King Kong Remake

Write the first Based on Peter Jackson's 1996 King Kong film, edited by Robert Stone, and imagined as an anime by Studio Ghibli. The animals of Skull Island including Kong would be the focus for the majority of the movie.

1917 during WWI
The roar of engines - sounding like angry buzzing bees - and three ... six ... Nine Sopwith Camel fighter planes emerge from the cloud, flying in tight formation. These are frail-looking, but deadly single-seat biplanes, each armed with twin Vickers machine guns. The Height of 1917 aircraft design was built to blast German planes out of the skies.

Jack Driscoll and his buddy, Matt Hamon are flying two Camels at the formation's rear. An uptight Brit named McKechnie is flying alongside them. He's as jumpy as hell, scanning the skies for enemy planes. Matt looks around furtively. None of the other pilots are looking in their direction. With practiced skill, Matt reaches for something in his tiny cockpit ... He stands up, wedges the control column between his knees, and turns back towards Jack's Camel, a baseball in his hand!! With equal proficiency, Jack jams his control column between his knees and stands, brandishing a baseball bat! Both pranksters have to fight against the fierce slipstream as Matt throws the ball. I am across fifty feet of the sky towards Jack! He prepares to swing, but the ball falls short, getting minced in Jack's propeller! A quick look around to make sure no one is looking, and Matt reaches down again, grabbing another baseball out of the bag of balls he carries in his cockpit! Matt pitches it back towards Jack, he swings and smashes the ball into the side of McKechnie's plane! He leaps, his Camel wobbling in the sky as he frantically spins around, thinking he's been hit by enemy fire! Jack and Matt sit in their cockpits, innocently looking the other way! Sudden machine gun fire. The squadron leader fired his guns to attract the attention of all his pilots. He gestures down and Jack looks down to see 3 large German bombers, escorted by 6 sleek Albatross fighters heading towards Allied lines, about 1000 feet below. With a wave of the squadron leader's arm, the nine Camels peel away toward the German planes. The fun is over for Jack and Matt as they grimly steer their planes into the steep dive ... wood creaks, and wire whistles as the Camels shudder against the wind resistance. Wings sometimes crumple like matchwood in dives as steep as this. Jack squints as he lines up an Albatross in his gunsights. The Germans have not spotted the fast-approaching Camels ... The Camel Pilots open fire virtually simultaneously.

18 machine guns send yellow tracer bullets ripping into the German planes. Within seconds, 3 Albatros are destroyed! One spins away in flames, another collapses under a hail of bullets and the third collides with one of the bombers, causing both planes to tumble out of the sky. It's a turkey shoot as the Camels fly through the German formation, turning sharply to attack again before the enemy pilots can recover. McKechnie blasts at the nose gunner of a German bomber, pumping so many bullets into his plane, the nose section disintegrates, and the German falls out ... This is in the days before parachutes ... Clunk!!!

The German gunner lands on Jack's wing!!! He desperately hangs on, spread-eagled, fingers gripping the wing edges. Jack stares at him, amazed ... This is one of those defining moments in life ... With a flick of his control stick, Jack could send this guy sailing into space. It is a moment he will remember till the end of his days ... Jack makes eye contact - the German is terrified, helpless ... Jack reaches out to him and yells above the noise) Here! Jack struggles to keep his plane flying as smoothly as possible - all around the swirling dogfight continues. The German reaches out for Jack's hand ... Bam! Bam! Bam! A sudden burst of gunfire hits the German. He looks at Jack with a kind of confused sorrow and rolls off the wing, falling to his death. A shocked Jack screams in horror. "No!!" Another Camel is flying just a few feet off Jack's tail. It dives away as tracer fire rips into Jack's plane ... He spins around, confronted with a terrifying sight! The 24 gaudily painted Fokker triplanes of Von Richthofen's Flying Circus (The Red Baron and the Jagdgeschwader I) are diving down towards them. The hunters have just become the hunted! Before Jack can react, the triplanes swoop into the dogfight ... The sky is suddenly filled with nearly 50 planes wheeling around in a desperate life-and-death struggle. From a distance, they look like a swarm of angry bees against a spectacular backdrop of cumulous clouds rising in towering columns. Close in, it's stomach-churning, noisy, and violent as terrified pilots throw their planes around the sky in a desperate attempt to blast bullets into each other. You may have seen the movie Dogfights before but haven't seen one like this! Jack wrenches the control stick, sending his Camel through a series of tight turns, wincing as boiling castor oil from the rotary engine slaps into his face there are so many planes that collision is as threatening as the deadly tracer fire that zips in all directions. Matt fires at a triplane, the blast of his guns causing his plane to tremble violently. The triplane's top wing breaks away, sending the German into a fatal spin. Jack stares in horror as he sees McKechnie's Camel is on fire - and flying straight towards him! He frantically tries to steer his plane away, but ... CRRUMMPP! Jack's plane clips McKechnie's and goes into an immediate spin. Jack tries to regain control; his right-hand wing tip is in tatters. Matt sees his buddy going down and dives after him, blasting at a couple of triplanes that are closing in on the crippled camel. Jack uses all his strength to haul the control stick back and pull out of the dive. He is dangerously close to the ground - the shell-torn landscape of No Man's Land.

Matt levels out alongside as Jack loses his last few feet of height and smashes into the ground. His undercarriage breaks away and the Camel slides to a stop in the mud. Jack leans back in the cockpit, his nose bloody from the crash, but otherwise unharmed ... Bang! Bang! Bang! Machine gun bullets suddenly rip into his plane. German soldiers are firing at him from the trenches! The Camel bursts into flames as bullets puncture the gas tank. Jack quickly rolls out of the cockpit and crawls away just as Matt roars low overhead, strafing the machine gun nest with a withering stream of tracer fire. Jack's plane explodes as he slides safely into a muddy shell hole, pulling his service revolver out of the holster.

Jack rips his flying helmet & goggles off and we see that he is just a 17-year-old kid. From out of the thick black plume of smoke from the burning plane, Matt's Sopwith Camel suddenly appears, gliding very low, he's attempting to land! Matt carefully guides the plane between shell holes and almost gets away with the landing, just as the plane slows to a stop, it hits a coil of barbed wire and flips on its back! Matt releases his seatbelt, falls to the ground, and pulls off his flying helmet.

Matt is about 20 years old. "Jack!" Matt calls out as he races towards the burning wreckage, then gunfire from the German trenches kicks the mud up around his feet and he dives forward into a large shell hole. Jack calls out. "Matt!" Matt's only a few yards away from Jack, but they have to stay in their respective shell holes as a ground-shaking volley of artillery fire thunders around them. Jack yelled at his friend. "What the hell are you doing?" Matt yelled back at him. "Saving your lousy ass!" Yelling back Jack said. "You're not saving anybody!" "You're in the shit like me!" Matt and Jack start chuckling when Matt hears a low noise, turns around, and screams as a burly German soldier rams his bayonet toward him. He gasps in shock as he is stabbed in the stomach. A shocked Jack yells to his friend. Matt??? Jack staggers over the top of the shell hole, confronting the three German soldiers who have descended on Matt. He fires his revolver at them ... killing each soldier. Jack sinks to his knees, sobbing with grief.

1933
years later on the island of Sumatra, a bizarre stone carving of a man riding a buffalo as the side of a wooden packing case swings shut, sealing the ancient figure into a tea chest marked "British Museum, London". A couple of Sumatran laborers hammer nails into the chest.

an extensive archaeological excavation underway in the foothills of the Bukit Seguntang mountains near Palembang that is being run by the British Museum archaeological dig in Sumatra 1933 The dig is nestled in a lush, humid valley with A spectacular waterfall that thunders into a river that bisects the camp - a group of tents, with a Union Jack fluttering from a makeshift flagpole. 8 British archaeologists have spread around, huddling over shell pits and primitive stone monuments - painstakingly freeing the remains of a 12th-century Hindu shrine from the grip of the Sumatran jungle. The most spectacular monument is a huge loft stone Buddha, set in a shallow cave below a rocky cliff. It sits serenely, casting an impassive gaze over the entire site.

Ann Darrow is an attractive young English woman in her early twenties. She wears baggy khaki trousers and a cotton shirt, her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. She issues orders to Mentawei - a Sumatran laborer.

Lord Linwood Darrow is in his late seventies but still cuts a dashing figure. His only apparent concession to age - a stout walking stick. Lord Darrow, what have you got there? Ann (nervous) A Neolithic bronze ... Reminiscent of the Nias Island cultures ... It's very curious. Defiantly Pagan. The use of ivory for the spear is unique ... What do you think? Lord Darrow says to his daughter. "Well, it's certainly something, I think you're trying to run before you can walk, Ann." Ann's face drops ... Lord Darrow takes the statue and gently leads her away from the site. Lord Darrow (CONT'D) "You're here merely to observe, leave the digging to people who know what they're doing, my dear."

