2007 Movie Script page 1

Page 1

TMNT
Original Script for 2007 Movie

Kevin Munroe

Based on the Mirage Comic Book

Created by

Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

SECOND REVISED First Draft Polish

August 5, 2005

FADE IN:

1 EXT. STAR-FILLED SKY – NIGHT

Studio logo transitions into a CONSTELLATION in space. Cam

pulls BACK, as more stars enter frame, forming a star field.

SPLINTER (V.O.)

A sensei once counseled a grief stricken

boy, as his older brother

prepared to leave for battle.

ON STARS - Begin to see a DOZEN or so stars, almost forming a

zig-zagged line. Cam continues to adjust.

SPLINTER (V.O.)

He said, “Child, why do you cry?

You are both part of a family. And

a family is a bond that cannot be

broken by war. By strife. By force

or neglect.

ON STARS - Cam slows its truck-out to a gradual stop as we

see the pattern beginning to form. As if following the stars’

pattern, the CAM LOWERS as we find ourselves going into-

2 EXT. SOUTH AMERICAN JUNGLE – CONTINUOUS 2

SPLINTER (V.O.)

And more importantly, you are

brothers. And brothers you shall

remain, despite time... argument...

LOWER - framing the tops of JUNGLE, moonlit and surrounded by

mist. A mountain range peaks over the horizon.

SPLINTER

...and even... distance.

SUPER TITLE: SOME STINKING JUNGLE IN SOUTH AMERICA

CAM RESTS atop an old CHURCH ROOF. The peaceful scene is

suddenly stopped by a MACHINE GUN BURST! CAM CRANES over the

roof revealing –

3 EXT. JUNGLE VILLAGE – CONTINUOUS 3

A relatively modern village... for a remote jungle. Dawn is

JUST barely beginning to break. The morning mist persists as

we see FOUR FEDERALES with machine guns surrounding a group

of VILLAGERS.

ON GROUND - A WOMAN VILLAGER is thrown down. Her SON, 8, runs

to her side. She’s mad. Her son cries.

WOMAN VILLAGER

You monsters!

UP ANGLE - As we see the THREE FEDERALES, greasy men, holding

AK-47’s, and looking down with hardened indifference. OS, we

hear an EVIL CHUCKLE. The men part as we see-

- COL. PANTERA. A bottom-heavy disgusting pig of a man walks

up between them. Pantera leans down, face to face with her.

PANTERA

We appreciate the generous donation

for the continued protection of

your village.

ANGLE ON - Their jeep, overflowing with the Village’s

precious crops.

WIDER - A tiny group (10) of other villagers stand at a safe

distance. The Woman’s HUSBAND runs forward. He immediately

LUNGES at Pantera, just as-

-SHIKA-SHIKA - Pantera is flanked by 3 MACHINE GUNS pointed

at the Husband’s chest. Pantera slothfully grins. He leans

forward and yanks an HEIRLOOM NECKLACE from her neck.

PANTERA

After all, the jungle can be a very

dangerous place. BAH-HAHAHAHA.

They jump into the Jeep and tear into the jungle LAUGHING.

4 EXT. JUNGLE ROAD - MOMENTS LATER 4

The jeep clamors down the bumpy makeshift path. Pantera sits

in the passenger seat as the others are crammed in around the

food. The Jungle looms ominous around them.

HIGH ANGLE - As we watch the jeep from the jungle ceiling

high above... as if from someone’s POV.

ON DRIVER - He suddenly reacts to a fallen tree on the road

ahead. Slams on the brakes. Pantera is thrown around.

PANTERA

Idiota! Watch where you’re going!

DRIVER SOLIDER

There’s a log on the road, senor.

(quietly to himself)

...that wasn’t there an hour ago.

PANTERA

Well, what are you waiting for?!

REMOVE IT!

(to soldiers behind)

Cortez! Andelay!

CORTEZ leaps out. Grabs the winch from the front of the jeep

and pulls it to the log, roughly 15 feet away.

JEEP POV - Pantera and Driver barely notice the out-of-focus

bg Cortez get suddenly YANKED out of scene!

CORTEZ (O.S.)

...yirk!

ON DRIVER - His eyes go wide. Trying to see in the dark.

DRIVER SOLIDER

(softly, nervous)

D-d-dios mio.

ON LOG - Cortez is gone. Pantera wakes up.

PANTERA

What?! WHAT IS IT?!

OS - Hear the sound of a CHAIN clinking. Then WHOOSHING as

the chain winch suddenly FLIES IN, and CRACKS the BURLY

SOLDIER across the jaw! It wraps itself around his neck.

Before he can react...

- YOINK! He gets pulled over the hood of the jeep, landing on

the ground HARD.

BURLY SOLDIER

OOF!

Burly gets pulled backward... away from the Jeep and into...

the darkness. He SCREAMS the entire way, clawing the ground.

ON JEEP - Driver is freaking out now. Last Soldier is in the

back. Pantera stands up in the jeep. “Last” jumps out and

readies his machine gun.

PANTERA

(to Jungle)

WHO ARE YOU?! SHOW YOURSELF!!

DRIVER SOLIDER

(whisper)

...The Ghost of the Jungle.

PANTERA

What?!

DRIVER SOLDIER

(shaking/nervous)

The jungle god that punishes those

who prey upon the weak.

(looks scared to Pantera)

He’s coming... for us.

OS NOISE - Suddenly hear the whooshing of 4 quick punches,

kicks, a short machine gun burst and a WHUMP. Pantera and

Driver look to the ground.

ON GROUND - Last Soldier lays beaten on the jungle floor.

DRIVER SOLIDER

I’m sorry, senor.

Driver bounds out of the Jeep and runs SCREAMING into the

jungle. CAM PULLS BACK with him as Pantera shrinks in bg.

PANTERA

COWARD!! GET BACK HERE!!

Something suddenly skitters behind Pantera! He turns to look.

Nothing. He reaches down and pulls up... a MACHETE.

PANTERA

SHOW YOURSELF! DO YOU REALIZE WHO

YOU’RE DEALING WITH?!

ON PANTERA - He circles backs against the Jungle wall, trying

to find him. Tense. Suddenly-

-a PAIR OF WHITE EYES open in the blackness behind him!

