LOKI: Prince of Mischief
by j3px
ACT ONE SCENE ONE
EXT. Late Friday afternoon, New York City, 3:51 p.m. EST.
MOVING
as we stand with Dr. Banner, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff, and Dr. Erik Selvig, surrounding Thor and Loki.
INT.
as Thor speaks to Loki
FAVORING
THOR
Brother.
FAVORING
LOKI, without moving, blinks, shifts eyes to Thor.
INT
THOR
(low voice)
Before our return to Asgard… we would
pay a few of our friends a visit.
LOKI glances wincingly at Thor.
LOKI
(blinks)
Hesitantly, LOKI clutches the portal control with Thor.
THOR
Dr. Selvig…
EXT
SELVIG
(nods)
INT
THOR
comrades…farewell.
EXT
Favoring THOR
As Banner, Stark, Rogers, Barton, & Romanoff- the AVENGERS- nod in syncopation.
1
MOVING
as we stand with Dr. Selvig and the Avengers, we watch the bright blue tractor beam of light draw Thor and Loki up.
CUT TO
OUTER SPACE, VOID, as the tractor beam flashes across our galaxy, warping THOR and LOKI, visible, their capes rustling through it.
(End ACT ONE, SCENE ONE)
ACT ONE SCENE TWO
ANOTHER ANGLE
as we needle out of our galaxy out of Andromeda, through foreign ones…
REVERSE ANGLE
across the stars, thrusting through the World Tree,, until reaching a dark, ice planet…
The beam hurtles the two violently aground of…
Jotunheim.
CLOSE SHOT
As the two tread fewer than twelve steps to find
…themselves…
CLOSER SHOT
On THOR (straight expression) and LOKI(barely concealing a nervous gulp)
CIRCULAR PAN
…surrounded by hundreds of FROST GIANTS, standing three yards away from them. THOR, securing LOKI,
PAUSES
as one of the Jotun, we presume the leader, looks to either side, quietly.
ANGLE
FAVORING THOR AND LOKI
As the leader approaches them, gait lumbering.
2
FROST GIANT 1
(calm)
Odin's son.
THOR
Indeed.(slight pause) Now… I come in peace.
FROST GIANT 1
Your father steals our casket… a quarter of our planet lie in wake… and our king…
ANGLE
on LOKI, looking at snow
FROST GIANT 1
…is no more.
ANGLE
FAVORING THOR
As the wind kicks ice crystals in his right eye. He winces a little.
FROST GIANT 1
(still calm)
Why should we trust you now?
Deliberately, THOR sets Mjolnir down in front of him.
THOR
(rising, contrite)
Good man, I can only answer for my own actions.
(pause)
In my arrogance and haste, I came before your people
ANGLE
FAVORING LOKI, shifting glance from Thor to Jotun,
still unable to speak.
THOR
(smoldering)
to avenge what I had no right to.
(gesturing to Jotun)
I had taken the lives of over two hundred of your men.
(pause)
For this wrong, I am truly sorry… and ask your forgiveness.
3
REVERSE ANGLE
On LOKI, masking contempt for THOR'S contrition.
ANGLE
On JOTUN LEADER, approaching THOR and LOKI.
He makes stern eye contact with THOR for seems an hour.
FROST GIANT 1
(on Loki, to Thor)
And this one?
THOR
(exhales, to JOTUN)
Look at his eyes.
FOCUS
On LOKI
who grimaces, trying to feign remorse… covering the hatred he barely conceals.
FROST GIANT 1
Our king
ANGLE
Favoring LOKI
darting a glance straight at JOTUN LEADER.
FROST GIANT 1
is gone.
FROST GIANT 2
The All-Father has our Casket.
(pause)
We want what is ours, Asgardian.
ANGLE SHIFT TO
An elder Jotun approaching the leader, whispers to him. LEADER nods.
THOR
I would speak with my father alone…
(slight pause)
…but I'm afraid that is all I can do for your people.
(turns very slowly, LOKI trailing)
FROST GIANT 1
Before you leave, Odin's son…
4
ANGLE ON THOR, AT RIGHT
as The Jotunheim winds pick up force.
FROST GIANT
You recall… our world was demolished not long after your last 'visit'. Thousands lost their lives. We have reason…
ANGLE
On THOR, wind sending his hair in his face.
…to believe the attack came…
MOVING
On LOKI
…from Asgard.
THOR'S EYES glance involuntarily toward LOKI. Another JOTUN leans forward.
FROST GIANT 3
We want the murderer
…who did all of this.