They approach an elaborate stone pillar, carved. Intricately Lord Darrow. Now look at this fine example of early Hindu art ... I don't recall any sketches of this passing across my desk ... Ann, I photographed it extensively, father." Lord Darrow "Photography teaches you nothing, Ann. Click! One second and you've seen all you're going to see. I want you sitting here with your paper and pencils to see every chisel mark reproduced with painstaking accuracy. Understand the carving and you will understand the people. "That Ann is the key to archaeology." Lord Darrow walks away, leaving Ann scowling at the statue.

Ann's discovery is viewed through a magnifying glass ... Walter Douglas, a British archaeologist, slowly scans the small figure. Lord Darrow stands beside him, a perplexed frown on his face. Lord Darrow It makes no sense, Dougie ... Pagan artifacts below a Hindu site. Douglas It's like all the others ... it's a human bone. Douglas carefully places the statue on a linen-covered table ... Many other small artifacts - the work of the same culture - cover the table. All are bronze, and all have bone accessories. Douglas (CONT'D) My guess is it's sacrificial. Some sort of offering. Lord Darrow "An unknown culture ... A barbaric race with no regard for human life. We cut to PALEMBANG harbor - where is a crowded series of wharves where native outriggers and fishing boats compete for space with rusting coastal traders ... Amongst the junk that litters the harbor - an old Avro seaplane ... beached on the muddy banks, canvas ripped, wings broken. A large Tramp steamer - "The Venture", glides towards the dock, blasting its horn at the crowd of native boats crossing its path. EXT. Venture deck - DAY POV from "The Venture" of Palembang Harbor. Pull back to reveal a camera crew shooting the sight from the bow of the ship. The cameraman is Herb Cooper - middle-aged, steadfastly loyal, and walks with a pronounced limp. The sound recordist is Randell Peek - unpleasant, ratty-faced, potential troublemaker. Their equipment boxes are stenciled with "Carl Denham Pictures". Captain Englehorn, a dry, old-school skipper steers the ship in. Peek switches his tape recorder off ... removes his headphones. Peek Another God-forsaken Chinese rat-hole. Kurt Voss is wandering past, reading an Indonesian/English translation book. Kurt is an immensely strong ship's first mate ... brutish looking and slow-witted, the kind of guy who moves his lips when he reads ... he has a love of classical music. Kurt "Hai sahabatku yang baik" ... That means "Hello, my good friend". Peek flips his middle finger at Kurt. Peek That means "Piss off". Captain Englehorn yells from the bridge. Englehorn yelling. Secure the moorings! CUT TO EXT. PALEMBANG dOCKS - DAY A group of ten Sumatran officials is waiting nervously on the docks as the gangplank is secured. Peek is the first off, followed by Herb, staggering under the weight of the camera and tripod. Mr Selamat GiNTING, the local district commissioner, steps forward, thrusting garland flowers around Peek's neck ... A tin-pot band strikes up an out of tune version of "Dixie". MR GINTING (carefully practiced) We welcome you, Mr. Denham! We celebrate the bonding of our cultures ... the peoples of Sumatra unite in friendship with the people of Hollywoodland! Peek hands the garland back. Peek Save it buddy - you've got the wrong guy - Denham (O.S.) Roll camera, roll sound! I'm coming ashore! Denham is a showman, a larger-than-life character - part Orson Welles, part John Huston - a man in love with his legend. He has a reputation for traveling to the most dangerous corners of the world, producing exotic documentaries. These thrilled audiences in the days before the TV with their images of elephant stampedes and lions hunting. Denham is overweight, has no taste in wardrobe, and sweats profusely. MR GINTING puts the garland over Denham's head. MR GINTING We welcome you, Mr. Denham! We celebrate the bonding - Denham pumps MR GINTING'S hand enthusiastically, steering around to face the camera Denham (interrupts) Hi, Carl Denham ... How's going. Wonderful to be here... Denham moves off down the line of officials, shaking hands, not pausing for their names, and always playing the camera... Denham Pleased to meet you ... Hi, how's it going? Pleased to meet you! Hi, Carl Denham ... How's it going? MR GINTING We offer ourselves at your service, Mr. Denham! DENHAM And I appreciate that so much, I do - a sentiment that will be shared by audiences across America when they view my latest documentary sensation "Indonesia ...Hell Hole of the World". Ernie Hemmingway agreed to write the narration. We're going out through Universal ... Laemmale's promised me fifteen hundred screens. MR GINTING nods politely ... the sound of a loud truck horn ... A truck, fully laden with sawn logs is trying to drive onto the wharf. "Dixie" falls apart as the band grabs their instruments and scatter. The truck reaches Denham and the reception group ... Jack Driscoll leans out of the cab. Jack "You guys are gonna have to move!"

Jack is now in his early thirties ... He has not lost his boyish looks, but years of tropical sun has darkened his skin. The officials look flustered ... Jack leaps out of the cab ... strides over. He gestures towards a cargo barge moored next to the "Venture". Jack (CONT'D) If I don't get my cargo on this ship, I'll miss the sailing.

HERB'S viewfinder, Jack walks into the shot. Denham annoyed Hey buddy! I don't know who you think you are, but you just walked into a Carl Denham Picture! Take a hike! Jack sees the camera pointing at him. Jack What the hell is going on? MR. GiNTING (Insincere) It's Hollywood! Jack Yeah? Well, see that? He points at his heavily laden truck ... Jack says. That's "Jack's Wood" - and it's going on that boat! Jack jumps back into the cab, and drives straight at the officials, sending the reception into chaos ... HERB has to quickly pull the camera and tripod away - Denham looks furious! MR Ginting hurries over - looking sick with fear and embarrassment. MR GINTING (distraught) I'm so sorry! I am so sorry! Denham spins around ... his mood is so black; he looks as if he might hit.

MR GINTING ... He suddenly breaks into a charming smile! Denham It is I who has to apologize, sir. It's people like him who give Americans a bad name. MR. GINTING almost sobs with relief. MR GINTING You are most kind. We will be proud to assist you!

Denham Exotic lands, primitive people, dangerous animals ... That's what the public expects from a Carl Denham picture! Lead us into the mountains, Sir! MR GINTING The mountains? Denham puts an arm around MR GINTING'S shoulder. Denham Shut your eyes - let me paint a picture in your mind ... MR GINTING squeezes his eyes shut. Denham (CONT'D) Our cameras are focused on the deepest Sumatran jungle. Steam rises from the verdant foliage... Suddenly a jackdaw screams! Why? ... Because the Beast is moving through the trees! Eyes blazing, incisors dripping, the Beast knows no fear - for he is the most powerful creature to walk the land! (He lowers his voice ominously) You know what I'm talking about don't you, Mr. Ginting?

You know what I'm talking about don't you, Mr. Ginting? MR GINTING nods fearfully. EXT. Logging camp in the Sumatran mountains - Sumatran lumberjacks are working at a fever pitch, clearing a rainforest ... saws and axes rip into the trees ... They crash to the ground. A primitive sawmill works the logs in rough-sawn timbers. WIDE Several acres have been stripped. The foreman watches with satisfaction as the last solitary tree in this block is attacked by two axe men. Jack pulls up in his truck. Jack "Hey, great work! You guys have earned yourselves a bonus! Jack leaps out of the truck as the last tree starts to splinter ... suddenly a terrified scream comes out of the topmost branches of the tree. The foreman looks sick. Foreman (upset) Orangutan ... The scream continues as the tree slowly topples to the ground with a thundering crash ... Sudden silence. Jack "Goddamn monkeys." They piss me off! Jack strides into a makeshift wooden hut ... INT. Logging office - DAY Jack The sooner we clear this rainforest the better. The office is functional and tidy. The sound of panic ...

