Fantastic Four

written by

Tim Shelton

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Scene 1 ext - golf course - day

NOVEMBER 1960

A golf cart pulls up onto the first tee of a large very nice golf course two men get out of the cart, walk to the back of the cart, and choose their clubs, they walk toward the tee talking. The two men are Howard stark and the newly elected president of the US John F. Kennedy.

Stark

Gotta get in as many games as you can, Jack, you're going to be kind of busy from now on.

kennedy

That's right Howard. But I'm looking forward to the challenge.

They tee off Kennedy's ball goes farther than Stark's landing on the fairway.

They start walking toward their balls with their caddies falling after them.

KENNEDY

But I'd be a liar if I said that I didn't have an ulterior motive for bringing you here...

StarK

A politician wasn't completely honest with me? I am shocked...

They approach their balls on the fairway and Kennedy keeps talking.

KENNEDY

The Russians beat us into space, Howard, I don't have to tell you that that shook the country to it's core.

Stark

Shook me as well, Jack. You know as well as I do that we thought we were leading that particular race.

They both hit their balls and Kennedy's ball lands on the green and Stark's lands off to the side of the green in the light rough.

STARK

I'm glad were not playing for money.

They walk toward the green with their caddies following after them.

Kennedy

It's the moon Howard... we need to make it to the moon before the Russians.

Stark

I totally agree with you on that one.

Kennedy putts and the ball comes within a few inches of the hole.

Stark chips his ball toward the hole and overshoots it.

KENNEDY

I need you to get us to the moon before the Russians Howard.

Stark

I have to admit that that isn't really where my talents lie, Jack...

Kennedy stands up and looks at Stark.

KENNEDY

This is important, Howard, maybe the most important thing that you or I will ever do.

Kennedy taps his ball into the hole.

Stark putts and overshoots the hole.

Stark

Well like I said it's not my area of expertise but. I might know someone who can get us there...

KENNEDY

Well get on the horn with them, Howard, like I said this is important...

TITLES MARVEL STUDIOS INTRO

SCENE 2 EXT - COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY

People will around the campus of Empire State University as the voice of Reed Richards speaks over the scene.

REED Richards

(OFF CAMERA)

Okay, so if everyone is here let's get started...

Scene 3 int - college classroom - day

Reed Richards stands in front of the class writing a complex equation on the chalk board.

Reed

We left off yesterday discussing Einstein and his Theories...

An insect flies through an open window and buzzes around Reeds head and he waves it away...

REED

... we... we... uh...

He takes a deep breath...

REED

... we really need to close that window...

The class laughs as Reed goes back to writing on the board.

Scene 4 int - classroom - day

The Bell rings as Reed continues talking as the students get up and start filing out. One student puts an apple on his desk and it spins and starts to fall.

REED

And that brings us to...

REED

Oh... okay... any questions? Okay that's it for the day then. Don't forget Landau Chapters four and five for next time and I will be in my off on Thursday but not Wednesday...

As all the students leave as the apple falls from the desk. The door slams behind them.

Hank Pym in his Ant-Man uniform appears and catches apple laying it back on top of the desk.

Hank

Good morning Doctor Reed...

REED

Hi, Doctor Pym, what did you think of my lecture.

Hank moves back and sits down at a desk putting his feet up on it.

HANK

Oh it was great, Reed, two minute in and I was out like a light, thanks I really needed a nap.

Reed sits down behind his desk and smiles at him.

REED

Funny, Hank, I assume there's something, other than belittling me brings you here.

Pym nods and takes his feet off the desk leaning forward.

HANK

Howard had a meeting with the president earlier this week...

REED

I hope they weren't playing for money.

Hank laughs.

HANK

No they weren't. They were talking about the moon, Reed.

Reed looks interested for a second but then leans back in his chair.

REED

Were they discussing it philosophically or...

HANK

Kennedy wants to go there, Reed, and Howard told him you were the man to take us there.

Reed looks nervous.

REED

Well that's surprising, Howard and I haven't always seen eyes to eye...

