105
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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INT. MIDTOWN HIGH - CAFETERIA
Peter approaches a table, lunch tray in hand. Mary Jane,
Gwen, and Eddie are already seated. Peter takes his seat.
GWEN
There he is!
The others quickly turn and look.
PETER
Who?
GWEN
Wally.
MARY JANE
The principle?
EDDIE
The awesome Aussie.
MARY JANE
Okay, I'm lost.
GWEN
He's got a stuffed croc in his
office. They say he killed it with
his bare hands.
EDDIE
True story.
MARY JANE
Right...
ALEX (O.S.)
This seat taken?
Alex approaches. His lunch tray is stacked with food. Mary
Jane's eyes widen, while the others just look surprised.
ALEX
(to MJ)
I was hoping I'd run into you.
PETER
It's taken.
ALEX
What?
PETER
The seat. It's taken.
Alex looks around, but doesn't see anyone.
ALEX
Coulda fooled me.
Alex takes the seat with a cocky grin.
PETER
Can you not take a hint?
ALEX
Don't start something you can't
finish, bro. It's not my fault your
girl wants a real man.
Eddie stands up, obviously with bad intentions.
Gwen holds him back.
GWEN
Stop it! Peter, you too!
Alex stands up, looking at Eddie, then back at Peter.
ALEX
Whatever.
(grins at MJ)
They call me the Rhino for a
reason, you know. Let me know when
you're ready to find out why.
Peter's had enough. He stands and walks over to Alex, getting
right up in his face. Gwen once again holds Eddie back.
Alex doesn't back down, but neither does Peter.
ALEX
You don't want to do this, bro.
By now, the entire cafeteria is focused on them.
STUDENTS
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
Peter glances around at the cheering students, then back at
Alex, who appears genuinely amused.
WALLY (O.S.)
Whoa! Hold it there, boys!
WALTER BARTLETT (aka WALLY) approaches.
Wally's in his late fifties, with a head of thinning white
hair. Rather than the suit you'd expect, he wears a pair of
jeans, a casual denim shirt with a school id attached, and a
pair of blue stingray boots.
WALLY
What seems to be the problem?
ALEX
I was just eating lunch. This guy
just needs to relax or something.
WALLY
Hey, no need to spit the dummy.
Cool it, and we'll figure this out.
(to Peter)
Pete, isn't it?
PETER
Peter.
WALLY
Yeah, I remember you. Got yourself
into another one, eh?
(to Alex)
And who might you be?
ALEX
You must be joking. You haven't
heard of me?
WALLY
Some reason I should have?
ALEX
Alex Sytesvich.
(Wally shakes his head)
The Rhino?
(still nothing)
Football?!
Wally stares at him, clueless.
WALLY
Tell you what, why don't the two of
you just take a walk, cool down for
a bit before someone gets hurt?
Alex glares at Peter, then at Wally.
ALEX
Whatever.
Alex storms off in a huff.
WALLY
Don't let him get to you. I had a
friend like him once - thought he
could take on the world.
(beat, thinks back)
Went out in the woods hunting for
Bigfoot a few years back. Never
heard from him again.
Wally pats Peter on the back and walks off.
WALLY (O.S.)
Try and stay outta trouble from now
on, Petey!
Off Peter's still annoyed expression:
CUT TO:
A FOOTBALL PLAYER
Receiving a CRUSHING hit.
The crowd gasps as he is thrown back several feet.
EXT. MIDTOWN HIGH - FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT
Cue music: "Crash" by Papa Roach.
The player lies on the ground, in obvious pain. Standing over
him is Alex, now in full Midtown Panther blue, and smiling.
Trainers rush the field, and check on the injured player.
He's still shaky, but stands and is helped off the field.
Robbie storms onto the field, grabbing Alex by the facemask.
ROBBIE
What do you think you're up to?!
You're going to kill someone!
ALEX
It's a rough game, deal with it.
Alex runs back toward the middle of the field, joining the
rest of the defense as they prepare for the next play.
Robbie watches him leave, then walks back to the sideline and
glances up at the scoreboard:
Home: 24 - Visitors: 0
Back on the field, the offense snaps the ball. Alex charges
into several blockers, knocking them all back easily, and
rushing toward the quarterback.
Alex records a brutal sack, hurling him to the ground.
ON THE SIDELINES
Coach Mansfield walks up behind Robbie.
MANSFIELD
This keeps up we'll win state.
Robbie glances back at him, uncertain.