Jack turns as TENKU - a sawmill worker is carried into the office with a nasty injury to his leg. Worker Tenku hurt pretty bad, boss! Jack clears the desk with a sweep of his arm ... They lay the TENkU down. Jack looks at the wound ... a nasty shard of metal - the size of a dinner knife - is embedded in his leg. Jack grins at TeNKU, clearly not wanting to alarm him. Jack (forced casual) Hey, it's just a splinter. Jack takes a grip on the metal shard... Jack (CONT'D) How's Mrs. Tenku? She must be close. TENKU (gasping) Baby due any day ... ARRGHH!! Jack suddenly pulls the shard out. Workers close in, wrapping the round in bandages. Jack Ok boys ... Take him to the hospital! Quick now! TENKU is carried outside as a sawmill vehicle pulls up. CLOSE on A safe ... Jack quickly takes a wad of banknotes and slips them into an envelope. EXT. Logging cAMP/Sumatran mountains - TENKU is slid into the back seat of the car. Jack strides out of the office. Jack Hey! You wanna be more careful! Jack leans in, slipping the envelope into TENKU'S hand. You dropped this in my office. TEnKU gives Jack a grateful toothless grin as the door slams shut and the car roars away. An eerie animal roar suddenly echoes across the valley. The entire site pauses as the worker looks around, trying to figure out where this fearful sound is coming from ... Jack frowns. Meanwhile, in the Sumatran Highlands - a loud roar continues ... over a slow pan across a misty ridgeline ... EXT. JUNGLE clearing - DAY Roar continues... PAR onto Carl Denham roaring into a megaphone! He is sitting in one of two vehicles, parked just off the road, on the edge of a clearing. Several crew members from the ship are perched on the vehicles, including Peek and Kurt. Mr. GINTING and two Sumatran guides look nervously around, clutching rifles.

Denham lowers the megaphone looking very satisfied with himself.

Denham The sound of a wounded warthog ... a little trick I picked up from the Tau people of New Guinea! Keep your eye on the eyepiece, Herb! We won't be waiting long. Herb has the camera set up in the middle of the clearing, his lens staring into the thick, dark jungle that lies ahead ... he looks alone and vulnerable. Denham throws a huge lump of bloody raw meat into the clearing ... it lands at HERB'S feet ... he swallows nervously. Denham settles back into his seat, lighting a large cigar. Denham (CONT'D) Tell me Mr. Ginting - are there any parts of your country where people still wear ... native costumes? MR GINTING asks confusingly. "Native costume?" Denham Y'know, traditional ceremonies where the woman ... divest themselves of their undergarments. Denham gestures at his chest ... MR Ginting is confused. Denham (CONT'D) Hooters, Mr. Ginting. There's nothing the public likes to see more than native hooters. Peek sniggers. MR GINTING frowns. MR GINTING We are a very modest and deeply religious people, Mr. Denham. Denham grunted while saying. That's too bad. A noise from the jungle - Denham suddenly leaps to his feet. Denham (CONT'D) He's close, boys - Roll camera! Roll sound! HERB rolls camera ... the whirring motor is the only sound in the clearing - even the BIRDS are suddenly quiet ... Branches snapping and leaves shaking in the distance -something is approaching from inside the dense jungle ... Tense faces! Denham ... MR GINTING ... Kurt ... Herb wipes a bead of sweat from his brow without taking his eye off the eyepiece ... A gasp is heard from the group as the bushes part and out steps a Sumatran tiger. It warily steps into the clearing, regarding Herb with suspicion. He can barely breathe as he pans, following the tiger's movements. Denham (CONT'D) (loud megaphone) Looking good Herb! Stand by for the roar ... here we go! Denham lowers his megaphone and throws a large stone, hitting the tiger on the back! The tiger roars in surprise! DENHAM (CONT'D) Boy! Were those teeth in focus, Herb? Herd in a choked whisper. Yeah! The tiger sniffs the meat ... Rejects IT ... MR GINTING (quiet) He doesn't want the meat ... He snarls at Herb ... MR GINTING (CONT'D) (panicked) Man Eater!!! Denham A man-eater! Fantastic! (megaphone) Making history, Herb Peek For God's sake! Get him outta there! Denham Just a few more seconds ... The tiger suddenly springs on HERB! The cameraman screams as he topples backward - camera, tripod, and tiger landing on top of him! For a moment, all onlookers are frozen in their vehicles ... MR GINTING suddenly raises his rifle and fires. Gunshots echo across the dig site. Everybody stops - looks around ...

Lord Darrow races out of a tent and at that moment, the tiger races out of the undergrowth, charging straight through the camp!! Lord Darrow (yelling) Tiger!!! Chaos erupts with brief fleeting glimpses of the tiger, racing through the camp - leaping tables, crashing through tents ... People are running, diving, grabbing rifles. Ann pushes a Sumatran maid clear of the tiger. Vehicles suddenly burst out of the trees and career wildly through the camp! The Sumatran? Ran guides are shooting at the fleeing tiger ... Herb is battered, bleeding, and is filming from one of the bouncing vehicles! Denham is balancing in the front seat with a look of euphoria - like a general leading a cavalry charge. The vehicles do more damage than the tiger! Ancient statues are boded over, ropes snag on the cars - Ripping tents out of the ground, and lunch tables are destroyed. People that leaped away from the tiger have to leap -- Further to avoid the speeding cars! Bang! Bang! The tiger does a huge leap as bullets whizz by.

Ricocheting off the Buddha in the big lumps of stone fly off in clouds of dust. The tiger bounds up the bank beside the Buddha and disappears into the undergrowth. Lord Darrow runs at the vehicles. Lord Darrow cried out. Stop it, you idiots!

Ann races towards her father as the vehicles slide to a halt at the foot of the cliff below the Buddha.

ANN (alarmed) Father! Lord Darrow These are priceless artifacts you're ruining the site! Denham asks quietly to Kurt) Who is this limey asshole? Kurt shrugs ... Lord Darrow hurries towards the vehicles. Lord Darrow Out! Out! All of you! We have been issued with an exclusive permit - Ann interrupting her father. Father!

The Buddha ... Bullet hits have blown lumps of stone away, revealing a creepy bronze statue - concealed beneath the thin "Buddha" shaped outer layer. Only a small section is revealed, but it is clear that the bronze figure is that of an animal ...

Lord Darrow is mesmerized as he says. "What the."

Lord Darrow rushes up the slope to the statue ... He hits the stone veneer with his stick - once, twice, on the third blow, the remainder of the "Buddha" shell suddenly crumbles away and falls in a heap on the ground! Exposed for the first time in nearly 800 years is the statue of a frightening animal, an ape-like creature -face snarling with fearsome rage... bristled fur ... taloned hands. It sits atop a pile of real human skulls, integrated into the bronze work. At the base of the statue are panels of hieroglyphic-type inscriptions. An ancient piece of frightening art ... it sends the group into stunned silence. Lord Darrow God Lord ... I don't believe it. From a low angle, Lord Darrow turns to face the group, the statue filling the frame behind him. The old man's eyes blaze with low obsessive intensity. Lord Darrow (creepy) Behold ... the Beast God ... Kong! MR GINTING backs away, trembling. MR GINTING (terrified) Kong. Lord Darrow says in a creepy tone. Worshipped by a group of people ... "Talak e a Kong" The Cult of the Beast God - until now a myth ... a superstition. The Sumatrans are all backing away. The Europeans stare at the statue - Kurt moves closer, studying the hieroglyphics on a panel that seems to contain a crude map. The atmosphere is mesmerizing, there is silence.

Denham (loudly) That was great your Lordship! Now, if you wouldn't mind - just repeat that and we'll get it from another angle. Same words, please! HERB has been filming Lord Darrow! LORD Darrow looks over to the No photography, turn that thing off, please! Denham climbs out of his vehicle...

Denham Hi - Carl Denham. I'm A big admirer of your work, sir. I've loved all your discoveries. I want to work closely with you on this incredible find. It'll be good for you and good for me.

That's beside the point at the moment, you and I need to have a word with you about what just happened. People could've died.

Ann Look Mr. Denham - you're not welcome here. Just pack up your cameras and go. Denham's face clouds with anger.

Ann (softly) Have you got a hearing problem? Get out. Denham's group climbs into their vehicles.

Englehorn (tense) Look, I've sailed these waters for twenty-seven years ... there's no island like that around here.

Denham (more excited) What a climax to the film - The first white men to set foot on." He pauses. "Skull Island" (very excited) Twentieth Century man comes face to face with a ... a ... naked stone age tribe!

Englehorn agitated) I tell you it doesn't exist! Denham, we need those coordinates someone's gotta get back there and jot the rest of it down.

The next morning

ANN Oh God, it's that bloody Yank!

