EXT: NARROWS
The blackest of nights, streets littered with graffiti, homeless men with garbage fires. A picture of suffering and desperate, where the evil go to die.
EXT: QUARTER BUILDING
Built on the struggles of life. Broken windows, rusting steel, and stench of corruption make up its exterior.
INT: QUARTER BUILDING-BASEMENT
The Joker and his henchmen sit at rusted table.
Joker: “It is time to get back in the game boys. No more hiding. HAHAHA”
Joker puts his hands over his face and quickly pulls them away: “The peak-a-boo game is over! HAHAHA”
The henchmen SHOUT in agreement
Henchmen: “Where do we start?”
Joker leaps on the table and grabs the man’s collar pulling him in: “HAHAHA I thought you’d never ask!”
The power suddenly shuts off leaving the men in darkness
The Joker’s laugh slowly builds: “H-A-H-A-H-A is the Batman paying us a visit?”
In the darkness a menacing voice comes forth: “Worse”
Joker: “Ok boys time to welcome our guest.”
Silence continues as none of the henchman make a move. The lights quickly cut on. Joker’s finds himself staring down barrels of his henchmen’s guns. At the rooms center stands Deadshot dropping a thousand yard stair on the clown.
Joker: “Not me you fools, him!”
The henchmen don’t bat an eye at the Joker’s request.
Deadshot: “Your men work for me now.”
Joker nonchalantly hops down from the table walking toward Deadshot: “I can see that. So the Batman has you doing his dirty work. Can’t say I blame the guy. He’s a little obsessive.”
Deadshot: “Not exactly.”
Deadshot pulls a pistol from his coat and puts a bullet between the Joker’s eyes. Joker’s limp body falls to the floor dead, blood trickles down his face.
EXT: WAYNE ENTERPRISE-DAY
INT: CONFERENCE ROOM
Wayne sits at the end of the large table. Oswald Cobblepot enters the room. Wayne very happy to see the man stands to greet his guest.
Wayne: “Mr. Cobblepot, great to finally meet you.”
Cobblepot nearly star struck: “The Bruce Wayne himself. It is truly an honor.”
The two take their seats.
Wayne: “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
Cobblepot: “Believe me Mr. Wayne this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Sorry to hear about Mr. Fox. He was a titan in this industry.”
Wayne: “That’s why I brought you here. Wayne Enterprise is in unfamiliar territory. Stocks are dropping, contracts are falling, and our CEO just died. I saw your interview on “60 Minutes”. What you told Simon, do you believe it?”
Cobblepot takes in a deep breath letting out half of it: “Mr. Wayne I believe Wayne Enterprise is the gateway to the future. The assets, reputation, shear resources outweigh your closet competitors by a land slide. This company can and will lead our world into the centuries to come. You are capable of changing lives and redefining how we look at energy production, weapons, agriculture, medicine, space travel. There is no limit. Someone just has to open that gate.”
Wayne ponders Cobblepot’s statement for moment: “And you can accomplish that?”
Cobblepot opens his briefcase and pulls out a folder handing it to Wayne.
Cobblepot: “A successful man is a prepared man. Here is an action plan of how Wayne Enterprise can reclaim its rightful place atop the world. Just a little something I cooked up on the way here.”
Wayne takes several moments flipping through the folder. He drops it onto the table.
Wayne begins to crack a smile: “I’m sold. How would you like to become the CEO of Wayne Enterprise effective immediately?”
Cobblepot taken back by the offer: “You’re serious?”
Wayne:” It’s time we have new blood in this place. I think you’re the man for the job.”
Cobblepot smiles: “Where do I sign?”
EXT-GOTHAM CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT-NIGHT
INT-MORGUE
A typical morgue lab with stainless steel operating tables, tools, and body bags. Gordon enters walking over to DR. FIELDS standing next body covered with a sheet.
Gordon: “Is it him?”
Fields pulls down the sheet revealing the Joker “DNA is a match. Somebody finally got him.”
Gordon shaking his head in amazement: “I honestly never thought this day would come. Now we’ve just got to find out who’s doing this.”
Fields:”I may be able to answer that.”
She points to a stab wound on the Joker’s chest.
Fields: “Although he died from a gunshot to the head I found a stab wound in the upper chest.”
Fields reaches onto a table revealing a Batarang fragment to Gordon: “And this is what caused it. It was sticking out of him when he came in.”
Gordon in utter disbelief at what he is seeing: “Has anyone else seen this?”
Fields: “You’re the first to know.”
Gordon: “Keep it that way for now.”
EXT: POLICE DEPARTMENT ROOFTOP-NIGHT
Gordon stands next to a Bat Signal shooting high in the sky.
Batman: “What do you got?”
Gordon quickly turns toward the Dark Knight: “The Joker is dead.”
Batman: “How?”
Gordon: “He took a bullet between the eyes but we found this in his chest.”
Gordon reveals the Batarang fragment to Batman.
Gordon: “Look familiar?”