BACK TO SCENE
Another snap, and this time the quarterback is able to get
the pass off to a nearby receiver, who begins to run.
Out of nowhere, Alex launches into him with a devastating
hit, causing the receiver to fumble the ball. Another Midtown
player recovers the ball, and runs it in for a touchdown.
Home: 30 - Visitors: 0
On the ground, the receiver isn't getting up. Trainers rush
the field once again and check on the boy.
Alex returns to the sidelines with a smile on his face, but
Robbie isn't nearly as pleased.
ROBBIE
What is your problem?! That's three
guys you've taken out tonight! Keep
this up you'll be watching from the
bench!
ALEX
Mansfield isn't going to bench his
best player! I'm just playing...
ROBBIE
You're playing like you're trying
to put everyone out there in a
wheelchair!
ALEX
Hey, they can't take the heat, stay
away from the flame.
Alex walks away, leaving a disgusted Robbie behind.
BACK ON THE FIELD
The Midtown Kicker boots through the extra point as we:
FADE TO:
EXT. MIDTOWN HIGH - FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT - POSTGAME
The game is now over. As the teams make their way off the
field, we catch another glimpse of the scoreboard:
Home: 45 - Visitors: 3
Alex stands along the side of the bleachers, talking with a
very ATTRACTIVE FEMALE STUDENT. She slips him her number and
Alex walks off, entering into:
INT. LOCKER ROOM TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
A dark tunnel set between two sets of bleachers, which leads
to the Midtown locker room. A poster on the wall reads:
DESIRE. HARD WORK. VICTORY.
Alex appears to be alone, but soon passes a man in black.
MAN IN BLACK
Alex Sytesvich?
Alex stops and turns back.
ALEX
Yeah?
MAN IN BLACK
Great game tonight, son.
ALEX
You with SC?
The man steps into the light and we see it's Wilson Fisk.
FISK
No, though I understand they were
very impressed.
ALEX
Look, if this is about the Kansas
State thing, forget it. I've got
bigger plans.
FISK
I like that. A young man you're age
ought to have some ambition.
ALEX
Whatever man. I gotta get dressed.
Alex begins walking away.
FISK
I must admit, I wasn't sure what
effects the steroid would have.
Alex stops, turns back to Fisk.
ALEX
What are you talking about?
FISK
I think we both know your victory
tonight was a result of more
than... desire and hard work.
ALEX
(looking hard at Fisk)
Wait, I know you. Fisk, right? My
brother works for you.
FISK
And is that how you managed to get
a hold a steroid so experimental,
there are only five vials in
existence?
Alex looks away nervously.
ALEX
Look, don't fire him or anything,
okay? This is my deal.
FISK
Oh, I would never fire him. In
fact, he's just been selected for a
very lucrative overseas job. Left
this morning as a matter of fact. I
was actually hoping to speak with
you about a job opening.
ALEX
I... don't know about that. I'm not
the business type.
FISK
What I have in mind is far more
lucrative than business... and far
more dangerous.
(beat)
Are you aware that the effects of
the steroid are only temporary?
Sooner or later you'll be bed
ridden once again. Unable to walk,
let alone run... or tackle.
ALEX
What do you want?
FISK
I have an opportunity for you. One
I think you'll find appealing.
Fisk reaches into his pocket, retrieving a small vial of the
green liquid and shows it to Alex. There is a small,
retractable syringe attached to the end of the vial.
ALEX
I thought you said there were only
five vials of this stuff?
FISK
Simple supply and demand. I have
the resources to produce more.
ALEX
And what do you get out of this?
FISK
Your services.
He hands Alex a small slip of paper.
FISK
There's a safe on the twenty-first
floor at this address, a package
inside. I want that package.
Alex reads the paper, then looks up nervously.
ALEX
Won't there be security?
FISK
Of course, which is why I'm
recruiting you for this job. Just
think of them as blockers... and
since when have blockers ever been
able to stop the Rhino?
Fisk hands him the vial.
FISK
You'll receive one vial for each
job you complete successfully,
along with a small token of my
appreciation.
Fisk pulls out a small stack of cash and hands it to Alex.
FISK
Consider this my down payment.
Alex stares at Fisk, the vial, the paper, and the cash in his
hands. Fisk turns and begins walking away.
ALEX
How do I get in touch with you?
FISK
I'll contact you.
Fisk exits the tunnel, and disappears around the bleachers.
Off an uncertain Alex:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. HAMMER TECHNOLOGIES - NIGHT
A large skyscraper, towering at least fifty stories. The main
lobby can be seen through several large glass windows
surrounding the entrance doors.