MOVING LEFT
To what appears to be dismal wreckage in the distance, hinting at something reminiscent of a holocaust.
Jotunheim wind gains more intensity, into a gale.
THOR
(steps back, wincing in wind)
I.. will look into it. We will see to it
that the one responsible for this…
ANGLE FAVORING FROST GIANT 3
His eyes piercing LOKI'S, drawing him in uncomfortably.
…faces Asgardian justice.
FROST GIANT 3
(turning slowly, to THOR)
Yes. See to it.
THOR nods. Picks up Mjolnir. Steps back.
5
THOR
Farewell.
(turns)
FOCUS SHIFT
as FROST GIANTS slowly back away. Piercing wind kicks up ice crystals into mist
MOVING
as we watch, with the JOTUN, the bright blue beam of light draw Loki and Thor up once more.
CUT TO
beam flashing across YGGDRASIL, warping THOR and LOKI, visible, their capes flapping through… reaching…
SWEEPING ANGLE ON
Beam drawn in on
the BIFROST BRIDGE
guided by HEIMDALL, watchful guardian of Asgard.
(End ACT ONE, SCENE TWO)
5
LOKI: Prince of Mischief
ACT ONE SCENE THREE
TRIAL
INT the entrance/exit chamber of the Bifrost Bridge
HEIMDALL looks on.
THOR
Heimdall, where is my father?
HEIMDALL
He awaits at the Palace of Asgard.
THOR
(slight pause)
Why is he there?
HEIMDALL
Find him first,
and ask.
THOR
(to Loki)
Come, brother.
ANGLE
on THOR and LOKI
entering the threshold of the brightly lit palace, where a ceremony awaits…one fit for a king…a new king.
INT
as THOR leads LOKI down the palace steps. Flanked by hundreds upon hundreds of onlookers, a deafening roar of applause befalls the stunned noble warrior.
ANGLE
on LOKI
blinded by the dazzling brightness, quenched by a dour air.
THOR advances, losing no momentum. Mother Frigga, Lady Sif, and the Warriors Three await their friend.
Approaching ODIN'S throne, THOR places Mjolnir at his side,
6
REVERSE ANGLE
ZOOMING
As ODIN stamps Gugnir onstage for silence.
PAN
as silence deafens the clinking of armor throughout.
ODIN
(firm)
Thor Odinson… my firstborn.
ANGLE
on LOKI wincing, stung by ODIN'S words, Looking down, he masks his hurt. Dangling his chains, THOR catches his unrest.
ODIN
Noble warrior…
It is with great pride… that I share with you…
THOR
(lifts head, humble)
Father, may I speak?
ODIN
What could be more joyous… than
this news I would share with you?
REVERSE ANGLE
FAVORING THOR
as ODIN watches his son's solemn face. It is grave.
SHIFT
to ODIN
ODIN
(deep sigh)
Very well, son… what is it?
THOR
(steps back, motions to mouthguard)
I believe my brother would say a word.
SHIFT
to ODIN
ODIN
(motioning special guards)
Sentries!
7
WIDE ANGLE
as two royal guards approach LOKI. One holds a magical blue glowing orb, while the other holds a tarnished brass casket. Unlocking the casket, one removes the multi-pronged key, and inserts it into the orb, which molds the key into a design specifically to open this lock on this prisoner this time. LOKI'S head snaps back a bit from the weight and magic of this mouthtrap. LOKI blinks his eyes in relief.
LOKI
(dazed)
My…it… it feels a bit strange. To have a word.
ODIN
Loki…
LOKI
Father, it's good to see you.
ODIN
Loki… we have a matter with you.
LOKI
Of course. You would.
(glancing away)
Of course you would.
(looks around)
Place me… where you would.
(pensive sigh)
This is as close as I'll ever come to being your heir...is it not? While your firstborn… or I should say your flesh and blood.
ODIN
Loki, stop your twisting words.
LOKI
(wryly)
How can I, father? I dare say YOU twist truth.
I twist mere words I know not what merit wherein lies.
I beg you tell me- what is the worse?
ODIN
(upset)
This is hardly fair. I will not stand for it. Guards-
8
LOKI
(leaning closer, quieter)
Then what IS fair, Father?
Hiding from me what I really am?
SWITCH TO
CLOSE SHOT
as LOKI steps away from guards
LOKI
(nearly tearing)
No, Father! I would have this word!
PAUSE
as LOKI regroups.
LOKI
(masking anger)
You… noble father… my father… the father I loved.