HANK

That's why I'm here, he asked me to talk to you. He's ready to set you up and give you anything you need to get us to the moon before the Russkies...

Reed smiles at that.

REED

Well that would certainly be a dream come true but I don't think I could handle Stark's meddling and I certainly...

HANK

That's why I'm here I'll act as a liaison between you and Stark kind of a peacekeeper.

They sit there looking at each other.

HANK

C'mon Reed, this is what you always wanted, pure science for the betterment of all mankind, how can you turn it down.

Reed smiles.

REED

Okay I'll do it, but no interference from Stark...

Hank put his hand up.

HANK

You have my word. Make a list of equipment you'll need and we'll provide everything, money, a lab, a flight crew...

Reed holds his hand up with his index finger pointing up.

REED

I've already got a flight crew...

HANK

Even better, done deal, Reed, you're going to the moon!

Scene 5 ext - russian military base - night

A military base in Russia. Lights stretch off into the distance vehicles move across the base. Lights illuminate buildings across the base.

A lighter lights in the shadows of one of the buildings.

A soldier lights his cigarette as his partner stands watching him. It's very cold and you can see their breath.

Soldier 1

(subtitles from the Russian)

It's too cold for this...

The other Soldier laughs at him as they start walking their rounds.

SOLDIER 2

(subtitles from the Russian)

Ha! You live in Russia and complain about the cold. Perhaps you're a spy.

The laugh as they walk down the side of the building with their guns on their shoulders.

A low rumble starts building up as they walk.

Soldier 1 places a hand on Soldier 2's shoulder.

SOLDIER 1

(subtitled from the Russian)

Hold up... did you hear that.

SoLDIER 2

(subtitle from the Russian)

Hear what...

The rumbling starts again and they look at each other. The rumbling becomes a full quake and the shoulders are shuffled around in the wake of the earthquake. People start screaming as it becomes a full earthquake.

Soldier 1 runs down the side of a building, grabs a handle and pulls it. An alarm starts blaring.

The asphalt starts to bulge in front of them as they run across the street. It cracks open as the pieces of the asphalt crumble down into a large chasm.

Soldier 2 runs up to the edge of the chasm and stops quickly but not quickly enough.

From above lava burns down in the chasm as Soldier 2 falls forward into it screaming.

From above. The military base starts to crumble down into a huge pit.

Loud footsteps start to echo out across the night.

A little girl stands in the middle of the night holding a stuff bear crying loudly for her mother.

Child

(subtitled from the Russian)

Mother! Mother! Mo...

A shadow covers her as she looks up into the night and an expression of terror crosses her face as the shadow passes over her. Her eyes get big and her mouth hangs open.

Loud footprints echo off into the distance as she turns and watches the creature pass.

Scene 6 int - bar room - night

Ben Grimm sits at the bar holding a bear in his hand looking down at the bar. Reed comes up behind him.

REED

Aren't you flying tomorrow...

Ben

(smiling)

I don't need a nursemaid, Stretch...

Reed laughs and sits down beside him at the bar.

REED

Ben it's been years since I missed the winning basket at the state finals. You can stop calling me stretch...

Ben continues laughing and claps his hand on Reed's shoulder, Reed winces at the impact...

BEN

I told them they should've put that foreign exchange student in instead of you.

REED

Victor? I'm not sure he even knew what Basketball was. He just joined the team to impress Sue.

Ben raises his mug.

BEN

Suzy, now she was a peach...

Ben drains the beer from the mug...

BEN

When you gonna pull the trigger on that stretch?

The bartender approaches Reed.

Bartender

What'll it be?

Reed

Can I see your wine list?

The bartender looks confused and looks at Ben.

BEN

He'll have a beer, Jerry.

Ben shakes his head at Reed.

BEN

Embarrassing... anyway when you gonna lock Suzy down?

Reed looks annoyed.

REED

Sue isn't a bicycle that needs to be locked down Ben. Plus that's none of your business.