Lord Darrow "Now, Ann!" "Try to be polite." An angry Jack comes up to them. "Alright old man!" "You'd better have a good explanation because you've just lost me ten grand's worth of business!" A confused Lord Darrow. "I beg your pardon?" Jack "I've got a contract to clear a hundred thousand acres of rainforest by Christmas and my entire workforce has just walked out, they're spooked by some weird shit you guys are pulling out of the ground!" Lord Darrow (casual) Oh no! "That can't be right, we've had no problems with your people." The tent flap pulled back to reveal a large empty tent, clearly vacated in a hurry. WIDE SHOT Lord Darrow looks around ... Apart from the handful of English, the camp is deserted. ANN looks flustered. Jack stands with his hands on his hips. Anthony - another archaeologist, runs over to LORD Darrow. Anthony (whispers) They said the wrath of Kong has returned ... "Those in his shadow will be plagued by death". Lord Darrow in an urgent whisper. Call the shipping company, Tony. It's time we started freighting the artifacts home. JACK Your Lordship! Aren't you forgetting something? I'd appreciate a little talk about compensation. Lord Darrow What?

Ann Tell me, Mr. Driscoll - is it a requirement of the forestry business that you have to be as thick as the trees you cut down? Lord Darrow Ann! LORD DARROW steps forward - JACK backs away in mock horror. Jack (theatrical) Holy God! The mummy walks! Ann (yelling) How dare you? My father is the British Museum's most respected archeologist! Jack (yelling) Do they have him on display at the weekends? CLOSE ON Ann's map, on a table with other sketches as ominous music plays. PEEK calmly grabs it and heads away. Everyone is distracted by the argument that continues ... ANN (yelling) God, you're so obnoxious! Our work happens to be of great anthropological value! Jack (yelling) Value? ... Value? Jack grabs an ancient earthenware pot off a table of artifacts ... Jack (CONT'D) You couldn't get ten cents for this thing! It's cracked! He tosses the pot over his shoulder, smashing it! Behind Jack ... all hell breaks loose!!! Military vehicles roar into the camp ... 100 Sumatran rebels spill out of several trucks - they stream through the site, yelling and pulling people from tents.

SOLDIERS (yelling) Out of your tents! Out of your tents! Jack looks around, totally confused. LORD DARROW What is the meaning of this??? The Sumatran colonel in charge steps up. COLONEL, we are closing you down! No more permits! You go home! Tents are being torn down ... Artifacts are swept into sacks. Books and papers are thrown into a pile and doused with petrol. LORD DARROW You can't destroy these things ... They're part of history. Colonel Some things are better left alone. Whroosh' The FIRE roars into life. A sudden yell - Randell Peek is thrown to the ground by two soldiers. He is clutching Ann's map! SOLDIER, He was caught trying to escape! The colonel unrolls the map ... ANN (very tense) That's mine. COLONEL Burn everything. He hands the map to a soldier ... Ann tries to rush forward but is restrained by SOLDIER 2. Lord Darrow sees soldiers streaming away from the Kong statue.

DARROW sinks to his knees, clutching his chest. ANN (horrified) Father!!! ANN rushes over as Lord DARROW gently pitches forward onto the ground. She cradles her father's head in her lap. ANN (CONT'D) (panicked) Somebody help me, help me! Jack kneels over Lord DARROW ... shakes his head. Jack, I'm sorry ... ANN (shocked) No! ANN bursts into tears ... falls on her father's body, sobbing with grief. The COLONEL takes her arm. COLONEL Everyone under our protection. You and your father's body will be escorted to the airfield in the morning for the plane home. No more permits! The COLONEL attempts to pull ANN away from her father's body. Jack roughly shoves the colonel away. Jack Leave her alone for Christ's sake!

SOLDIER 2 clubs Jack with his rifle butt! JACK falls to the ground ... SOLDIER 2 snatches LORD Darrow's fob watch as a trophy. Suddenly! Jack rockets up, grabbing Soldier 2'S rifle. He rams the butt into the colonel's stomach and smashes Soldier 2 across the chin ... The fob watch falls to the ground. SOLDIER 1 is by the fire, about to burn Ann's map - He raises his rifle ... In a flash, Jack throws the rifle at SOLDIER 1, knocking him into the fire! Ann's map flutters to the ground. Confusion erupts! Soldiers shoot wildly at Jack as he disappears into the darkness ... Ann stands alone by her father's body - Zombie-like. CLOSE on the fob watch ... ANN picks it up. A piece of paper blows at her feet - she looks down at the map. Close on Peek watching her.

Jack dodges a flurry of gunfire and leaps into his truck. He guns the engine and roars off down the jungle track.

Clunk! Somebody jumps onto the tray of his truck before he gains much speed. Jack plants his boots and swerves violently, trying to throw them off. The intruder nearly rolls out - Jack looks into his side mirror ... Ann's only just clinging to the side, still clutching the map... She stares angrily into the mirror. Ann For God's sake it's me! Jack slows enough to allow Ann to clamber into the cab through the passenger door. Smash! A bullet shatters the rear window as two Sumatran military cars speed up behind them.

Ann says to Jack. "They're gaining on us!"

The chase accelerates out of the jungle, and down a narrow mountain road ... A sheer 300ft drop on one side. Jack throws his truck around corners with recklessness. The stony track is barely wide enough for a vehicle -not one sliding around tight corners ... at times one wheel hangs out in space. Ann clings to her seat.

Jack has gained on the military vehicles as they reach the bottom of the hill, racing on a dirt road beside a muddy river ... Jack looks back - failing to take a corner.

The truck flies off the road, splashing into the river! Jack and Ann brace themselves as the truck lurches to a halt ... It lies half-submerged in the river beside an old wooden pier.

The water level is just above the bottom of the truck's windows. Within seconds the water fills the cab up to their necks. The first military vehicle roars past ... but the second stops. Our old friends - SOLDIERS 1 & 2, get out and approach the pier. JACK (whisper) Get out ... Stay under the pier. Before they can move a large crocodile suddenly lunges at Ann! Its snapping jaws thrust in through her side window. ANN falls back into Jack's lap ... The croc's shoulders are too wide for the window - it gets wedged, snapping at Ann, inches short of her nose! More crocodiles descend on the truck, clawing at Jack's window and the windscreen - it threatens to break under the strain.

A flashlight beam plays on the car ... the two soldiers approach holding rifles. JACK (yelling) Shoot them! More crocs scramble onto the tray, snapping through the broken rear window! Jack and ANN huddle together, their mouths at water level, teeth snapping all around them. Jack can see the two soldiers through the side mirror .. they're enjoying the show - cracking a private joke. Jack (yelling) Come here!

The two soldiers don't respond.

Jack (yelling) I said come here! I don't have a will and I've got twenty grand stashed in a Singapore Bank. I want you to have it! As Jack speaks, he is gasping for air and spitting out water ... The two soldiers warily approach, their rifles trained on Jack. Jack (CONT'D) I know you guys aren't sadistic, evil scum. I know you're good boys at heart, and I want you and your families to get some pleasure from my lifetime of hard work. Jack POV The two soldiers edge closer along the pier -prepared for any trick Jack might pull ... Behind them - A huge fat croc has climbed the riverbank and is waiting stealthily on the pier!!! Jack calls out Royal Bank of Singapore ... Ask for Mr. Sanyun Khan. For Christ's sake, don't get him mixed up with Sulkin Khan - the guy works at the next desk and is a total asshole. Won't give you anything! The soldiers nod. The fat croc is getting near but moving very slowly. Ann too is watching the approaching croc through the mirror. A snapping croc nips Jack's shoulder drawing blood. He gasps... Jack (CONT'D) I'll give you the account number. You should write it down ... One ... Seven ... Guys! I'm really worried you're going to forget this! I've got enough stress at the moment - write the damn thing down! SOLDIER 1 lowers his rifle and pulls a notepad out of his pocket - just as ... The fat croc charges! He covers the last few feet moving at lightning speed. He takes the second soldier in his jaws and with a flick of his tail, sweeps the first SOLDIER into the water! All the crocodiles leave the truck and descend on the thrashing soldier like a pack of piranhas.

ANN grabs the floating map and pushes the door open ... she and Jack quickly wade to the bank the water behind them a churning maelstrom! The soldier's vehicle ... Jack races up to it and leans in - No keys! Jack (CONT'D) Damn! He does retrieve a pistol from the back seat. He tucks it into his belt. On the Sumatran road in the NIGHT, ANN and Jack are walking along a road. Paddy fields on one side, jungle on the other ...the lights of Palembang are glowing about 3 miles ahead. Car headlights appear behind them. They quickly duck into the undergrowth.

