, your parents must be loaded.

               Mary Jane shoots a glance over at Eddie, who immediately
               realizes what he said. Gwen stops for a second.

                                   EDDIE
                         Whoa, hey, Gwen, I'm sorry. I
                         wasn't thinking.

               Gwen turns and smiles.

                                   GWEN
                         Don't worry about it. I'll be right
                         back out.

                                   EDDIE
                         Need a hand with anything?

                                   GWEN
                         I think I can find my extra cash on
                         my own, thanks.

                                   EDDIE
                         You sure? Last time I had to find
                         something in my room I needed a
                         Google search.

                                   GWEN
                         I'll be okay.

                                   EDDIE
                         First sign of ninjas, I'm coming
                         in!

               Gwen laughs as she walks inside.

                                   MARY JANE
                         Laying it on a little thick aren't
                         you?

                                   EDDIE
                             (smiles)
                         Never.

               Eddie waits a moment, then turns to Mary Jane.

                                   EDDIE
                         You think it's working?

                                   MARY JANE
                             (sarcastic smile)
                         Just keep beating her over the head
                         with it, it'll sink in.

                                   EDDIE
                         Gotcha!

               Eddie continues checking out the house.

                                   MARY JANE
                         So what's your story anyway?

                                   EDDIE
                         My story?

                                   MARY JANE
                         Yeah, I mean, you know all this
                         stuff about us, but we barely know
                         anything about you.

                                   EDDIE
                         What's there to know?

                                   MARY JANE
                         I don't know, brother? Sister?

                                   EDDIE
                         Nope.

                                   MARY JANE
                         Parents?

               Eddie suddenly becomes glum.

                                   EDDIE
                         Yeah... I don't really like to talk
                         about it.

               Mary Jane covers her mouth.

                                   MARY JANE
                         Oh my God. I'm so sorry.

                                   EDDIE
                         What? Oh, no, they're not dead.
                             (off MJ's look)
                         Circus people.

               Mary Jane smacks him in the arm, laughs.

                                   MARY JANE
                         You jerk!

               Eddie dodges more blows as Gwen walks out, dejected.

                                   EDDIE
                         Ninjas?

                                   GWEN
                         Marshalls.

                                   MARY JANE
                         You have to stay?

                                   GWEN
                         No, they want to meet you guys.

               Eddie hurries up the stairs.

                                   EDDIE
                         Awesome! Can't wait to meet the in
                         laws!

               Eddie runs past her with a wink. He runs through the door and
               can be heard from inside:

                                   EDDIE (O.S.)
                         Mom! Dad! It's Eddie!

               Gwen shakes her head with a laugh.

                                   MARY JANE
                         You know, I'm no expert, but I
                         think he likes you.

                                   GWEN
                         It's like he's on a constant sugar
                         high!

               An awkward silence before:

                                   MARY JANE
                         You know, we should hang out. Just
                         the two of us. No Eddie or Peter.
                         Just... us. You know... girls night
                         out?

                                   GWEN
                         Um... you know, no offense, but
                         that's not really my thing.

               Mary Jane nods and looks down, disappointed. From inside,
               Eddie's voice can be heard.

                                   GWEN
                         We shouldn't leave them alone with
                         him for too long.

               Eddie comes back to the door, poking his head out.

                                   EDDIE
                         Gwen, why didn't you tell me they
                         have a plasma TV? Have you seen
                         this thing?!

                                   GWEN
                         Must have slipped my mind.

               Eddie disappears inside.

                                   MARY JANE 
                         Come on, they're in over their
                         heads.

               They head inside.
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