In a quick series of shots we see Pantera getting the raw end

of a flurry of fist and foot attacks. His attacker is moving

way too fast for the camera to keep up.

Pantera falls back, panting heavily. Panicked. He tears off

into the dense Jungle!

ON PANTERA RUNNING THROUGH JUNGLE - Thick foliage. Panicked.

5 EXT. JUNGLE CLEARING – CONTINUOUS 5

An oasis of calm, violated by this sweating, macheteclutching

brute. He stumbles, then stands in the middle.

PANTERA

I am not afraid of a myth!

(eyes darting)

I’M NOT AFRAID OF A GHOST!

ATTACKER (O.S.)

Actually... it’s “Turtle”, pal.

Pantera swings around. Eyes wide.

ON ATTACKER - We pan up the thick green legs. Muscular and

strong. Further up. Arms to match. Rough skin. It wears a

shorn HOODED PONCHO. Inside are two white eyes and gritted

smiling teeth.

The poncho falls to the ground.

ON ATTACKER - It’s LEONARDO! Beaten blue bandana blowing in

the breeze. Total hero shot. He pulls out a SINGLE KATANA

SWORD, poised for battle. Pantera’s backed into a corner.

PANTERA

Let’s see if a ghost can die, then.

Pantera SCREAMS and runs to Leo and starts swinging! At the

CLASH of sword and machete, we-

SMASH CUT TO:

6 EXT. JUNGLE VILLAGE - MOMENTS LATER 6

The Boy is still at the Village Clearing. Suddenly –

- the sound of the JEEP begins to rumble in the distance! The

villagers panic and scatter. VROOM! The Jeep flies out of the

jungle and bounce-slows into the FG!

Only there is no one driving it... and it still has the

stolen food in it. And the stolen medallion dangles from the

rear view mirror.

WOMAN VILLAGER

It’s a miracle!

The village rejoices. The Boy steps aside for a beat, looks

back at the Jungle. Something catches his eye.

...a small crouched figure on a tree branch. Barely

silhouetted. His white eyes lit in the darkness. One of them

WINKS as the boy smiles.

BOY VILLAGER

(beaming... softly)

The Ghost of the Jungle.

7 INT. UNDERGROUND CAVERN – LATER 7

Leo leaps into frame. He takes out his katanas and lays them

carefully on the ground. He KNEELS, head bowed, eyes closed.

LEONARDO

My training is now complete.

The camera lifts away from Leo... and then PLUNGES into the

nearby CAVERN. MUSIC begins to swell. Cam travels a few feet

until it DIPS TO BLACK, and comes up beginning our-

OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE

8 INT. MISCELLANEOUS SEWER, OIL AND IRRIGATION PIPES 8

The music is in full tilt as the camera travels through

seemingly miles of underground pipes of all types and design.

The camera comes to the end of line. It rises up through

STEAM... then through a metal grate, as we find ourselves in-

9 EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET – NIGHT 9

A mouse-level shot of the spectacular city that never sleeps.

It’s oddly hypnotic. Still. Until...

- BAM! A pair of sneakers land barely in front of the camera,

tearing off into the distance.

NYPD #1 (O.S.)

FREEEZE! STOP OR WE’LL SHOOT!

Shoes belong to a panicked MUGGER, early 20’s, as THREE NYPD

OFFICERS clamor after him. The Mugger is a jackrabbit -

hopping newspaper machines, rolling under passing trucks and

doing anything he can to avoid arrest.

Eventually the NYPD peter out. The mugger looks back. Smiles.

MUGGER

Heh, heh... suckers.

ON MUGGER - His eyes suddenly go wide as - VROOOOOM! - we see

a jet-black tweaked out motorcycle fly over the cops’ heads,

aiming directly for Mugger!

MUGGER

Whaaa!!!

The Mugger runs, but can’t escape. The Driver is dressed in

all-black motorcycle leathers and black-visored helmet. Scary

and faceless. He quickly gains on the Mugger and GRABS him by

the collar in mid-stride!

MUGGER

You crazy?! Put me down, man!

But Driver doesn’t. Instead, he holds him lower without

stopping the bike... and proceeds to plow Mugger’s head into

every trash can and garbage bin along 9th Avenue!

MUGGER

OW! HEY! WHAT’RE YOU-OW!! OOF!

Just as it looks like he’ll hit a telephone pole... Driver

veers left! He drags the Mugger into...

10 EXT. DEAD END ALLEYWAY - CONTINUOUS 10

Driver tosses him onto the ground at full speed. Mugger

SLIDES down the alley and collides with a pile of garbage

like he’s a human bowling ball.

ON HEAD OF ALLEY - The Driver guns the bike and kicks up a

ton of dust and racket, peeling donuts at mouth of the alley.

And then he stops. Dust slowly settles and smoke dissipates.

MUGGER

Wh-wh-what kinda freak are you?!

The Driver gets off the bike. Silence. Backlit by headlight.

He walks directly to the Mugger with purpose. Mugger starts

to really freak out. Driver picks him up by the collar and

SLAMS him to the back WOODEN FENCE WALL.

MUGGER

P-p-please. Don’t kill me, man.

Driver just cocks his head. Mugger can see his own terrified

reflection his Driver’s black visor. Driver reaches behind

his back and pulls out a COMBAT KNIFE! He reels back and...

MUGGER

Wh-wha-wha-WHAT ARE YOU DOI- AAAGH!

WHAM! - Driver nails the dagger through the Mugger’s JACKET,

PINNING HIM TO THE WALL. Driver turns around to gather the

purse’s belongings at the mouth of the alley.

After he stops cringing, the Mugger wriggles the blade out of

the wall. Driver doesn’t notice as - THWIP-IP-IP! - he hurls

the knife at the Driver!

THUNK! It sticks in the DRIVER’S BACK!

ON MUGGER - His grinning eyes suddenly GO WIDE as Driver

slowly turns around, UNHURT! The Mugger is trapped as Driver

moves toward him... and a BOLO CHAIN drops to his side.

ON WALL SHADOW - as we see a flurry of punches, kicks and

throws as Driver lays a beating on the criminal who needs to

be taught a lesson. An OS Police Siren chirps.