All is quiet, peaceful. Not for long.
A SECURITY GUARD comes crashing through one of the windows.
He lands on top of a nearby parked car as alarms blare.
INT. HAMMER TECHNOLOGIES - FLOOR 21
A pair of large chrome elevator doors part to reveal Alex -
wearing all black - with a matching ski mask.
He steps out and proceeds down the hallway.
INT. HAMMER TECHNOLOGIES - FLOOR 21 - OUTSIDE OFFICE
Two stern-faced GUARDS stand on either side of the entrance
to the office. Both are armed, and they mean business.
A noise is heard down the hall. The Guards look at each
other, then the first moves to investigate, his gun drawn.
INT. HAMMER TECHNOLOGIES - FLOOR 21 - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
He rounds a corner, has a look around, and sees nothing.
He turns around, and is met with a BLOW TO THE HEAD!
Alex takes the Guard's gun as he falls to the ground,
unconscious. He crushes it in his hand, then tosses it away.
INT. HAMMER TECHNOLOGIES - OFFICE
The other guard comes crashing through the door.
Alex storms into the office, and makes a beeline for a large
painting on the wall. He tears it down to reveal a safe. Alex
grabs the safe door and begins to twist the handle.
Alex turns around and is met with a stiff punch to the face.
He doesn't seem to feel any pain, though. He drops the guard
with a punch of his own, then grabs him...
And THROWS him into the plate glass window!
It shatters, sending him into a free-fall toward the street
below!
Alex turns his attention back to the safe, grabbing the door
and attempting to tear it from its hinges. With all his
strength, he pulls at the safe and it begins to bend.
VOICE (O.S.)
You threw him out the window?
He turns and finds SPIDER-MAN, hanging upside down from the
shattered window frame.
SPIDER-MAN
Dude, that's cold.
ALEX
You shouldn't have come here. This
doesn't have anything to do with
you!
SPIDER-MAN
Oh, if I had a bruise for every
time I heard that one! Oh, wait...
Spidey flips down from the window, landing in front of Alex.
SPIDER-MAN
Nice mask.
Alex grabs him and slams him against the safe!
ALEX
Don't make me hurt you!
SPIDER-MAN
(dazed)
I'll try.
Alex spins around with Spidey, throwing him toward the far
wall, but he is able to land feet-first onto it.
SPIDER-MAN
So, what's a big, ugly fella like
you doing in a high-class joint
like this?
Alex charges Spidey and the wall. Spider-Man flips out of
harms way, but Alex can't stop his momentum, and impacts the
wall, creating a large crater.
Spider-Man shoots a string of webbing at him, attempting to
pin him into the wall, but the shooters begin to sputter.
SPIDER-MAN
Not now!
Alex grabs the large wooden desk at the front of the room,
picking it up over his head.
SPIDER-MAN
Oh, great.
He throws it at Spidey, who manages to dodge it.
Spider-Man flips in the air, landing on top of Alex. He lands
several hard blows to the back of his head, before Alex
manages to grab hold of him, and slam him to the floor.
Spidey is dazed. Just long enough for Alex to pick him up,
and catch him with a hard backhand across the face. The blow
sends Spidey flying backwards into what remains of the desk.
Alex prepares to deliver one final blow, but stops.
He winces in pain, grabbing his head, and falls to his knees.
ALEX
Ugh!!!
Spider-Man slowly finds his footing and looks on.
SPIDER-MAN
You need some uh... aspirin? I'm
sure the cops have aspirin.
Alex reaches into his pocket and pulls out the vial given to
him by Fisk. He injects himself and the relief is almost
immediate. He tosses the vial aside and stands up.
Alex rushes Spidey, grabs him and lifts him over his head.
SPIDER-MAN
Or that. That works, too.
Spider-Man fights back, flipping up and attempting to land a
few more punches, but Alex is having none of it.
He SLAMS him into the safe!
With Spidey down and hurt, Alex once again turns his
attention toward the safe, pulling with all his strength.
Finally, the safe door is torn from its hinges.
Spider-Man is now slowly making his way to his feet. Alex
notices, and takes a swing at him with the safe door!
Spidey flies backwards, hitting the wall.
Alex turns back and reaches into the safe. He pulls out a
small clear container and gazes inside at a black microchip.
He pockets the device and exits.
Leaving a barely conscious Spider-Man on the floor.