You… who couldn't tell ME…
(outburst)
the double standard you so quietly kept from me FOR YEARS.
Opening the door to BOTH THOR AND I the hopes
of becoming king since birth
Only now to shut the door in MY FACE.
And what's MORE-
ODIN
(softly)
Loki, I love you as my dear son. You have no idea how much.
But know the consequences of your actions. Destroying the Bifrost…the deaths of thousands of Frost Giants.
LOKI
(pauses for a moment)
Actually… as I recall…it was only several hundred.
(lighthearted smile)
Come now, Father. You DO RECALL it was YOUR FIRSTBORN SON
who started the war on Jotunheim in the first place.
THOR looks stern, but pensive.
LOKI
I was the one who told the guard in the second.
In fact if it wasn't for ME the whole of Asgard
would have lost TWO heirs to those MONSTERS!
9
ODIN
(stern, dismissive)
Loki. There will be no further discussion of this.
(turns back)
REVERSE ANGLE
on ODIN
as the onlookers look on in surprise, while Loki has a word with THOR and a sentry.
ODIN
(to all)
This ceremony is postponed.
People, go back to your homes.
ANGLE ON
exit as the guards lead the citizens out and back to Asgard's commons.
ODIN
(to sentries)
GUARDS, seize and get him to the Bifrost chamber NOW!
SHIFT TO
LOKI who can only wince as he must stand trial.
The guards take him away.
CUT TO
The Bifrost Chamber- LOKI'S Trial.
ODIN
Loki, you have defied… and obstructed
the due process of order of Asgard.
BACK TO LOKI
Wincing in disbelief
LOKI
(sigh)
I don't believe this.
ODIN
In your haste, arrogance, blind hatred, and idiocy, you have
not merely murdered thousands of innocent Jotun…not merely disrupted the fragile peace treaty between the Frost Giants
and of Asgard. Not merely have you killed thousands on
Midgard… but with the conspiring of the Chitauri, you have
10
THOR
(interrupts)
Father, I've informed the Jotun of
ODIN
(whisper)
Silence!
THOR
(quiet)
ODIN
(face to face with Loki)
It is not enough for you, Loki, my son, that have you killed thousands on Midgard… but in conspiring with the Chitauri, and forming an alliance with Thanos… YOU have set in order a CHAIN of events leading to an imminent INTERGALACTIC WAR!
Odin steps away.
ODIN
(emphatic)
LOKI… I take away your MAGIC
SHIFT TO
LOKI AND BACK as ODIN, with a summon of his hand, lifts a bluish ether-like essence from LOKI'S breath.
In the name of MY FATHER
BACK TO
LOKI as ODIN removes his armor
In a dazzling display of dismantling
and HIS FATHER BEFORE
I, ODIN, ALL-FATHER
SHIFT TO
ODIN as he fires a blast from Gugnir
CAST YOU OUT!
CLOSE SHOT
on LOKI blasting through Bifrost wormhole
SHIFT TO
THOR turning his gaze on Loki, deliberating,
sighing as though defeated.
11
CLOSE SHOT
on ODIN
levitating LOKI'S uniform.
ODIN
(quiet but firm)
Whoever holds this armor, if he be worthy,
will possess the magic of Loki.
With the reach of one hand, ODIN summons the tarnished handheld brass orb that once held LOKI'S armor. It bears a metallic green emblem of a serpent circling its center.
ZOOM
as the orb hurtles into ODIN'S palm. With a wave of the other hand the orb absorbs the garb.
CLOSE SHOT
on ODIN
palming the sphere, as he hurls it into the wormhole after LOKI.
MOVING
as the orb speeds through the wormhole
ANGLE
where THOR sighs again, then looks into the wormhole
and as the wormhole closes after it.
We see LOKI hurtling violently…
…through the galaxies past several realms…
before plummeting to the realm of…..
(End ACT ONE, SCENE THREE)
12
(ACT TWO, SCENE ONE)
MIDGARD
LOKI: Prince of Mischief
A screenplay
By j3px
ACT II SCENE I
(ACT TWO, SCENE ONE)
MIDGARD
CUT TO
NEW YORK SKYLINE, late spring, about midnight,
as a couple watch a movie on the top floor.
WOMAN
You wanna turn it up a little?
ANGLE
on MAN reaching to get the control.
STILL
as clouds violently fold back on themselves in background, emptying a bolus of emerald light and loud of screech.
HOLD
as the two look on, quiet.