MOUTH OF ALLEY - The police suddenly show up, cherries

flashing. They run to FG, mouths drop.

NYPD #1

...whoa.

NYPD #2

The Nightwatcher.

ON MUGGER - Hung upside down by a chain. Purse hangs from his

neck. He’ll live, but never commit another crime again...

11 EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREET – CONTINUOUS 11

CLOSE ON A NEWSSTAND - Headlines read “WOMAN MYSTERIOUSLY

RESCUED FROM BURNING BUILDING”. “POLICE SEEK MAN KNOWN AS

‘THE NIGHTWATCHER’ FOR QUESTIONING”. “WHO IS THE

NIGHTWATCHER?”

WIDER - A quieter area of the city. Broken by the squealing

of the bike as Driver (Nightwatcher) roars in to a stop.

Nightwatcher drives underneath a TRAIN BRIDGE. He takes off

his helmet. Red cloth spills out. He turns around as we see-

- RAPHAEL, THE RED-MASKED NINJA TURTLE!

He reaches back and pulls out the KNIFE from his SHELL. Looks

at it, shaking his head and grinning. He sheathes it.

RAPHAEL

Heh, heh. Nice try, chump.

QUICK SHOTS - Ignites and revs engine. Straps helmet back on.

Headlight comes to life. Lets the clutch out.

VROOOOM! - CAM STARTS TIGHT ON bike as Raphael tears away.

MICHAELANGELO (O.S.)

Dude... I’m scared!

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON - A PAIR OF TURTLE EYES... MICHAELANGELO’S! They’re

wide with FEAR. Nervously darting around, unable to keep up

with the surrounding danger.

MICHAELANGELO

Dude! They’re all around me! What

do I do? WHAT DO I DO?!

Mikey’s eyes continue to panic. DONATELLO’s voice comes in

over a RADIO. Calming.

DONATELLO (O.S.)

Just relax, Mikey. Remember your

training. You’ll be fine.

MICHAELANGELO

But I need back up this time, man!

BACK UP!

DONATELLO (O.S.)

(sighs)

...you’re such a prima donna.

CAM PULLS BACK TO REVEAL WE’RE IN-

12 INT. UPTOWN APARTMENT – AFTERNOON 12

The cam pulls out of a LARGE MASCOT HEAD - looks like a big

goofy Turtle head with googly eyes and dumb smile. WIDER we

see a fake ZIPPER spirit-glued onto Mikey’s plastron. In his

hands, he holds two nerf-styled NUNCHUCKS.

MICHAELANGELO

(from inside mascot head)

Okay - waita-WHOA-WHOA-WHOA-WHOA!!

Suddenly TEN KIDS WITH BIRTHDAY HATS AND FOAM NUNCHUCKS run

in SCREAMING and start beating on Mikey... a little too hard.

SCREAMING KIDS

Get him! Yeah! You suck! Hey!

Awright! Take that, Turtle-dork!

MICHAELANGELO

OH-WHOA! OW! YEOW-OW-OW! WATCH IT!!

HEY! NOT BELOW THE-OOOFF!! OW!!

End WIDER with the kids all walking away from Mikey, now on

the floor doubled over from the “playing”. A beat, then-

-one more kid runs back and kicks Mikey.

LITTLE GIRL

KEEEEYA!

(turns and walks back)

This was the best birthday ever,

Mommy!

Mikey GROANS as we-

DISSOLVE TO:

13 EXT. UPTOWN APARTMENT - SUNSET/LATER 13

Beautiful downtown autumnal street. Parked in front, we see

the “COWABUNGA CARL” PARTY VAN loudly decorated in kidfriendly

colors with an embarrassing and low-tech looking

TURTLE HEAD ON TOP. PUSH IN on upstairs apartment window.

SOCCER MOM (O.S.)

Thanks so much. You’re worth every

penny. I have to tell all my

friends about you. You’ll love

their kids too.

14 INT. UPTOWN APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS 14

Mascot Mikey is standing at the door, holding a fistful of

cash, still in full costume.

MICHAELANGELO

I can only hope they’re as lovely

as the rugrats you got here.

ON KIDS - They look tough, brandishing their nerf weapons - a

toddler street gang. One of the kids does a finger-point-then-throat-slit gesture. The mom looks and beams. The kids

quickly smile to cover.

MICHAELANGELO

(through gritted teeth)

Such... angels.

Mikey looks to the side, and sees the still piled-high stack

of PIZZA BOXES through the fake head POV.

SOCCER MOM

Okay! Everyone say good-bye to

Cowabunga Carl! BYE!

MICHAELANGELO

(put-on voice)

Hyuk! Cowabunga dudes! Bye!

KIDS

BYE!!!!!!

ON DOOR - As the door closes and Mom turns back, a green hand

reaches in quickly a grabs a box of pizza. The door closes.

MICHAELANGELO (O.S.)

Heheh... score.

CUT TO:

15 EXT. UPTOWN APARTMENT - MOMENTS LATER 15

Mikey opens the van’s rear doors. He PULLS OFF the fake

zipper on his chest and then pulls off his fake turtle head.

His trademark orange bandana spills out.

He turns, breathing in the fresh surface air. A quiet beat

until - A POLICE SIREN approaches, faint, in the distance.

Mikey jumps in the van, slams the door shut as the car

whizzes by.

WIDER - the van takes off down the street.

DONATELLO (O.S.)

Hey, hey, hey... don’t forget the

face thing.

16 EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS – LATER 16

CLOSE ON - a regular motorist sitting in his car at a traffic

light. Don monitors from a small dashboard cam. Man looks OS

Left. Reacts.

OFF HIS LOOK - We see Mikey beside him in the van. He’s

behind the wheel - face FROZEN in a goofy SMILE like a

ventriloquist to “hide” his identity. Don follows on a small

surveillance cam under the rearview mirror.

MICHAELANGELO

Yes... sir.

DONATELLO (O.S.)

That’s a good boy.

MICHAELANGELO

All’s I’m saying Donnie is that no

one would notice if YOU did one of

these gigs every now and again.

DONATELLO (O.S.)

But you add such... panache to the

character.