EXT. GWEN'S HOUSE - FRONT LAWN - NIGHT
Gwen stands outside in the driveway. Getting in their car are
JOHN AND BRIDGET MARSHALL, all dressed up for a night out.
BRIDGET
You're sure you don't want to come?
Gwen waves her off.
GWEN
I'd just get in the way.
JOHN
Gwen, it's fine. If you want to
come, come.
GWEN
It's okay, I've got a ton of
homework to do anyway.
BRIDGET
If you're sure.
GWEN
(smiles)
I'm sure.
BRIDGET
Alright then. There's food in the
fridge, I'm sure you know what to
do with it.
JOHN
Some meatballs, I think.
GWEN
(rolls her eyes)
Ew.
JOHN
Veggie head.
Gwen laughs as they get into the car, and buckle up.
BRIDGET
If you need anything, you've got
our cell number.
GWEN
I'll be fine.
Bridget smiles.
BRIDGET
We know.
John starts the car, and they back out of the driveway. With
a honk of the horn, they take off down the road.
Gwen watches for a moment, then turns to head back inside.
She's greeted by the sight of Eddie standing on the porch.
He's wearing an old gray hoodie, and jeans.
GWEN
Eddie?
She walks closer and we see that he also sports a black eye.
Gwen gasps and rushes up to him.
GWEN
Oh my God! What happened?
EDDIE
Just an accident.
GWEN
Are you okay? What are you doing
here?
EDDIE
I just... I'm not sure.
GWEN
What's the matter?
EDDIE
I didn't know where else to go.
Gwen appears to be even more concerned now.
GWEN
Come on inside. It's getting cold
out here.
She grabs him by the arm and leads him into the house.
INT. ROBBIE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM
Robbie sits on the couch, a text book and notebook in front
of him and a phone to his ear.
ROBBIE
Yeah, it's a biology project.
(listens)
He ran down to the drink machine,
actually. I'll have him call you
when he gets back.
(listens, smiles)
Okay. Alright, bye.
Robbie ends the call, and sits the phone down.
PETER (O.S.)
One of these days I'm going to hire
a secretary.
Peter - wearing his costume, minus the mask - climbs in
through one of the windows. We see the mask in his hand.
ROBBIE
She's just worried about you.
(notices his face)
Can't say that I blame her. What
happened to your face?
Peter rubs a large bruise along the side of his face.
PETER
You should see my pride.
Peter walks over to a chair and flops down.
ROBBIE
What happened?
PETER
Ran into a wall.
ROBBIE
We talking literally or
figuratively here?
PETER
No, he ran into the wall. I just
got smashed over the head with a
safe.
Robbie cocks an eyebrow.
ROBBIE
Who?
PETER
I have no idea. Some guy in a mask.
(beat, remembering)
He was strong, though. Man, was he
strong. I've never felt anything
like it, Robbie... not even Gargan.
ROBBIE
What was he after?
PETER
He got it, whatever it was.
ROBBIE
Mutant?
PETER
I don't think so...
Peter pulls out the now empty vial. He rolls it across the
floor to Robbie, who picks it up.
PETER
I need you to find out what it is.
ROBBIE
(examines it)
Some kind of drug?
PETER
I don't know, but the guy seems to
be seriously hooked on the stuff.
ROBBIE
I'll see what I can find out.
Peter leans back in the chair, closing his eyes.
PETER
I have to be more careful.
(beat)
I barely got out of there before
the cops showed up. If they would
have taken my mask off...
ROBBIE
Front page news, I know. I'd be the
one printing it.
PETER
What's going on, Robbie? Crooks and
thugs are one thing, but now this -
whatever this guy is - how am I
supposed to deal with that?
ROBBIE
I don't know, Pete. Right now you
need to take it easy. Go home and
see your aunt before she starts
posting your picture all over
Queens.
PETER
(nods)
Right.
Peter stands up and heads toward the window.
ROBBIE
You know, we do have stairs.
Peter grins.
PETER
(re: web shooters)
First class.
ROBBIE
Yeah, yeah. Be careful, I don't
like those things.
Peter puts his mask back on, steps out the window, and
disappears into the night.
Off Robbie:
INT. GWEN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM
Eddie sits alone on the couch, looking down at the ground.
Gwen enters from the kitchen with an ice pack.
GWEN
Here, try this.
She walks up to him and places it on his black eye.
EDDIE
(taking it)
I got it. Thanks.
Gwen sits down beside him, taking another look at his eye.
GWEN
An accident, huh?
EDDIE
Yeah.
Gwen isn't buying it.