ZOOM
ON COUNTRYSIDE
as light strikes a barn, inset, destroying a third of it, but leaving its residents unscathed.
CUT TO
a man in bed with his wife, rising to hear barn noise. Rising to reach for his shotgun.
MAN
Get the kids to the basement outside.
I'm gonna go have a look-see.
WOMAN
(nervous)
…
MAN
Mabel-
REVERSE ANGLE
As the spindly lady hurries through the house.
13
MOVING
As man crosses house threshold…walks firmly across yard
…reaching barn only feet away.
REVERSE ANGLE
STILL MOVING
on LOKI in barn. We see him covered in hay. And cow manure. Lying motionless.
INSET
We hear shotgun cocking.
MAN
Back up mister.
SHIFT TO
LOKI
LOKI
(mumbling)
What… is that awful smell?
CLOSE SHOT
of LOKI slowly coming to his senses.
Stands up.
LOKI
Is it me?
(smells)
MAN
(fire-ready)
LOKI
Oh my. It is.
(Turns to gaping hole)
Not since the depths of that cursed tree have I caught a stench so-
(distracted)
Did I... did I fall from…(looks up) I must have.
It can't be.
(to stars, pacing out)
FATHER, WHAT HAVE I DONE?
I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME UP THERE!
(frustrated)
You… What realm is this? Is it Niflheim? What is it?
14
MAN
(cocking shotgun)
I said back up!
LOKI
(sardonic)
You would order ME?
I will have you know that I AM THE PRINCE
SHIFT TO
MAN lifting butt of gun, fast
LOKI
OF
A sudden WHACK! sends LOKI back into the manure knocking him unconscious.
PAN
to see WOMAN standing at threshold.
WOMAN
(startled)
Fred…
MAN
Call the police.
WOMAN Nods.
CUT TO
POLICE PRECINCT, near Adirondacks.
Seated we see a BURLY MAN, looking like Volstagg but clean shaven, sitting with farmer. LOKI sits behind bars, droning away.
FOCUS
On MAN
MAN
And a loud noise, an' then I got up. Saw 'bout half m'barn gone. Nothin' else around. Think he'd done it.
LOKI
(background)
You will let me bathe, will you not?
I think it unjust for me to rot away
15
BURLY COP
(to LOKI, short)
Quiet, mister. We'll get to ya in a bit. Hold your horses.
LOKI
(looks about, miffed)
I… don't see any steeds nearby.
(under breath)
Albeit an ass afore me.
BURLY COP
(annoyed, pointing)
That's the fourth time, goth boy, and my patience is thin with ya. One more and we'll keep ya in there… wit' no shower.
LOKI
(taunts)
Ooh… tough talk… would that you
would unchain me…make it more… fair?
STILL
as suddenly LOKI'S throbbing headache returns.
(a little louder)
This jarring in my head...what caused it?
SHIFT TO
The MAN catching wind of LOKI'S muttering, smirking.
LOKI
(touching forehead)
A flesh wound?
BURLY COP
Travis?
COP 2
Ray?
BURLY COP
Take Roland back home.
Gonna find out how come this guy doesn't have ID.
16
COP 2
Roland?
EXT
as COP 2 escorts man to police car, outside.
BURLY COP
Gonna take you down to the precinct.
Find out why you ain't got an I.D.
REVERSE ANGLE
of LOKI leaving cell, toward door, and car,
moving ahead, as is custom. Locking up.
BURLY COP
Don't try nothin' mister. Believe it or not…
I'm one 'a the good guys.
CUT TO
INT. of CAR
as COP turns ignition. DRIVING through misty fog.
LOKI
Oh really? I like good guys.
Have a bit of fun with them, really.
BURLY COP
(focusing on road)
You got no license… no ID. No relatives.
Where'd ja come from?
LOKI
(grins)
Heh. You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
BURLY COP
Try me.
LOKI
I am LOKI, Norse God of Mischief.
BURLY COP
(tongue-in-cheek)
Yeah? I am Officer Roman, North guard of the Adirondacks.
17
LOKI
(dour)
I took it you would make sport.
BURLY COP
Hey, don't look so down. So you got no folks around. Could be worse. You coulda been disowned like me.
LOKI
(looks skyward, sighs)
MOVING SHOT OF CAR
across the highway beyond mountains to the city below.
CUT TO
ASGARD, PALACE CHAMBER
INT
ZOOM
on ODIN, reclining with Frigga.
MOVING on THOR
Entering the chamber.
THOR
Hello mother.
FRIGGA
Thor.