Ann (excited) It's Dougie's car!! Jack hurries to the middle of the road, waving at the car. It slows down ... Suddenly accelerates, bowling Jack He rolls across the hood, landing in a heap on the ground. ANN (shocked) Jack! ANN runs over to him ... the car stops, and Randell PEEK hops out! PEEK Oh God! I didn't see him! Jack's eyes flutter open - he looks up to see ... PEEK suddenly clubs ANN! She topples over and PEEK snatches the map, an "it's my lucky night" look on his face. Jack tries to get up, but he's too stunned and can only watch as PEEK jumps back in the car and speeds away.

Voyage
The "Venture' is steaming away from the docks - smoke shoots out of its funnel as the boiler pressure rises ... The orange light of dawn fills the sky. CUT TO EXT. Palembang docks - DAWN Jack and ANN run onto the dock ... They look filthy, bruised, and very tired. Ann watches in despair as the "VENTURE" leaves the harbor mouth. ANN (urgent) Where do I charter a boat? Jack, There's nothing fast enough to catch that. Forget it. It's over. ANN (angry) I not doing this for me, Jack! It's for my father. This is possibly the greatest anthropological discovery of the last two hundred years! It belongs to him! I'm going to that island ... nothing's going to stop me.

ANN (urgent) Where do I charter a boat? Jack, There's nothing fast enough to catch that. Forget it. It's over. ANN (angry) I not doing this for me, Jack! It's for my father. This is possibly the greatest anthropological discovery of the last two hundred years! It belongs to him! I'm going to that island ... nothing's going to stop me! Jack glances at a native dugout. Jack, You might have some luck with that ... if you paddle as fast as you talk. Jack turns and walks away, ducking into the shadows as a military vehicle cruises past in the distance. ANN (O.S.) Jack. Jack turns ... ANN is looking at the old 2-seat float plane, beached on the muddy bank. It is a total wreck - broken wings, rudder hanging by one hinge, control wires snapped and tangled.

ANN (CONT'D) (hopeful) Can you fly? Jack, Are you kidding?! That heap of junk will never leave the ground! He turns and carries on walking ... Jack (CONT'D) Besides, I've given it away. I haven't flown since the war and I ain't ever flying again. CUT TO EXT. SUMATRAN coast - MORNING

INT. VENTURE bridge -- MORNING Captain ENGLEHORN is steering the ship.

DENHAM is pacing anxiously while Kurt studies Ann's pencil rubbing. He is marking a course on a modern map. Kurt Here! Denham watches with excitement as Kurt makes a cross in the middle of a vast empty ocean.

KURT (CONT'D) It says the island is surrounded by salak-pur ... a fog bank. DENHAM How many days? ENGLEHORN (adamant) There's no island there. We're wasting our time! DENHAM (angry) I'm chartering this vessel, Englehorn - how many days? ENGLEHORN (sullen) Two... maybe three. The sound of an approaching plane!!! EXT. VENTURE DECK - MORNING Denham and Kurt come out onto the deck, scanning the sky for the plane ... Kurt shouts to Denham. "Mr Denham!" Kurt is pointing at the sea. DENHAM (confused) What the - CRASH CUT TO EXT. SUMATRAN COAST - MORNING The old floatplane, is speeding along the surface of the water! The engine is belching black smoke but is still propelling the wreck at a fair rate of knots. The floats have slow signs of hasty repair to keep them watertight. We close on Jack in the front cockpit, with Ann behind him ... sea spray, is showering them. Jack is keeping an eye on the gauges. We crash cut TO Jack (yelling above noise) I'm gonna pull alongside. I can't cut the engine - she'll never start again. EXT. VENTURE/OCEAN - MORNING Most of the crew are lining the decks, watching with amusement as the floatplane pulls up alongside. Englehorn has cut the engines. Denham groans when he recognizes ANN. ANN (yelling) I'm coming onboard! Throw down a ladder! Denham (yelling) You're outta your depth here, Miss Darrow! ANN (yelling) There's no hard feelings, Mr. Denham! I just want to come to the island with you! Denham (yelling) Does this look like the "Queen Mary"?? We don't take passengers! Full steam ahead, Captain Englehorn! Denham walks away. Jack (sarcastic) Well, that was certainly worth the effort! Does Whaddya do for an encore? Ann suddenly reaches forward, snatching the pistol out of Jack's belt!

Denham and Englehorn head toward the bridge when... Bang! Bang! ... Gunshots! They race back to the side ... Bang! Bang! Ann is pumping bullets into the plane's floats! It immediately starts sinking! Ann (yelling) Are you going to stand there and watch us drown, gentlemen? ENGLEHORN orders) Throw down a ladder ... Quick now!

CLOSE ON ... Denham. DENHAM (muttering) Shit! CUT TO EXT. OCEAN - DAY WIDE SHOT ... The "Venture" steamed towards the horizon. INT. ANN'S CABIN - DAY ANN is shown in a small, functional cabin by Kurt. ANN Thank you. EXT. VENTURE DECK - DAY KURT closes Ann's door ... Jack is holding a bundle of dry clothes. Standing outside, KURT 'Fraid Miss Darrow' s taken the last cabin. I could put you - Jack (interrupts) I'll take care of myself. Thanks. Jack heads towards the front of the ship. He approaches an open door ... A pair of feet protrude from beneath the door.

EXT. OCEAN - DAY WIDE SHOT ... The "Venture" steamed towards the horizon. INT. ANN'S CABIN - DAY ANN is shown in a small, functional cabin by KURT. ANN Thank you. EXT. VENTURE DECK - DAY KURT closes Ann's door ... Jack is holding a bundle of dry clothes. Standing outside, KURT 'Fraid Miss Darrow has taken the last cabin. I could put you - Jack (interrupts) I'll take care of myself. Thanks. Jack heads towards the front of the ship. He approaches an open door ... A pair of feet protrude from beneath the door. Jack suddenly kicks the door! With a scream, Randell PEEK drops to the deck, clutching his bleeding mouth! Jack (CONT'D) Sorry! I didn't see you there. Jack walks on. EXT. STERN DECK/VENTURE - DAY CLOSE on a golf ball sitting on a tee. Whack! Denham hits the ball out to sea ... He is aiming at a small raft with a golf hole & flag that is being towed 100 yards behind the ship! He wears a cap and fours.

ANN (O.S.) Mr. Denham ... DENHAM glances at ANN as he tees up again. She is wearing a borrowed set of men's clothes. ANN (CONT'D) Can I see the map? My father spoke of references to a Beast God ... Denham (interrupts briskly) Kong is a myth, nothing but a native superstition, Miss Darrow. All we're going to find on that island are some primitive people in grass skirts. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm trying to reduce my handicap. Denham swings at the ball ... ANN Have you considered a personality transplant? Denham misses the ball. EXT. FORE-DECK - DAY HERB is cleaning his camera in the sunshine - it lies on a blanket in pieces. His shoulder is still bandaged from the tiger attack. Ann is relaxing beside him. HERB I know he can be a little crass, but Mr. Denham's basically a good guy ... put both my kids through school. Herb lifts the camera's body and winces.

Ann is concerned and asks. How's your shoulder? HERB Shoulder's fine ... It's this - HERB pulls up his sleeve - ANN flinches at the sight of an ugly scar on his arm. HERB (CONT'D) (matter of fact) Sea Lion up in Nova Scotia. No hospitals ... it was stitched up by an Eskimo housewife using penguin gut. The sinew never really mended.

Ann is in shock. "That's terrible!" Herb misunderstanding her words, "No, no - we got the shot, Mr. Denham won an award for that picture, I'm prouder of animal love in the Rockies" "I got some wonderful footage of a pair of Grizzlies - er, you know ... mating." "Excuse my language!" HErB pulls up his trouser leg, revealing an artificial limb! HeRB continues his words. "Cost me my leg, but as Mr. Denham says ... Pain is temporary, the film is forever" AnN looks appalled. EXT. DECK - NIGHT AnN emerges from the door, walks past a covered lifeboat, and leans on the rail. Kurt is hunched on a box, playing the violin.

It is a heavy sea, and spray mists over ANN, her blonde hair blows in the wind ... it is a lyrical moment. ANN (to Kurt) Do you know "Brahms Lullaby"?

Kurt shakes his head. "Can't say I do, Miss Darrow."

Ann When I was little and away from home, my father would sing it to me when I got scared ... (singing softly)) "Lullaby and good night, go to bed and sleep tight ..."

Kurt recognizes the tune and joins in with his violin ... Ann continues singing, withdrawing her father's silver fob watch from her jacket.

Ann singing softly. "Close your eyes, start to yawn, Pleasant dreams until dawn." Ann releases her father's watch, and it disappears into the churning sea ... She wanders away down the deck.

vomit sounds and Ann jumps with fright as the lifeboat cover suddenly lifts up and Jack leans out, throwing up. He glances at Ann with bleary eyes.