Batman takes a closer look at the fragment recognizing the design: “Who killed the Joker?”
Gordon taking a deep breath: “No official leads yet but this doesn’t look good. I’ve been on your side since day one but I can’t if you’re becoming an executioner.”
Batman: “I did not kill the Joker. This is a distraction.”
Gordon: “How did they get this though?”
Batman: “I don’t know.”
CUT TO: BATCAVE
Wayne sporting a cowlless batsuit, sits at the massive computer analyzing the Batarang fragment. He manipulates several controls dissecting the dimensions and materials of the fragment. Alfred walks up behind Wayne carrying tea.
Alfred: “Tea Master Bruce?”
Wayne not taking his eyes from the computer: “Just put it on the table.”
Alfred takes notice of the Batarang fragment on screen: “Designing a new Batarang?”
Wayne: “It’s one of mine.”
Alfred not expecting such an answer: “Excuse me?”
Wayne: “I have an impersonator Alfred. Someone is out there killing with my weapons.”
Alfred: “Any idea who?”
Wayne: “Not a clue. There’s not so much as a fingerprint on this thing. I’ve got to find out who before it’s too late.”
Alfred: “Will this be changing your dinner celebration for Mr. Cobblepot?”
Wayne: “No, he is far too important to Wayne Enterprise’s future. Just like Batman, Bruce Wayne has duties as well.”
EXT: WAYNE MANOR-NIGHT
A party atmosphere outside the mansion as guest make their way inside.
INT: PARTY AREA
Some of Gotham’s most important people treat themselves to fine wining and dining. Soft music plays in the background as guest mingle and enjoy company. A well dressed Bruce Wayne walks over to another well dressed man and his colleges.
Wayne: “Mayor Grange nice to see you again.”
Grange shaking Wayne’s hand: “Always a pleasure Bruce.”
Wayne turns to see Gordon with his wife SARAH GORDON and daughter BARBRA GORDON
Gordon:“Fine party Mr. Wayne.”
Wayne: “Thank you sir.”
Wayne taking notice of Gordon’s daughter: “Barbra you looking stunning as always just like your mother.”
Sarah and Barbra share a flattering smile: “Thank you”
Wayne notices a gorgeous woman wearing a beautiful black dress who has just entering the room.
Wayne: “If you would excuse me.”
Wayne walks over to the woman handing her a drink and sharing a kiss.
Wayne: “You bring a whole new meaning to the little black dress.”
Madison smiles: “You don’t clean up so bad yourself. Is the man of the hour here yet?”
Wayne: “Not yet, you now these people can be shy at first.”
Madison: “You’re not making it easy on him inviting Gotham’s dream team of citizens.”
Wayne chuckles: “The man needs to know how to carry himself in a room. Wayne Enterprise isn’t a quickie store off the interstate.”
Cobblepot: “I would not be taking the job if it was Mr. Wayne.”
Wayne happy to see the man: “Oswald glad you finally arrived at your own party.”
Cobblepot: “My party. Kind of hard to say that when I don’t know anyone.”
Madison: “That’s what I said.”
Wayne: “Oswald I would like you to meet my boss Julie Madison.”
Cobblepot: “A pleasure Ms. Madison.
Mayor Grange walks up the trio.
Grange: “This must be the man of the hour.”
Cobblepot shaking the Mayor’s hand: “Oswald Cobblepot”
Grange: “I knew your grandfather when he was Mayor.”
Wayne: “Grandfather?”
Cobblepot: “Theodore Cobblepot, he was here in Gotham years ago, small world.”
Grange: “Indeed it is. Mr. Cobblepot I wish the best of luck to you and welcome to Gotham.”
Grange walks away
Cobblepot: “So what can I expect from tonight?”
Wayne: “Hopefully nothing too daunting a couple hundred handshakes, pictures, interviews; just the usual.”
As Wayne finishes that statement a gunshot goes off in the room. People scream and panic scattering toward the exits. Several more shots are fired. Amongst the frantic guest emerges Deadshot in his trench coat along with his henchmen in tuxedos. Wayne grabs Madison’s hand.
Wayne: “You know where to go. Get there!”
Madison acknowledges in agreement and scampers away. Wayne then turns his attention toward Cobblepot.
Wayne: “Find a man named Jim Gordon and stay with him.”
Cobblepot: “What about you?”
Wayne: “Don’t worry about me.”
Cobblepot runs off with the wave of people. Wayne exits behind them into an alternate room. Deadshot and his men have each exit covered preventing the people from escaping.
Deadshot addressing the trapped prisoners: “Where is the one they call Bruce Wayne?”
No one answers until Grange steps forward. “What do you want with us?”
Deadshot: “Your soul”
Deadshot raises his arm revealing a double barreled wrist gun pointing it at the Grange. Just before a shot is fired Batman leaps into action knocking Deadshot to the ground. Batman on top of Deadshot lands a punch to his face followed by another.
Batman: “It’s me you want.”