GWEN
Eddie, you don't have to tell me
everything, but I'm not stupid.
Eddie looks over at her and sighs.
EDDIE
What do you want me to say?
GWEN
The truth would be nice.
EDDIE
You don't want to hear the truth.
GWEN
I want to help.
EDDIE
You are.
(removes the ice pack)
It's starting to feel better
already.
Gwen shoots him a glare.
GWEN
Eddie, for once would you just let
me in? No jokes, no lies, just the
truth.
Eddie looks away from her at the floor.
EDDIE
You don't quit, do you?
GWEN
Learned from the best.
Eddie cracks a slight smile. He looks back up at her, closes
his eyes and takes a deep breath.
GWEN
What is it?
EDDIE
You remember the other day... I
wasn't there to walk with you?
This is obviously very hard for Eddie. Gwen notices, and
places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
EDDIE
I haven't exactly been sleeping at
home the last few days.
GWEN
Then where...
EDDIE
School, mostly. Out in my mom's car
one night.
GWEN
Eddie, why did you... I mean, what
happened? Is everything okay?
EDDIE
It was my dad... there was this big
fight with him and my mom. I had to
get out of there.
Gwen is beginning to get the picture.
GWEN
How... how bad was it?
EDDIE
I've seen worse. I don't know why I
freaked the way I did, but I just
couldn't stay there anymore.
GWEN
Eddie, you could have come here, or
to Peter's or MJ's. You didn't have
to sleep at school.
Eddie nods somberly.
EDDIE
It's just not something I like to
spread around, you know?
GWEN
Yeah, I can understand that. You
don't have to lie to us, though.
You have friends, Eddie, we'll
always be there to help.
EDDIE
(sad smile)
I know. It took a little while, but
I'm starting to get the picture.
(beat)
I thought I could go back. I
thought things had blown over, that
I could just go home and it
wouldn't be a big deal.
GWEN
Eddie, do you mean your dad...
He nods in embarrassment.
GWEN
(gasps)
Oh my God... that's terrible.
Eddie grins slightly.
EDDIE
You should see his.
GWEN
Don't do that! This isn't funny,
Eddie!
Eddie's smile fades as he looks at Gwen, surprised.
EDDIE
Yeah, you'd think I'd know that
better than anyone, huh?
GWEN
Has this... I mean, is it a recent
thing?
EDDIE
Sort of... back when I was a kid he
used to get drunk and pissed off.
He'd take it out on me and my mom.
GWEN
God, Eddie. Why haven't you told
anyone?
EDDIE
It wasn't a big deal since then. He
still drinks, but this is the first
time he's hit me in a while.
GWEN
That doesn't make it okay.
EDDIE
I know, but I didn't want to mess
everything up. You start telling
the counselors your dad used to
beat on you, they start snooping
around and... you know.
Gwen slides closer to him, grabbing his hand.
GWEN
Eddie, promise me something.
EDDIE
(surprised, confused)
What?
GWEN
I'm serious! Promise me you won't
keep this kind of stuff to
yourself. Come to me, or to Peter,
or MJ, or even one of the school's
counselors. Don't keep this all
bottled up, okay?
Eddie looks at her, for once, speechless.
GWEN
Eddie...?
EDDIE
(snapping out of it)
Uh... yeah. Okay.
GWEN
You promise?
EDDIE
Yes.
GWEN
Do you need a place to stay? I'm
sure Bridge and John won't mind.
Eddie hesitates, then sighs.
EDDIE
I better not. I need to go home.
This has gone on long enough, I
just need to figure everything out.
GWEN
Are you sure? What about you're
dad?
EDDIE
He won't do it again, don't worry.
GWEN
How do you know?
EDDIE
Like I said, you should see his.
Gwen smiles sadly, looking Eddie in the eye.
GWEN
Are you sure?
EDDIE
Yeah... I uh... I gotta go. I've
whined enough for one night.
Gwen stands and hugs him.
GWEN
It's fine, Eddie. Remember, you
promised.
EDDIE
I know.
(beat, uncertain)
I should get going...
They begin to pull away, but stop.
Their eyes meet as an intensely awkward moment passes between
them. Gwen pulls herself to him slowly and kisses him.
Eddie remains still for a moment, then quickly pulls away.
Gwen stares at him for a moment, her face conveying so many
emotions. Eddie meets her gaze, but soon looks away.
EDDIE
I have to go.
He turns and exits, leaving an uncertain Gwen behind.
CUT TO:
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Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.