The Bartender places a mug of beer in front Reed. Reed takes a drink of the beer and winces.

REED

That's not why I'm here Ben. I have a proposition for you. How would you like to go to the Moon?

Ben

That wasn't much of a Jack Gleason impression, Stretch.

Reed smiles and shakes his head.

REED

Howard Stark contacted me earlier today, Ben...

Ben looks annoyed...

BEN

Stark?

REED

Yes. He and the new President feel that it's imperative that we beat the Soviet Union to the moon. They want me to head up the project and I want you to be my pilot.

BEN

No.

Reed looks surprised at that.

REED

What you mean no, this the opportunity of a lifetime.

Ben shakes his head.

BEN

We did all our fighting in the war Reed. I thought we were looking for peace. Besides, I thought you and Stark didn't like each other.

REED

It's true that Stark and I don't see eye to eye on the weapons industry but Hank Pym assures me...

Ben rubs his hands across his face and shakes his head.

BEN

Pym's involved too?

REED

Hank and I have the same opinion's on the military industrial complex, Ben.

BEN

And yet he's Stark's errand boy. They're pulling the wool over your eyes, Stretch. It'll start out fine but Stark won't be able to resist sticking his fingers into it.

Reed looks down and nods his head.

REED

That's why I need you Ben. I know how Howard is and I'm going to need someone on my side.

Ben shakes his head and smiles.

REED

You're my best friend Ben. I can't imagine doing this without you.

Ben drains Reed's beer and smiles at him shaking his head.

BEN

No fair pulling on my heart strings, Stretch you're lucky Aunt Petunia raised me to be sensitive.

Reed smiles and slaps Ben on the shoulder.

REED

Thank you, Ben.

Ben punches Reed on the shoulder and nearly knocks him off his barstool.

BEN

Jerry! Two boiler makers here!

Scene 7 ext - the storm residence - day

Johnny Storm's feet poke out from under a vintage hot rod as a taxi pulls up in front of the house. Reed opens the door and getds out. He's carrying his raincoat, a briefcase, and a round cardboard cylinder as he starts toward the house when the cabbie calls him back.

Cabbie

Yo, buddy, you forgetting something...

Reed stiffens and turns around taking reaching for his wallet, dropping the cardboard tube, reaches for it and drops his briefcase.

REED

Oh... um... uh...

The cabbie looks really annoyed as Reed tries to get himself together.

From behind him Johnny rolls out from under the car covered in grease and runs toward Reed and the Cab.

Johnny leans into the cab.

Johnny storm

How much does he owe you?

Cabbie

Five Twenty-Five...

Johnny pulls his wallet out and pay the taxi driver while Reed struggles in the background to pick his stuff up.

The cab drives off and Johnny turns around and helps Reed with his stuff. Johnny takes the tube and the jacket while Reed carries the briefcase.

REED

Uh... th-thanks Johnny.

Johnny

Seriously, Reed, how can the world smartest man also be the worlds clumsiest person?

REED

I'm not sure Johnny... I just...

JOHNNY

Suzy is in the house... getting ready...

Johnny and Reed walk into the house.

Scene 8 int - storm house - day

Johnny and Reed walk into what would basically be a stereotypical suburban home. There is a staircase off to the right as they walk in.

Johnny

You want something to drink?

REED

Uh... sure... sure...

Johnny stands there looking at him expectantly...

JOHNNY

... aaand yooouu wooould liiike?

Reed looks surprised...

REED

Water, milk... whatever is convenient...

JOHNNY

Soda?

Reed looks preoccupied.

REED

That's fine...

Johnny starts walking to the kitchen as he passes the stairs he looks up them and yells...

JOHNNY

Suzy... mu future nerd-in-law is here!!

Reed walks inside into the living room and over to the sofa and starts to sit down as he does he knocks a lamp over and when he goes to pick it up Sue Storm walks into the room.

Sue

Johnny you be nice to him.

She see Reed sitting on the sofa and walks toward him.

SUE

I swear that boy is gonna be the death of me. How are you doing Reed?