Batman’s next punch is blocked by Deadshot: “You’re right Mr. Wayne it is you.”
Batman’s concentration broken for a moment with that statement. Deadshot takes the chance kicking Batman off. Batman now surrounded by six henchmen, throws down a smoke bomb and unleashed furry on his enemy. Through a cloud of smoke he smashes his fist into Henchmen 1’s face followed by an elbow to the back of Henchmen 2’s head. With 4 left Batman round house kicks Henchmen 3 and puts his knee in Henchmen 4’s stomach followed by slamming his fist to the neck. Henchmen 5 charges Batman with his sword aimlessly swinging. Batman catches the blade with his sharp wrist bracers putting Henchmen 5 in a headlock and kicks Henchmen 6 knocking him back. Finally Batman picks Henchmen 5 over his head whaling him at Henchmen 6 finishing them off. Batman hears a familiar scream. He turns toward its direction to see Madison held at gun point by Deadshot.
Deadshot: “It’s no use! Tonight your world will be turned upside down!”
Batman: “Who are you?”
Deadshot: “Someone like you, someone trying to make a difference.”
A tank like truck crashes through the wall between Batman and Deadshot. People scream and scurry in fear. Before Batman can get to the truck it drives away. Batman throws a tracking beacon to its exterior. The truck exits leaving behind destruction with no sign of Deadshot, henchmen, or Madison. Batman scampers away from the distracted crowd.
INT: BATCAVE
A loud roar takes the environment as the tumbler’s lights cut on. The tumbler speeds out of the Batcave headed toward Gotham. Batman manipulates the controls displaying a schematic of Gotham. On the schematic a blinking light appears.
INT: TANK TRUCK
The henchmen load their multitude of guns as Deadshot sharpens his sword blade. Madison is terrified for her life.
Madison: “What do you want with me?”
Deadshot pauses his sharpener: “To show Gotham their beloved Batman is no immortal.”
EXT: GOTHAM STREETS
The tumbler speeds down the busy street dipping and dodging traffic.
INT: TUMBLER
The schematic reveals Batman closing in on the truck.
INT: TANK TRUCK
Driver looks in his side mirror seeing the tumbler closing in. “Get ready boys. He’s here.”
Deadshot and the henchmen cock their guns. The truck’s top hatch opens. A henchmen climbs out with a bazooka firing it at the tumbler. Batman is able to dodge the massive explosion and continues his pursuit.
INT: TUMBLER
Batman manipulates controls firing mini guns at the truck’s tires blowing out the back left.
INT: TANK TRUCK
Driver struggles but regains control continuing down the highway.
Deadshot: “The bridge is up ahead.”
The two approach a bridge over pass. The tank truck makes it under but as the tumbler approaches an Apache chopper emerges firing multiple missiles creating a large explosion.
INT: TANK TRUCK
Driver see’s the explosion from the side mirror.
Driver: “No way he survived that.”
Deadshot: “I want him alive.”
CUT TO: EXPLOSION SITE
Batman emerges from the destroyed tumbler. He see’s the tank truck cut a sharp left into a parking garage. Using a grapple gun the Dark Knight explodes into the night toward his enemy.
EXT: TOP DECK OF PARKING GARAGE
The tank truck roars to the top coming to a screeching halt. The cargo door opens with Deadshot, Madison, and the henchmen filing out. Batman glides in joining them in a standoff.
Deadshot: “You’re a resilient man. I’ll have to give you that.”
Batman: “Let the girl go.”
Deadshot: “I can’t do that. I first need to understand you Batman. You have the singular rule of maintaining life at all cost. For years you have slapped Gotham’s bottom feeders on the hand with your fear gimmicks. Because of your unwillingness to act someone had to clean up your mess. The Joker and Riddler met their long overdue death by my hand. It was the only way to make a statement. An example needed to be made.”
Deadshot turns to look at the terrified Madison: “And now another example is to be made Bruce.”
Deadshot’s wrist gun goes off killing Madison. Her limp body falls to the ground.
Batman: “Julie!!!”
Batman, overcome with anger, chargers toward Deadshot. Henchmen create a wall in front of their leader. Batman violently begins kicking and punching the men keeping them off guard. Henchmen 1 pulls out a lead pipe swinging it at Batman. He blocks his first swing and takes it away from him slugging Henchmen 2 and 3 to the ground with it. Henchmen 4 and 5 come at Batman. He blocks henchman 4’s punches then lands a blow to his ribs. Henchman 5 pulls out a pistol but Batman is able to block it shooting him in the foot followed by an upper cut knocking him to the ground. Henchman 5 comes back at Batman but is punched in the jaw followed by a kick breaking his knee. Batman lands an earth shattering punch to henchman 7’s temporal followed by bone crushing round house kick to henchmen 8’s head. The once army of henchmen now lay scattered on the ground. Deadshot has disappeared. Batman runs over to the lifeless Madison. He holds her close devastated at his loss.