Haven't found my sea legs yet. I'm not a good sailor ... but who's complaining? I'm on a wonderful cruise with first-class accommodation, and a beautiful babe has just walked into my bedroom.

Jack rolls back into the lifeboat. Yeah! Life's looking pretty damn good at the moment.

Ann, I don't know what happened to you, Jack ... but I can't believe you were always this much of a bastard.

Jack (shrugs) When this boat finally reaches Jakarta, I'll be first off. You'll never see me again ... and believe me - that day cannot come soon enough. I've got no problem with you ignoring me for the rest of the voyage. Ann turns and walks away ... to the sound of the soulful violin. Lenson takes a look at the map. Wonder what creatures could be hunted on this blank space of the map, it could be the ultimate hunt.

INT. Ann's cabin - Dawn Ann wakes to the sound of voices and running feet.

EXT. DECK - DAWN Ann emerges from her cabin, hurriedly pulling a sweater on. Kurt runs past, heading for the bridge. Kurt (excited) We've arrived! INT. BRIDGE - DAWN A sweeping pan of the horizon ... ... nothing but empty sea. Denham, Englehorn, Kurt, and Ann are standing bridge, looking in all directions. Englehorn (smug) I guess that answers your questions. There's no island on these coordinates - not even a lousy fogbank.

Denham (angry) "Well, that was a monumental waste of time! I pay good money, only to be taken on some wild goose chase!" He says to Kurt. I made the mistake of trusting my idiot translator! Jack arrives in the doorway ... He glances at the charts.

Ann, It has to be here! It was on the map! Englehorn I'm turning this ship around. We're charting a course for Jakarta! Ann No! This is my father's discovery! You can't just abandon the search.

Denham, I have to apologize, Miss Darrow. It seems we've all been badly misled. Kurt! I want you to take this the right way - you're a genuine moron! Ann breaks down into sobs ... Jack looks at her - makes a decision ... Jack "We're further south than this. He's pointing at the cross marking the island. Ann looks at him, a flicker of hope crosses her face. Denham raises his eyebrows as Englehorn frowns.

Jack (CONT'D) I'd guess we're at least half a degree below the charted course. The island's a couple of hundred miles northwest. Englehorn said. Impossible! Jack, I know how to navigate, Captain Englehorn. You've made a mistake.

Denham hosting dinner for Jack and Ann. He is in a relaxed, jovial mood. He reaches under the table and produces a gift-wrapped present ... he hands it to Ann - she is surprised.

Denham "It's time to smoke the peace pipe - as we say back in America." He gestures at the gift. "I bought it in Singapore for my wife, but I'd like you to have it." Ann holds up a pale satin nightdress and quilted dressing gown. Jack raises his eyebrows. Denham, I hope it fits ... Mrs. Denham's a big lady.

Ann being polite) It's ... lovely.

DENHAM Miss Darrow ... I've been thinking. I would very much like to dedicate this motion picture to the memory of your father. It's a great shame he wasn't able to join us on this adventure. Truly a wonderful man.

Jack and Ann exchange a look. Denham I thought that with your assistance we could have the premiere at the Albert Hall. We'll take out a full page ad in Variety - "The Lord Darrow Benefit screening". We'll invite the King of England - hell, we'll get the whole Royal Family along! It'd be good for them and good for us! Ann pauses. To be quite honest, Mr. Denham ... I find the whole idea to be quite reprehensible. Denham grins and lights a cigar ... Denham Thank you! I thought it was quite clever myself! At that moment the ship's engines suddenly stop. DENHAM. EXT. DECK/VENTURE - NIGHT DENHAM leads the way onto the deck, followed by Jack and Ann ... All three stare in awe ... WIDE SHOT The "VENTURE" sits on a flat sea, dwarfed by nearly vertical towering wall. Of fog ... It rises hundreds of feet into the air, lit by an eerie MOONLIGHT. INT. BRIDGE - NIGHT CLOSE ON Englehorn knocks back a glass of scotch. He sits alone in the bridge ... the ship has stopped, and the wheel abandoned. Denham, Ann, and Jack race into the bridge.

Denham, Ann, and Jack race into the bridge. Englehorn "I can take you no further, Denham Is trembling with fear. Kurt arrives on the bridge. Denham "Kurt! Take her into the fog. Nice and slow. Kurt pushes the lever to "Slow Ahead" and mans the wheel as the "Venture" starts to crawl toward the fog. Englehorn downs another scotch.

Englehorn recounts his story. "Seven years ago, I picked up a castaway - the skipper of a Norwegian barque." The group listens to Englehorn in silence. "I have never seen a man so mentally ravaged, he had gone blind, not through any injury -but because his mind could no longer deal with the terrible sights he had witnessed." "I sat with him during his last night on earth, listening to his fevered whisperings, he spoke of sailing into a thick fog and of running aground on an uncharted island." "He spoke of a huge wall, built by a long-forgotten civilization and of a creature - neither man nor beast - that lived behind that wall, of the thirty crewmen who made it ashore, he was the only one who looked into the eyes of the beast and survived.

Ann instinctively grasps Jack's hand. as Englehorn said If we sail into that fog, it will be the death of us all. we see Denham from a low angle- the windows of the bridge behind him. ENGLEHORN (CONT'D) I'm not a man who easily succumbs to fear, Captain Englehorn. As Denham talks, the fog swirls over the windows, encapsulating the "VENTURE" in a milky shroud. CUT TO EXT. FOG BANK - NIGHT The "Venture" glides silently through the fog.

EXT. VENTURE DECKS - NIGHT MONTAGE ... Tense faces Ann ... Jack ... Denham ...Englehorn. Nobody talks, just stares ahead into the gloom ... Crew line the front of the boat, looking for rocks ... The propellers push the ship forward ...The prow cuts through the water. Ann There's a light up ahead. Jack Sun's coming up ... (he checks watch) We've been in the fog for six hours. The fog now glows a sickly yellow as the "Venture" glides on. EXT. UNDERWATER - DAWN The "VENTURE'S" hull scraps against a coral outcrop. EXT. VENTURE DECKS - Dawn A sailor calls from the prow ... sailor yelling Eight fathoms!

Kurt is manning the wheel ... he glances at Denham, who is staring intently ahead.

Denham calls out. "Hold her steady."

Ann gasps!

Skull Island
The fog is suddenly clearing ... within seconds the spectacular sight of Skull Island materializes in front of them! ... About 7 miles long by 1 mile wide, steep cliffs rise from the sea and dense jungle growth across its interior. The island has several jagged ridges, dominated by a tall, sheer mountain at the far end.

Ann is looking through binoculars.

I can see the wall!

Jack takes the binoculars ...

At the closest end, the island forms a narrow peninsula ... jutting above the canopy of trees, Jack can make out the top of a huge stone wall., seemingly cutting the peninsula off from the rest of the island. Other ruins are visible ... At the foot of the peninsula is a sandy beach, the only visible landing site.

Of the longboats is rowing towards the island. Denham, JaCK, Linwood, AnN, EnGLEHORN, KuRT, HeRB, PeEK, and tWO SAILORS are on board. With the exception of AnN, JaCK, and HeRB, everybody carries rIFLES. The "VEnTURE" is moored in the background. HeRB is fILMING from the prow.

They row through jagged rocks ... past the wRECK of a wooden coastal schooner - possibly the Norwegian bARQUE, Englehorn referred to. The sKELETAL sHIP is a creepy sight - particularly the row of sTRANGE bird-like creatures perched along a rotten main spar. The boat rounds an oUTCROP of rocks, and lines up for the shore ... An eerie phenomenon suddenly occurs - The distant mountain, a mid-range ridge line, and foreground rOCKS all line up - providing an abstract, but distinct image of a human skull ... visible only from that one position.

ANN captivated) Skull Island ... CUT TO EXT. BEACH - DAY The BOAT is washed onto the beach. HERB jumps out, CAMERA & TRIPOD on his shoulder. KURT jostles PEEK who is struggling with his TAPE RECORDER. PEEK (angry) Watch the tape recorder! You wanna buy me a new one?

However, they are being watched by a pair of Pelorotalus.

We got company. They turn to see a strange creature (Simosuchus) appears.

Some sort of crocodile?

A group of them

Ann is leading Jack, Kurt, and Peek into the tunnel. It is man-made and ornately decorated. Light filters in through cracks in the roof and occasional areas where stones have fallen in. The tunnel suddenly widens out to a large chamber ... The group collectively gasp at the sight of over a hundred mummies lining the walls! They are all neatly arranged in alcoves and are dressed in some kind of ceremonial clothing ... A huge statue of Kong stands sentry at the far end of the chamber - which carries on through another archway. The place has the atmosphere of a Cathedral. Ann picks up a small bronze figurine of Kong with excitement. It's the same image - Kong! The child.