Reed is struggling with his briefcase, the cardboard tube and the lamp...

SuE

(laughing)

Honey, what are you doing?

Reed

Oh... I... I was just trying...

Sue takes his hands and hold them while looking gently into his eyes and smirking a little bit at him.

SUE

Reed, breath, just breath...

Reed smiles at her and takes a deep breath closing his eyes a bit and just breaths.

He opens his eyes and smiles at her.

REED

Thank you, Sue. I appreciate everything you do for me.

SUE

(smiling)

I 'don't do anything...

REED

No... no never sell yourself short, Susan, you even me out... you anchor me... without you I... I sometimes think that I'd just drift off into space... you... anchor me...

Sue smiles at him as johnny walks back into the living room with a green bottle of Coca Cola with a straw in it.

JOHNNY

That... was nauseating...

Sue and Reed start laughing and Sue throws a throw pillow at him...

Scene 9 ext - storm house - day

Reed, Sue, and Johnny pile out of the house with Johnny in the lead running toward the convertible hot rod.

Reed looks nervous...

Sue

So you think you can handle working with Stark?

REED

Yeah we'll be fine honestly. If I can't handle him I know that you can Sue.

SuE

... and you don't think Stark will have a problem with having a woman on his flight crew?

REED

He's not going to find a better navigator and he knows it. Um... I thought that we were going to take the sedan to Ben's test flight?

Johnny jumps over the door of the hot rod and lands behind the driver's seat.

SUE

It'll be fine...

Johnny

Seriously? You're talking about flying rocket to the moon and your scared of a little speed?

Reed and Sue get into the car Sue in the front seat next to Johnny and Reed in the backseat behind Sue.

REED

The rocket is heavily shielded inside titanium with safety harnesses... not a topless death trap... um...

JOHNNY

Topless death trap was the nickname of the girl I took to the drive in last night...

Sue punches him in the shoulder.

Sue

You... be... have!

Reed is looking around in the backseat nervously

REED

Um... speaking of safety harnesses...

Johnny backs the car out of the driveway fast slamming Reed into the side of the door, does a burnout, and takes off down the road.

Scene 10 ext - air force base - DAY

An experimental looking plane is rolling out onto a runway. Ben Grimm is behind the stick with wearing a helmet and oxygen mask.

Ben

(on radio)

This is Tango, Hotel, India, November, Golf number five waiting for clearance for take off.

Voice

(on radio)

Tango, Hotel, India, November, Golf five you are cleared for taxi and take off at your leisure...

BEN

Good to go tower...

Ben pushes forward on the stick and the jet starts taxiing down the runway.

Ben pulls back on the stick and the plane takes off into the air.

BEN

(on radio)

Eeeee-yow!!!

It passes a set of bleachers.

Johnny, Sue, and Reed sit on the bleachers. Sue has her arm looped through Reed's arm. Johnny looks unimpressed.

The plane shoots into the sky. Ben pulls the stick to the left and the plane banks to the right.

He pulls to the right and the plane banks to the left.

The plane climbs in altitude and does a loop the loop.

Tower

(on radio)

Grimm if you're finished hotshotting we need to climb to 50,000 and level out. Then begin descent.

BEN

Just getting a feel for the old girl tower. Here we go.

The jet starts climbing.

Reed, Sue and Johnny are looking up...

Ben continues pulling back on the stick.

The brass in the bleachers are looking up using binoculars and telescopes.

The jet continues to climb...

Sue hides her eyes on Reed's arm as he smiles. Johnny is watching with his mouth open.

The plane climbs to altitude.

Everything around him starts to darken and stars come out in the sky above him.

Close up on Ben's face. He is in awe of what he's seeing.

BEN

Wowza...

The plane stops climbing and then starts descending.

BEN

Tower I am at altitude and beginning my descent...

Tower

(on radio)

Roger that Grimm, we'll be waiting with the champagne on ice.

BEN

Just have me a brew, tower, I ain't that fancy...