THOR
Father, if I might speak with you-
ODIN listens expectantly.
THOR
First is the Frost Giants. I have spoken with them and they would
have their casket returned to them.
ODIN
I do not know that they will use it for good. Laufey is no longer king. The truce between us is all but null.
Tell them (firmly) No.
18
THOR
I gave them my word-
ODIN
How can we trust them?
THOR
We are diplomats, father. Our word is deed.
ODIN
(sigh)
I will consider their request. What is next?
THOR
Concerning the genocide of their men, the Frost Giants
would see justice for the one responsible.
ODIN
Your brother. (labored breathing)
No. They would destroy the boy.
THOR
Yes.
ODIN
We are handling that matter, now,
aren't we? Tell them such.
THOR
You have sent my brother to Earth- Midgard… without power,
without magic. He will fall a bird of prey in that realm.
(deliberate)
He will die there, Father, just as I did. Is that a fitting punishment for my brother?
ODIN
You seem to forget, Thor, your brother's cunning and adaptability. I could have- nearly did… banish him to Niflheim.
No, my son, Midgard is a suitable place of discipline for Loki. It is my hope…that he learn the value of humility…perhaps other virtues as well.
19
THOR
(chuckle)
Ha,ha ha. You would that Loki bow his head on his own? Why, mother would sooner bend the unyielding roots of Yggdrasil.
FRIGGA
Why, Thor-
ODIN
He must learn when to stand firm… and when to bend…
Just as you did, son.
THOR
(not missing a beat)
True. Well I should at least be granted passage to Earth.
ODIN
(folding arms)
What would you do? Tampering with his fate in any way will send him to Helheim.
THOR
Yes, father, I know. (clear) There are also
good friends who are dear to me. I would live there-
ODIN
As a mortal.
THOR
Unless… I'm needed otherwise. (pensive) While I'm there, I'll work there, sleep there… live… as humans do. I ask you to permit me to do this. It's my duty… and honor… as Earth's guardian.
ODIN sits pensively, as if weighting cosmic matters. After some deliberation, he looks to FRIGGA, who nods in affirmation.
ODIN
(relenting)
You do realize the delicate balance of justice
in which you tread, son… Do so cautiously.
20
FOCUS
on THOR, considering the gravity of such a task.
THOR nods.
ODIN
Then I cast my magic which will conceal your identity… such that no one… not even your brother… will be able to recognize you. Take your hammer Mjolnir... wield it responsibly.
ODIN
It is at once a weapon of destruction… and a tool
THOR
…to build.
ODIN
(grin)
Go now, my son.
ZOOM IN
on THOR, hugging his mother and father.
MOVING
As THOR walks, Mjolnir in hand, to the Bifrost chamber.
EXT
ON WAY TO BIFROST CHAMBER
Appear SIF and the WARRIORS THREE.
THOR stops a moment.
THOR
Good eve, Sif… Hogun… Fandral. Volstagg.
SIF
Thor. Is all well?
THOR
It is. I leave for Earth.
FANDRAL
(surprise)
You're… you're going back?
VOLSTAGG
(rubs belly)
What for? Haven't you fought the good fight there already?
21
THOR
I would keep an eye on my brother.
SIF
(half-hearted)
He's a big boy. He can take care of himself.
THOR
No… this is different. My brother's magic's gone, his charm is gone as well.
I love my brother, but… in truth… he has no chance without these.
The GROUP stands in silence.
(plainly)
Loki does not fight very well.
HOGUN
(nodding in agreement)
Yes… but he is… still… a good liar.
THOR
Yes, Hogun... the best. But, sadly, lies catch up…
even to the most clever.
HOGUN
Yes.
VOLSTAGG, jostling to and fro, twiddles his thumbs
at the thought of an early goodbye.
FANDRAL
Would we pay you a visit if we wish?
THOR
(smile)
Of course, brothers. Sister.
THOR
(to friends)
Well, friends…take care of yourselves… and of your own.
(pause) Farewell.
The GROUP and THOR part ways.
EXT
THOR walking to the Bifrost chamber, approaching its passageway.
22
THOR
Heimdall, I am ready for Midgard.
INT
as HEIMDALL slides the key through the Bifrost panel.
Lights dazzle as the machine wheels turn… loud of gears hum as the Bifrost needle points Midgard-ward, that brilliant azure tractor beam sending THOR
EXT DARKNESS
PAUSE
LOUD of QUIET
AS beam fleets through galaxies…
(END ACT TWO, SCENE ONE)
23