Mikey, emotional, pops into “fully animated” facial mode. He

rubs his sore neck.

MICHAELANGELO

Well, if panache is French for

“punching bag”, I’d have to agree

with ya.

17 INT. TURTLES LAIR - MONITOR ROOM – CONTINUOUS 17

A darkened room lit only by the lights of dozens of tv’s,

monitors and TV tubes. Cables run everywhere. In front of

them is DONATELLO - our resident tech-head turtle.

DONATELLO

Close enough. I - uh-oh-

ON MONITOR - Don watches Mikey through a TRAFFIC CAM in front

of the van. Don is jacked into every major security and

surveillance camera in the city.

18 EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS – CONTINUOUS 18

DONATELLO (O.S.)

-you got a peeping tom.

ON CAR - The Man is still looking - only now really freaked

out - at the fully animated Mikey head.

MICHAELANGELO

Aw nuts.

Mikey suddenly grips his face back into a tight SMILE,

frozen. He looks over and waves at the man who confusingly

waves back.

MICHAELANGELO

(ventriloquist style)

Just get me outta here, dude.

ON DON - He hits some switches. Monitors change.

DONATELLO

Traffic’s clear eastbound for two

blocks. Then hook up with route J.

BACK WITH MIKEY - He’s still waving with a frozen smile.

MICHAELANGELO

(ventriloquist style)

Righteous.

Mikey immediately “unfreezes” and sticks his tongue out and

antics at the Man! Before the man can react, Mikey TEARS OUT

and zips across traffic down a deserted side-street.

...as we notice the annoying ice cream style music tinkering

along with his gaining speed.

MICHAELANGELO (O.S.)

You HAD to install the music too...

DONATELLO (O.S.)

All part of the cover, my friend.

CUT TO:

19 EXT. HIDDEN ALLEYWAY – EVENING 19

The van parks in a long-forgotten alleyway. A dummy gate

closes behind it, obscuring it from view.

UNDER THE VAN - We see it’s parked over a manhole cover. It

slowly slides shut.

20 INT. SEWERS – CONTINUOUS 20

The dripping concrete and metal maze explodes with the

cacophony of Mikey riding his skateboard, backpack in tow.

MICHAELANGELO

YEEEEEHAAAAAAWWWW!!

But this isn’t just any half-pipe - it tests all of Mikey’s

skills in ninjitsu, extreme sports and cross-training. He

jumps on and off the board to occasionally tackle obstacles

with all four limbs. A fun rock n’ roll sequence.

Feels like Mikey is miles away from the surface world when he

arrives at a seemingly DEAD END. He smiles as he reveals a

BRICK DUMMY WALL that brings him to...

21 INT. TURTLES LAIR – CONTINUOUS 21

Mikey lands in the “foyer” of sorts. Atop entrance stairs. He

kicks the double doors open.

MICHAELANGELO

Honeeeeey! I’m hooome!

As Mikey slides down the banister, the cam dollies around

behind him revealing the LAIR. Breathtaking to fresh eyes.

It has a wonderful lived-in feel - they’re not squatters...

they’ve made this their HOME. Furniture is jury-rigged and

the place is custom lit to provide the right kind of

atmosphere. If we looked behind the surface detail, we’d see

a mesh of wires and circuitry powering the entire lair.

Donatello runs up to Mikey. Mikey robotically hands him the

wad of money from the party.

DONATELLO

Moneymoneymoneymoney.

As Donnie walks away, Mikey LOUDLY CLEARS HIS THROAT. Don

stops as Mikey holds out his hand. Don’s busted - he peels

off a few bills and hands Mikey his share.

MICHAELANGELO

Domo arigato, dude.

Mikey walks into the room and plops down on a sofa. Hits a

remote as a BIG SCREEN lights up in front of him. Suddenly-

SPLINTER (O.S.)

MICHAELANGELO!

Mikey springs from the couch. Snaps to obedience.

MICHAELANGELO

Yes, sensei.

ANGLE ON - SPLINTER the Japanese rodent master and father of

the TMNT. He is well-kempt, still walks with a cane, and has

the same sparkle in his eye. He approaches Mikey. Silent.

SPLINTER

(a beat)

Well?

MICHAELANGELO

Sensei?

(thinks, then realizes)

Oh! Here ya go, Master Splinter.

Mikey reaches into his bag and removes a foil-wrapped piece

of BIRTHDAY CAKE. Splinter lights up.

SPLINTER

Ahh! Butter creme frosting!

Donatello walks to Splinter. Holds his hand out, judgmental.

DONATELLO

Master. No cake. You remember your

last cholesterol tests.

SPLINTER

But I-

(changes attitude)

-Donatello! I am your Master!

DONATELLO

Nice try, sensei. But you can still

be my Master... with low

cholesterol.

Splinter surrenders the cake. As Don walks away,

Michaelangelo reaches into his bag and secretly passes

Splinter a smaller wrapped piece.

SPLINTER

He-heh. You have done well, my son.

Donatello walks to the fridge and opens it - FILLED with

dozens of other pieces of Birthday Cake leftovers. He tosses

it with the rest.

CUT TO:

22 EXT. ROOFTOPS - SUNSET 22

The street noise below is barely audible. Camera creeps along

the edge of the building, reaching a row of GARGOYLES.

PAN ALONG GARGOYLES - Still. Concrete. Creepy. Just as we

pass the fourth, we barely notice it’s WHITE EYES OPENING.

QUICK SNAP BACK TO GARGOYLE - Only now it’s gone. Something

strange is coming to town...

CUT TO:

23 EXT. NEW JERSEY HARBOR – SUNSET 23

Large freighters. Lots of activity. PUSH IN on a steamer as a

crane lowers a LARGE VERTICAL CRATE to the dock - it THUMPS

down hard.

APRIL (O.S.)

Careful! That isn’t some box full

of fish!

CAM LOWERS - as APRIL O’NEIL leaps down into frame. Dressed

in jungle expedition gear with her head wrapped in a bandana.

She takes off her sunglasses and admires the crate.

ON BOX - Labelled “O’Neil Cargo”. Something ominous about the

crate. PUSH IN on it as April steps in front. Admires it with

pride. Turns, takes out a cell phone, and hits speed dial.