The SKULL ISLAND NATIVES are similar to Solomon Islanders Their skins are very dark, their features broad - but that is where the Melanesian likeness stops ... Like the architecture, their dress, headwear, and weapons suggest an INCA or EGYPTIAN level of culture, but with a fierceness, or even violence suggested in their design. This is not afro and grass skirt territory - these people are SCARY ... we will refer to them as "NATIVES" ... The NATIVES have their WEAPONS poised ... a TENSE MOMENT, it could go either way. DENHAM offers his hand to the LEAD NATIVE.

DENHAM drinks a mouthful and passes it to ENGLEHORN and the SAILORS. DENHAM wipes his lips, relieved at this gesture of friendliness. He clamps a hand on the LEAD NATIVE'S shoulder.

Upon seeing the child, Lord Darrow suffers flashbacks from his time in the British army during the Boer War.

Kurt reaches the boat, dumping HERB on top of PEEK. He pulls Ann, Denham, and Englehorn in as the natives flood across the beach. Jack pushes off and clambers into the boat ... They rapidly head out to sea, leaving the natives screaming on the beach.

The cabin door swings open and Englehorn stands there, supporting himself in the doorway. He looks worse than Denham, mainly due to the ring piercing his nose - the whole area has come up in a nasty bruise. It is now night ... clearly, several hours have passed since their return to the ship.

ENGLEHORN (gasping) They're stoking the boilers. As soon as we've got some steam, we're outta here. DENHAM (slurred) We should never have come! I pay you good money, only to have my life endangered. You'll be hearing from my lawyer! ENGLEHORN gives DENHAM a parting SCOWL, and staggers away... EXT. VENTURE DECKS - NIGHT ENGLEHORN lurches down the deck. ENGLEHORN (gasped yell) Prepare the ship for sailing! JACK is leaning against the rail, looking at Skull Island. ANN hurries

ANN (yelling) Save me? Is that what you think your role in life is? You've been out of circulation far too long! Things have moved on since Tarzan and Jane! You are poor, puffed-up little peacock of a man - you're pathetic!

PULL back into ANN'S CABIN. She is sitting on the bed, hugging her knees ... looking at the island.

The "VENTURE'S" ENGINES start HUMMING, drowning out sounds from the NATIVES. ANN looks THOUGHTFUL ...

ANN steps onto the DECK, hugging the coat around her shoulders. She looks around ... The tARPAULIN on JACK'S LIFEBOAT moves. ANN approaches it... ANn Jack? About those things, I said ... I didn't mean it. Jack, I'm sorry. KURT (O.S.) (yelling) Weigh the anchor! LOW ANGLE from inside LIFEBOAT looking up at AnN sighs, leans against the boat ... Suddenly! Two natives rISE bEHIND AnN!!! They grab her, clamping a hand over her mouth!

SeVERAL nATIVES have silently crept onto the VeNTURE"! They lift ANN over the side ... she STRUGGLES helplessly as they PASS HER DOWN into a NATIVE DUG OUT. WiTHOUT a sOUND, tHE nATIVES slip back into their cANOES and paddle away towards SkULL iSLAND! JACK (O.S.) (alarmed) AnN!!! JAcK is running along the dECK, having just cAUGHT a gLIMPSE of the cANOES before they vanished into the gLOOM. The "VEnTURE'S" eNGINES wIND uP and she starts mOVING aWAY towards the fog bank!

JACK runs along the ship, yelling at the wheelhouse.

ENGLEHORN emerges from the wheelhouse.

Jack (CONT'D) Ann's been taken! Denham strides down the deck.

Sailors flood out of doorways.

DENHAM is in the bowels of the ship ... He is unlocking a hEAVY pADLOCKED DOOR while about JaCK and 20 sAILORS crowd in behi nd him.

A man's gotta have a little insurance in a job like mine ...

Denham throws the door open ... 25 brand new Thompson submachine guns are neatly lined up in racks. Complete with 70-round drum magazines, the Tommy gun is the Chicago gangster's weapon of choice.

Denham swings around, clipping a drum into his Tommy gun ... a fat cigar in his mouth. Denham. Carl Denham Productions has lust declared war on Skull Island!

She is being prepared for sacrifice! Natives are holding her arms. She is in the middle of the crowded square, lit by flaming torches. She closes her eyes ... strangely subdued. The witch doctor dances in front of her, flicking oils from a small pot over her body. Ann suddenly lashes out, kicking the witch doctor in the nuts, simultaneously pulling her hands free and running through the crowd towards the beach' She only gets 5 paces.

Ann is tackled and roughly hoisted onto the altar. Her hands are tied securely to 2 ornately carved pillars. Tears flood into her eyes. "Kong, Kong, Kong" The chant begins. Natives start turning a huge wheel and the altar starts to climb the slope towards the top of the wall, moving on tracks like a primitive cable car.

ThE hUGE gONG sTARTS tOLLING ... AnN is facing the iNKY bLACK jUNGLE ... She is pANTING hard, trying to face her death with as much composure as she can muster.

Ann is weeping as the altar reaches the top of the wall. For the first time, we get a glimpse of the other side. The wall falls away vertically into a rocky grotto that leads into the dense tangled jungle of Skull Island.

The altar stops on top of the wall. Over 100 natives arrive just behind Ann and spread out along the parapet. 2 natives in ceremonial

Ann looks tiny atop the altar which has almost reached the ground ... The enormous glowing skulls illuminating her ... The wall towering up behind her. Natives line the top of the wall, holding fiery torches. The altar settles into neatly carved recesses.

The bushes begin to shake as something, a group of ornithomimids covered in a light coat of feathers, Ann's eyes become wide with astonishment as she knew that dinosaurs were supposed to be extinct. they look at her with curiosity. similar to the mimicry of a drongo. A LOUD SPLINTERING SOUND comes from within the jUNGLE -something very big is moving towards the grotto! Ann instinctively pulls at her bonds - to no avail.

Natives chant "KONG ... KONG ... KONG"

They turn towards where the noise came from, behind them she can now see a dark shape approaching her; oily smoke from the fires drifts across the air, obscuring her vision, she can now only hear the footsteps. It is a huge creature, breathing heavily ... It stops in front of her - smoke still blocking her vision ... She looks down - a giant leathery foot is visible! She looks up into the murk, tears rolling down her cheeks, and the natives suddenly go silent.

Kong! ... a 20-foot silverback gorilla His fur is matted, and ancient scars mark his body - evidence of life and death struggle with unknown beasts. His face is aged - silver hair predominant. He is resting on his knuckles.

Kong rises on his hind legs and beats his chest to show him as Ann screams in terror.

All the natives launch into their piercing monkey screech ... It winds Kong up! He leans down, roaring only inches from Ann's face, then suddenly starts pacing furiously from side to side - like a caged animal. He roars at the natives atop the wall, Kong suddenly charges at the wooden gate! He crashes against it, causing the entire wall to shudder violently ... A native loses his balance and topples off! He thuds into the ground at Kong's feet ... Kong quickly scoops him up and bites his head off in a PG-13 kind of way all while the dinosaurs look on.

Kong leans over Ann ... The strength suddenly drains out of her legs, and she slumps between the pillars. Kong reaches forward and with an almost delicate touch, he lifts her in his hand. She screams as she rises into the air towards his mouth. He roars at her and turns abruptly back to the jungle.

The natives chant "Kong, Kong, Kong"

Jack is leading the charge into the ruined city! 40 men most armed with Tommy guns and rifles - are blazing in all directions! The natives flee in a mad panic as Jack and Carl run straight for the gate. They rush up to a small observation grill ... from Jack's POV we see Kong disappearing into the jungle clutching Ann - she is screaming and kicking.

the pair turns back to the sailors ... Jack (urgent) Ann's alive! Quick! Jack backs away from the wall and starts firing his Tommy gun at the bolt securing the wooden gate. Other sailors join in, splintering the timbers in a hail of lead. All 40 sailors push the huge gate, and it slowly opens, exposing the jungle beyond. Jack Yeah, I saw her ... she was carried into the jungle by ... an animal. Denham in a worried) What was it, Jack? Jack hesitates ... An ape ... some kind of ape. Denham sighs with relief as he was thinking the same thing... He turns to the sailors.