ON PHONE DISPLAY - “Calling HOME”. It rings.

APRIL

(impatient mutter)

Where are you?

24 INT. APRIL AND CASEY’S LOFT APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS 24

A spacious NYC loft - tons of bookcases work as room

dividers. Piled with artifacts, unopened crates of all sizes,

boxes of maps, and a general organized mess. A hockey game

BLARES from a TV set.

CAM PANS ACROSS ROOM - The telephone continues to ring just

as we reach the KITCHEN - with piles of dirty dishes and fast

food. And then a path of strewn clothes that gets messier and

messier until we reach –

- CASEY JONES, snoring on a sofa. He finally wakes up,

clamors for the phone, tripping over mess in the process.

CASEY

(groggy)

Talk to me.

APRIL

Hey. It’s me. I’m back.

Casey rubs his face, tries to orient himself. Looks at watch.

CASEY

Was that today, babe?

April’s disappointed. Same old Casey.

APRIL

Yes. It was today that I returned

to you after being in a deadly

jungle for almost a month.

(beat)

I thought you were going to meet me

down here?

CASEY

I’m sorry, babe. I must’ve-

APRIL

Forget it. I’ll take a cab.

A long pause on the phone. Casey knows he’s busted.

CASEY

I missed you?

April doesn’t answer. She closes the phone. Casey slumps in

his chair, shaking his head.

CASEY

Good goin’, Case.

Back at the dock, April is back to business.

APRIL

Howie! Get this on the truck for

delivery! Let’s go!

P.O.V. INSIDE BOX - See April through the wood slats. We’d

swear we almost hear... LOW GROWLING.

CUT TO:

25 INT. MIKEY’S BEDROOM - LATER 25

Mikey is on his bed. His thumbs pound away at a video game on

TV - bored. He puts down the controller and yells to the

ceiling.

MICHAELANGELO

I’M! BORED!!!!!

He stands up and walks to DON’S ROOM. He opens it. It takes

only one foot until the door is pushed up against piles of

TECH JUNK. Mikey uses his shoulder and pushes it open.

ON DON - He’s hunched over a work table, back to Mikey.

Tinkering as always. Wild inventions line the walls, some

finished, some not. Some pay tribute to past TMNT adventures.

MICHAELANGELO

Don, y’ever feel like you were

meant for more? To DO more? Like, I

mean, sometimes I feel like...

like we never really left that

glass turtle bowl when we were

little dudes.

REVERSE ANGLE - Don lifts his head up, eyes MAGNIFIED in some

bizarre head contraption. He flips up side panels,

ELECTRONICA MUSIC blares out.

DONATELLO

Oh, hi Mikey. You say something?

MICHAELANGELO

(sighs - to himself)

Every day it’s the same thing. Wake

up. Birthday party gig. Drive home.

Watch TV. Train... Rinse. Repeat.

DONATELLO

I know. Isn’t it great?

A beat. Mikey sighs, then walks back downstairs to the LIVING

ROOM SOFA. He and the camera think he’s alone, but before he

knows it, Splinter is sitting next to him, cross legged,

still, and sipping tea.

MICHAELANGELO

WAH!!

SPLINTER

Michaelangelo. Boredom is never an

indicator of your surroundings. It

is a reflection of your inner

heart. Fill yourself with

excitement on the inside... and

you’ll live the most rewarding life

of all.

Mikey stares at Splinter, dead pan. A beat. Then returns to

flipping channels. He stops on a NEWS program - “NYC DIRT”.

NYC DIRT REPORTER (O.S.)

And so yet again, police officials

are baffled at a crime of

retribution that can only be

attributed to the mysterious figure

known as “The Nightwatcher”.

Mikey lights up. On TV is a flashy well-coifed, know-nothing

REPORTER. Beside him is a news photo of the tied up MUGGER

from our second scene.

NYC DIRT REPORTER

This is the latest in a string of

vigilante acts that have been

plaguing the city for the past

year.

Although the victims have been

criminals themselves, the

Nightwatcher’s actions have been

identified as destructive and

overly-violent... verging on the

edge of lethal.

ON MIKEY - Can’t smile wide enough. He runs to his room,

returns with a POLAROID CAMERA. He snaps a picture of the TV.

He pulls it out, placing it in his NIGHTWATCHER SCRAPBOOK,

overflowing with paper clippings and articles on the

vigilante.

MICHAELANGELO

Now THAT’S what I’m talking about!

Cruising the streets, busting those

who hold themselves above the law.

(movie announcer voice)

But they aren’t above HIS.

Don walks in, holding an in-process invention. He looks up.

DONATELLO

Mikey, the man’s practically a

criminal himself. Anyone who

operates without boundary or rule

of law cannot be legislated and

needs to be reigned in.

RAPHAEL (O.S.)

Sounds like four turtles I used ta

know.

ON DOOR - Raphael walks in, his Nightwatcher costume no where

in sight.

RAPHAEL

Whatta we talkin’ about, boys?

Soundin’ a little too egghead fer

my tastes.

SPLINTER

Ah, Raphael. Your brothers and I

were just discussing the vigilante

Nightwatcher once again.

(beat - concerned)

Where have you been? You’ve been

spending so much time away from

home lately...

Raphael’s on edge from the mention of Nightwatcher already.

His attention doesn’t break from Donatello.

RAPHAEL

I joined a book a’ the month club.

(to Donnie)

So just what’s your beef with

puttin’ dirtbags behind bars,

Donnie? Go ahead... enlighten me.

Splinter watches the growing tension with concern.

DONATELLO

I have no problem with the

incarceration of those who deserve

it, but if someone like

Nightwatcher has ultimate power...

then who makes sure he doesn’t

cross the line?

Mikey picks up two NINJA BLADE RINGS, twirling them around

aggressively in mock battle.

MICHAELANGELO

I think he’s COOL.

DONATELLO

Of course you would.

MICHAELANGELO

(in bg, oblivious)

Keeya! HATCHAAAAAA!!

RAPHAEL

Sometimes there are lines that even

the police can’t cross. Someone has

to be willing to do what needs to

be done. And to do that, fear

becomes a weapon.

DONATELLO

You are such a Neanderthal.

Raphael does the bully FAKE LUNGE at Don. Don reacts quick

and startled, eyes wide.

RAPHAEL

I rest my case.

SPLINTER

(scolding)

Raphael! If bullying is the only

way to argue your point, then

perhaps you do not have much of a

point to begin with.

RAPHAEL

(gritted teeth)

Yes, sensei.

(to Mikey)

And quit touchin’ my stuff.

Raph yanks the Ring Blades out of Mikey’s hands and storms

out of the room by flipping up a series of cables to the

second floor.

DONATELLO

(too-late-retort to Raph)

That was just a startle response

and isn’t really an indication of

fear!

Raph does the “blah blah” hand gesture from above. Enters his

room, slams the door and immediately BLASTS MUSIC...

...and it’s some annoying pop HIP-HOP song.

RAPHAEL (O.S.)

AAAARGH! AND STOP TOUCHING MY

STEREO TOO, MIKEY!!!

Then HEAVY ROCK starts playing to drown out his family. A

silence sits in the room as a CD flies out of Raph’s room.

Tense in the room for a bit. Don looks at the other two.

DONATELLO

It’s an involuntary thing your body

does when stimulated like that.

(no response)

What? It’s true.

CUT TO:

26 EXT. HARBOR – NIGHT 26

A large JET LINER flies into the city. Lowering. The wheels

fold out under the carriages.

CLOSER - LEO is on the landing gear, his face lit up by the

city glow in front of him. He jumps off as - FOOMP! - a HANGGLIDER opens up from his backpack. He lowers the glider to

the water and RELEASES!

27 INT. SEWER PIPE - MOMENTS LATER 27

Disgusting. Dripping. Out of the slime, Leo rises. A beat...

inhales, then SMILES WIDE.

LEONARDO

Mmm... home sweet home.

28 INT. TURTLES LAIR - NIGHT 28

All is peaceful in the lair. The big screen TV is the only

light source. Mikey snores and drools on the couch, covered

in junk food wrappers. Donnie sleeps with an “TECH HEAD”

magazine over his face... gadget-in-process in his lap.

ON ENTRANCE - Leo walks in and places his bag on the floor.

The place feels different... but still feels like home.

He tiptoes with ninjitsu precision across the floor, avoiding

the potential noise-making mess below him. He sneaks to-

29 INT. SPLINTER’S ROOM – CONTINUOUS 29

Leo peers in cautiously. Splinter is still awake. Expecting

him. Kneeling on the floor. Very serious.

SPLINTER

Enter.

Leo walks in and kneels in front of Splinter.

LEONARDO

I have completed my training,

master. I am prepared for the next

stage.

SPLINTER

That you are, my son. You must now

apply all that you have learned on

your lengthy journey to your

everyday life. THAT will be the

most challenging training of all...

Splinter reaches out and hands Leonardo an ANCIENT MEDALLION.

Leo is touched.

CLOSE ON SHADOWS OUTSIDE OF ROOM - We see a pair of EYES,

watching the entire scene... jealous.

SPLINTER

I’ve missed you, Leonardo.

Leo hugs Splinter.

LEONARDO

I’ve missed you too, father.

SPLINTER

I’m afraid much has changed in your

brothers’ spirits since you have

left. But now that you are home,

they will finally have the ethical

and warrior leadership they have

been lacking. The family needs you.

ON LEO - He swallows that big pill very hard.

LEONARDO

Heh. Yeah... I mean, yes sensei.

SPLINTER

(to doorway)

Raphael, your brother is home.

ON OUTSIDE OF ROOM - Raphael walks out of the shadows. He’s

good... but not too good for Splinter. Splinter and Leo break

and face the doorway. An awkward silence.

LEONARDO

Hey.

RAPHAEL

Hey.

Raphael eyes Leo... and then the medallion.

RAPHAEL

So... congratulations.

LEONARDO

Thanks.

RAPHAEL

(awkward beat/fake yawn)

Well, I’m goin’ to bed.

He leaves.

TV ROOM - Raph walks through the room, cuffs Don on the back

of the head, and keeps on walking.

RAPHAEL

Leo’s home.

Donatello wakes up, looks around. LIGHTS UP when he sees Leo.

DONATELLO

Leo!!

ON MIKEY - He wakes up. A Cheese Doodle stuck to his upper

snout. Really groggy.

MICHAELANGELO

But I don’t WANNA pop out of the

birthday cake, Mrs. Ro-

(snaps out of it)

LEOOOOO!!!

Mikey flips past Donnie and slams Leo with a gripping HUG...

and doesn’t let go.

LEONARDO

Hey little bro!

(a beat)

Mikey? You can let go now... um,

Mikey?

MICHAELANGELO

(muttering)

So bored... so bored...

CAM LOWERS INTO FLOOR AS WE...

FADE TO BLACK

OVER BLACK - Quick bursts of AUDIO VIOLENCE. Steel,

screaming, trampling, and rumbling. Then-

-with each audio burst, we now see a VISUAL BURST. Strong,

rim-lit, iconic images of an IMMENSE BATTLE - a slicing blade

weapon, screaming mouth, angry eyes. Then-

-a monster claw! Gnashing teeth! Scared eyes! Horns and

tusks! The edit gets intense, until –

WINTERS

AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGH!!!

30 INT. WINTERS BEDROOM – DAWN 30

It was all a nightmare. We go WIDER as we take in the

ostentatious bedroom of MAXIMILIAN WINTERS, a young mid-40’s.

Famous NYC entrepreneur.

Winters is large, handsome, built and powerful in every

sense. His bedroom reflects it as well - large simple shapes,

decorated with a modern-day tribal/tech appeal. This guy is

filled with adrenaline, power and machismo.

WINTERS ASSISTANT (O.S.)

Mr. Winters, sir.

ON DOORWAY - Standing there is a beautiful black-haired

assistant dressed in full suit and tie with a clipboard.

WINTERS ASSISTANT

It’s time for your morning workout.

31 INT. WINTERS WORKOUT ROOM 31

Rock/hip-hop music crashes in as we see Winters’ morning

workout - a combination of weaponry work (martial arts and

others), floor routines and bag work. He takes it all very

seriously.

Sequence ends with him smashing the top off of a Mook Jung

training block with his bare fist. He walks out of the room,

grabbing a towel from a blonde assistant.

32 INT. WINTERS OFFICE - LATER 32

Winters walks in his crisp suit. His office is large and

austere. Two levels of history in books, artifacts, warrior

themed curios and power.

WINTERS ASSISTANT (O.S.)

Mr. Winters, sir?

ON DOOR - His Assistant stands at the large doors.

WINTERS ASSISTANT

The board is waiting.

WINTERS

Excellent.

He walks to the large bay windows that overlooks the city.

33 EXT. WINTERS OFFICE 33

Now outside the window, he smiles at the view.

WINTERS

Tell them I’m on my way down.

He slowly LOWERS OUT OF FRAME. CAM PULLS OUT WIDER REVEALING –

- Winters Office is an “elevator” of sorts that can ride up

and down the front of the building, allowing him access to

any floor of his Tower without leaving his desk.

WIDER - see the Tower is a monolith in the middle of

Manhattan - complete with it’s own front Central Park-ish

gated entry. A true work of modern architecture.

WIPE TO:

34 INT. WINTERS LOBBY - DAY 34

We see the wonder of everything Winters - mixing of old

artifacts with modern day aesthetic and implementation. The

ceilings are vast and there is no mistaking the worth of the

man and his company.

Winters’ Elevator Office lowers into a balcony level building

overseeing the main lobby. He walks down a stairwell and

through the lobby, five Assistants following him.

35 INT. BOARDROOM - CONTINUOUS 35

Winters walks in the room. CLOSE ON him as he stops at the

head of the boardroom table.

WINTERS

Gentlemen! Let’s begin.

CAM PULLS BACK along the impossibly long table as DOZENS OF

BOARD MEMBERS stand up. When it reaches the end, it looks as

though Winters stands at the head of an ARMY AT ATTENTION.

CUT TO:

36 INT. TURTLES LAIR - AFTERNOON 36

Leo walks along the upper floor of their lair. As he passes

Mikey’s room, his brother pops out with his skateboard. We

follow them as they walk down to the TV area.

MICHAELANGELO

Leo... what’s up, bro?

LEONARDO

Just enjoying being home.

They walk past Donnie’s Chop Shop room as - BOOM! - something

explodes and smoke pours out under his door.

DONATELLO (O.S.)

NOBODY PANIC! I HAVE IT ALL UNDER

CONTROL!

Mikey and Leo COUGH, leave the smokey area.

LEONARDO

Say, what’s up with April and

Casey? I expected them to drop by

after I got back.

MICHAELANGELO

We don’t see much of ‘em anymore.

April seems to be working a lot -

eww - and Casey seems to be, I

dunno, “different” lately. Maybe he

doesn’t like having to put the

toilet seat down now that they’ve

moved in together.

LEONARDO

They’re living together now?

They get to the living room area. Mikey walks to the edge of

a jury-rigged HALF-PIPE he built in an old water slough.

Mikey continues as he skates back and forth.

MICHAELANGELO

To be honest with ya, they’re kinda

buzzkills to be around.

LEONARDO

Is Casey at least still doing his

hockey mask thing?

MICHAELANGELO

Dunno. Haven’t noticed since The

Nightwatcher has come home to

roost. WOOOOHOOOOOOOO!

LEONARDO

“Nightwatcher”? That some new comic

book you’re hooked on, Mikey?

RAPHAEL walks in. Picks up Mikey’s scrapbook as he passes the

sofa and slugs it in Leo’s chest.

RAPHAEL

This should explain most of it. The

legacy of the city’s newest hero.

Compliments of the fanboy over

there.

MICHAELANGELO

Joke all you want, Raphy. But train

hard and eat your veggies and one

day, you too can be as cool as The

Nightwatcher, dude.

RAPHAEL

I can only hope, Mikey. I can only

hope...

Leo disapprovingly flips through the book.

LEONARDO

This guy could bring heat on all of

us if he keeps this up. Showboating

isn’t a replacement for justice...

it’s just self-indulgence.

(looks back at book)

Someone needs to talk to this thug.

ON RAPH - He looks... dying to say something. But can’t.

CUT TO:

37 EXT. APRIL AND CASEY’S LOFT – AFTERNOON 37

CLOSE ON - A familiar-looking white HOCKEY MASK. Eyes blink

behind it.

KID 1

Yo, Case? Wanna be goalie?

The mask is pushed aside by Casey - Kid 1 was holding it.

CASEY

Nah, you know I work for a livin’.

It’s Star Center or nothin’ else.

WIDER - Casey is with 5 other KIDS prepping for a game of

STREET HOCKEY, using tennis balls and trash cans. Chubbier

KID 2 walks by and grabs the mask himself.

KID 2

Whatever! Let’s get it on!

They begin a boisterous round of hockey. Trash talk, gentle

checking and all the requisite boy things. We see that the

kids love Casey. And vice versa. Suddenly-

BROOKLYN MOM (O.S.)

TOMMY!! IT’S TIME FOR DINNER!

TOMMY (KID 1)

BUT MA! WE JUST STARTED!

BROOKLYN MOM

(snapping back)

THOMAS!

Tommy’s defeated. Looks at the disappointed boys.

TOMMY

Sorry dudes.

CASEY

Busted! Have fun with your mommy...

(face falls, disappointed)

...oh no.

OFF HIS LOOK - We see APRIL, dressed stunning in a dark

business suit at the other side of the street. She’s dangling

a WHITE SHIRT and a TIE from her other hand.

CASEY

Aw, c’mon April! We just started!

April just gives him “the look” with an eyebrow cock. Casey

knows he can’t win.

KID 2

Can’t Casey stay and play for just

five more minutes, Miss O’Neil?

Pleeeeeeease?

APRIL

Not today, Nate. Mister Jones has

to pretend to be an adult for a few

hours.

KIDS

Awwwww! Man! Baaah!

Casey hands his stick, then quickly turns with a grin.

CASEY

Later boys!

CAM FOLLOWS April and Casey as they walk down the street.

April’s not really a hard-ass - she’s just forced to be the

“responsible one” in the relationship.

APRIL

I need your help with a delivery.

CASEY

(Arnold voice)

Do you need my funtahstick muscles?

APRIL

(unenthused)

Heh-heh... yeah.

Casey awkwardly places his arm over her shoulder as the cam

rests and they walk into the distance. He pulls it back down.

CAM ANGLES ON WALL - As we notice CLAW MARKS sliced into the

concrete exterior of a building.

CUT TO:

38 INT. WINTERS LOBBY – SUNSET 38

The doors open in Winters Lobby. April struts in, owning the

place. Casey struggles pulling the pallet holding the LARGE

CRATE behind them. As she passes reception-

RECEPTIONIST

Mr. Winters. April O’Neil is here.

39 INT. WINTERS OFFICE 39

His darkened office is especially alpha-male - BIG GAME HUNT

trophies adorn the walls, as do SUITS OF ARMOR from all time

periods and random strange ARTIFACTS spanning history in

glass cases.

Winters sits at his large desk as the large doors open and

April and Casey spill in.

WINTERS

Miss O’Neil. You are a vision.

Thirty days in a jungle, and

beautiful as ever.

He shakes her hand and double-cheek kisses her. Casey’s eyes

widen - is THIS what his girlfriend does?

APRIL

Hello Max.

(beat)

This is my... friend, Casey Jones.

WINTERS

Chris! How’s it going?

Winters nearly crushes Casey’s hand in his grip.

CASEY

Actually, It’s Ca-

WINTERS

(ignoring, back to April)

So how was your trip?

APRIL

You know, the typical - corrupt

government officials, double

crossed by a jungle guide, all

ending in a heart-pounding chase.

Winters and April chuckle. Cam adjusts to show Casey between

them in the bg, looking uncomfortable and out of place.

APRIL

But it was all worth it.

(beat - excited)

I found it. The fourth General.

Winters BEAMS, way too excited as well. April holds out her

hand to Casey, who doesn’t know what she wants. He awkwardly

HIGH FIVES her.

CASEY

Yeah-ha! The fourth General.

APRIL

(hushed gritted teeth)

The crow-bar.

CASEY

Oh.

He hands it to April as she twirls up a CROW-BAR and cracks

open the front panel.

INSIDE BOX POV - The light gradually breaks in, until - CREAK

- the front panel falls to the floor.

CLOSE ON - Winters’ look. Pure wonder and admiration. He

walks up to it slowly. April and Casey cautiously stay back.

WINTERS

(soft)

...the gods be praised.

ON BOX - We finally see the statue - GENERAL AGUILA - a seven-foot towering wall of granite and obsidian. Eagle warrior

armor reflecting a South American design... though not from a

specific time period. Winters rubs his hand over the stone.

APRIL

Can I ask you a question?

WINTERS

(not looking away)

Yes. Of course.

APRIL

I’ve been so grateful for the

opportunities you’ve given me

lately. I’d probably be still

selling antique curios if you

hadn’t visited my shop that day.

(off of box)

But I have to ask... why the

fascination with these particular

works of art? I’d never even heard

of the Legend of Yaotl until we

met.

He looks up. The cam PANS RIGHT. It travels past an SUIT OF

ARMOR in the FG. Goes to BLACK. Continue PAN until we’re in-

40 EXT. FLASHBACK BATTLEFIELD - 3000 YEARS AGO 40

-the armor becomes the back of a HELMET. Camera dollies

around the helmet until we’re looking at a dark and imposing

figure. YAOTL. His helmet is impenetrable, with eye slits.

Note - the flashback is dark, shadowed and monochromed.

Detail is hinted at instead of shown. Very stylized.

WINTERS (V.O.)

It was a time long before the

Mayans, April. Long before the

Aztecs and even the Olmecs. It was

a time of legends. A time of

greatness. The true mother culture

of Central America.

Cool shots of Yaotl. His armor, his stance, etc.

WINTERS (V.O.)

There was a man named Yaotl. More a

force of nature than man. And

together with his Four Warrior-

Priest Generals, they pillaged

every culture in their path.

QUICK SHOTS OF EACH GENERAL. The walk along side Yoatl.

Possibly slo-mo. We will come to recognize them through their

distinct armor as the Four Stone Generals - in human form.

WINTERS (V.O.)

And for every culture they

destroyed, they drank in all the

magic and knowledge known to them.

They became a warring hurricane,

gathering more power and knowledge

with each conquest.

GROUP SHOT - Of five Warriors. High atop a hillside, finally

stopped. Ready for battle. Their character-specific weapons

are drawn. Around them is a small army of MINIONS.

WINTERS (V.O.)

Then they came across a culture

rich with science, magic and their

own technology. A South American

version of “Atlantis”.

(beat)

It was like blood in the water for

a predator like Yaotl.

CLOSE ON - Yaotl. As he raises his sword in the air. CAM

DOLLIES AROUND HIS HEAD REVEALING their opposing forces. An

army of THOUSANDS. Waving their weapons in the air.

The opposing army CHARGES. Yaotl’s men pull out a large

ORNAMENTAL STAND - a “stargate” of sorts. Yaotl and his men

are unmoving... as they begin a ceremony. Yaotl looks to the

heavens above - as we see a CLUSTER OF SPECIFIC STARS move

into place.

WINTERS (V.O.)

As the army approached, Yaotl used

the knowledge they’d gained in

black magic and sorcery. Timing

their attack with the alignment of

the Stars of Kikin, they opened a

portal to another world.

ON CHARGING ARMY - they stop dead in their tracks. Front-lit

by the OS portal. Don’t know what to expect -

ON PORTAL - A crackling electric circle opens to another

dimension. Suddenly - DOZENS OF MONSTERS EXPLODE OUT!

Creatures of all varieties. Gnashing Fangs. Swiping claws.

WINTERS (V.O.)

They unleashed an army of monsters.

ON BATTLEFIELD - men getting slaughtered (in a nice PG sort

of way). Quick shots. Intense.

WINTERS (V.O.)

The monsters knew no side - they

destroyed the enemy... as well as

Yaotl’s own army. Men who swore to

spill their blood for his cause.

Yaotl had to do something to stop