Denham (heroic) Did you hear that, boys? We're looking for an ape! Englehorn -stay here with twenty men. Keep the natives at bay. The rest of you, follow me! He turns to Herb. "Cut!" "Was that great or what?" Herb has been filming Denham! HERB Great, Mr Denham's Jack grabs Denham's arm.

Jack Listen, buddy! Cut the crap! We're looking for Ann, not making a Goddamn movie! Denham Hey Jack, you get to save the girl and I get my third act! It's gonna be good for you and good for me! You better not slow us down, Denham! Jack says to him and hurries through the gates towards the jungle, followed by Denham, Peek, Herb, Kurt, and 20 sailors. Coatan calls out to the men Single file - never lose sight of the frontman!

Beyond the great wall, Skull Island is like no place you've ever seen before ... The volcanic rocks form a jagged, tortured landscape of deep assess and towering cliffs.

The vegetation is thick, the jungle is dark with ancient, gnarled trees twisting out of the ground, thick lichen, and long mosses hanging from branches and tangled vines. Steam rises from festering swamps.

Deeper into the island, the steam is volcanic - hissing out of fissures and bubbling mud pools. The way light and contrast play on the landscape is reminiscent of the etchings of 19th-century artist Gustave Dore. It is in this "Jurassic Park from Hell" that Jack leads Denham and the party of twenty men. Herb is limping along with the heavy camera & tripod on his shoulder.

The ornithomimids

Hey! I thought these things were supposed to be extinct!

Jack in a dry tone "They are not apparently."

They have feathers.

They head into the jungle after the giant ape and Ms. Darrow.

Denham suddenly loses his footing and sprawls on the ground, his eyes widen at the sight of the deep Kong footprint he has just stepped in. Denham Holy shit! Look at the size of that! Jack says to him. "That's our ape, Denham."

first encounter
Denham's eyes meet with Jack's - he is scared. So are the sailors ... everyone has their fingers on the trigger, eyes nervously scanning the thick jungle. Coatan wanders off to the side, looking straight into the jungle, Jack asks him. "What is it?" Intently replies to him. "Strange sounds, sounds I have never heard before." We hear the rumbling.

Then a noise, cracking branches, heavy footsteps, and strange bellows. "Hold your fire," Coatan calls out and then orders. "Somebody go check out what's making that noise." I'll go check. Jack replies to the orders.

A group of hadrosaurs (Insulahadros) is feeding.

They warily approach the dinosaurs with a look of awe at the bodies of the beasts. Jack says to them. "They are just tasting the berries." One of them, a large male looks up and in the direction of the group.

NIGHT Kong climbs down into a rocky hollow - a vine-strewn natural amphitheater. He drops Ann to the ground, and stands over her, poised on his knuckles. Ann looks up at Kong ... She doesn't move ... He leans over her and roars! Ann suddenly scrambles to her feet and runs! Within seconds Kong has overtaken her and blocked her path, Ann turns and runs in the other direction. Again, Kong blocks her path - it is clear that he is playing cat and mouse.

Ann trips on something and falls over - A human ribcage juts out of the muddy ground. Ann sobs as she sees all around there are human bones, some still encased in the remnants of a bridal dress ... This place is Kong's killing ground! Kong scoops Ann up ... lifts her toward his mouth! She screams and struggles in his grip. His mouth opens and she kicks and beats his fingers in a seemingly hopeless attempt to fight for her life. Her long blonde hair falls onto her shoulders. Kong suddenly pauses ... Ann is frozen - she is looking into Kong's eyes, trying to anticipate his next move. Ann in a scarcely audible voice. "Lullaby and good night, go to bed and sleep tight ...

A Therizinosaur arrives on the scene.

It picks up a bone and swallows it

Ann "Pleasant dreams until dawn." Kong's lips peel back, exposing huge teeth and pink gums. Kong suddenly pulls Ann protectively to his breast, roars fiercely, and disappears into the dark jungle while the

Canyon Ambush
Dawn and the sunrise over the rocky crags of Skull Mountain.

Close on Kong's footprint in a sandy dried-up stream bed. Jack looks up at the direction Kong has taken ...

The tracks head towards a sheer cliff on the side of a narrow, dry valley, an area deep in the heart of Skull Island, dominated by spectacular pinnacles of stone, jutting out of the ground like giant fingers. The valley is less than 75 feet wide, flanked by seemingly unscalable cliffs.

Jack wipes the sweat from his brow, looking for a possible route up the cliff. Further down the valley, Denham and the Sailors are grouped around the camera ...

We close on an ankylosaur (Trachysaurus) being pelted with stones ... Herb is filming, whilst Denham and the sailors try to coax some action out of the slow-witted, cow-sized dinosaur ...

People will think it's a goddamn guy in a suit!

HEY! I GOTTA GREAT IDEA! WE COULD TURN THIS PLACE INTO A HUGE AMUSEMENT PARK SORTA LIKE CONEY ISLAND WITH DINOSAURS!

It's a goldmine! I'll cut you boys in for twenty percent! We're gonna be rich! The SAILORS CHEER, but the others do not so share e such as Coatan.

Nobody gonna think

He used his spiked tail club against the ground as a show of force and as if leave me alone the crew stopped.

"Jesus Christ "What was that one of the sailors asks. Lenson said "And he's going to charge us." A small group of Pachyrhinotaurus,

Suddenly one of the men is yanked and dragged by one of the dinosaurs.

An anguished bellow! We whip pan onto 3 more, including a large bull, roaring with grief! fires, but the bullets ricochet off the bony frill that surrounds the head!

Jack changes direction slightly, to make sure he is between dinosaurs. They overtake JACK and he suddenly finds himself in a SEA of HUGE LEGS

PEEK is running faster than the others He is way ahead, still clutching his Tommy gun ... as the sTAMPEDE engulfs Denham and the oTHER SAILORS.

Amazingly JACK, DENHAM, HERB and at least 9 SAILORS have survived ... however, they must now escape from the meat-eaters.

JACK, DENHAM, PEEK, HERB, and the 7 surviving SAILORS are a bedraggled GROUP ... CUT, BRUISED, COVERED in DUST, SOAKED in SWEAT. PEEK has the only TOMMY GUN left between them. They collapse into a NARROW CLEARING on the edge of mISTY sWAMP liKE lAKE. Cliffs rise out of the swamp on both sides ... the only way forward is ACROSS. DEAD TREES jut out of the water ... some have fallen onto the shore.

A pack of land crocodiles (Gorgosuchus) is on the prowl intent on

Then Ann Darrow stubbled into their line of sight

Kong's hand grabs Ann

The swamp attack.
Two makeshift rafts drift silently across the surface of the swampy lake. HERB, Peek, and the sailors are in the first, and Jack, Denham, and 3 sailors are in the second. Jack is punting his raft along using a long branch. The swamp is creepy ... dead twisted trees stick out of the surface, and a thin film of fog hangs in the air. Small flying lizard-type things flit about from tree to tree and large frogs the size of small dogs.

The first raft reaches the shore - a narrow sandy beach leading into a gloomy dense jungle. Jack and Denham's raft is still 20 yards offshore. Denham tells the men. Set up the camera boys! Get a shot of us coming ashore! Jack Forget it, Denham, for God's sake. Denham suddenly stands up, causing the unstable raft to rock in the water. Me the pole, Driscoll! seems to be on the verge of a breakdown ... he steps towards Jack, nearly tipping the raft over! Jack throws the pole at him and tries to balance himself.

On the shore, a huge shape moves towards the water, and drinks its fill, it's a Daspletorex. These are 15-foot-tall Meat Eaters - Skull Island's most fearsome predator! "Hold your fire." The first mate says as the predator looks up at them.

Lenson takes out his rifle.

Denham yelled to the men. Roll camera! I said roll camera! I want this on film! Denham thrusts the pole into the swamp, and pushes ... the raft spins around. Jack and the sailors cling on as it rocks violently! Denham pushes on the pole, again and again, growing more frantic. He starts hyperventilating, Jack sees a row of bubbles moving rapidly towards the raft! Jack alarmed) Denham! From an angle Looking down on the raft ... A huge shape glides in the murk below the surface of the swamp. Then a huge head rises between the rafts and then sinks, it's the Daspletorex from before and he is swimming while on the hunt. I thought you said they couldn't swim. The men grab their guns and fire into the water.

The swamp is about 8 ft deep ... Jack, Denham, and the three sailors fall straight to the bottom as if weighted.

Tyrannosaurs
Ann freezes at the sight of a group of five sleeping Daspletorex. With no way around them, she quietly walked past the sleeping theropods, passing them with a silent grace while little lizards are being preyed upon by a group of troodontid Nanonychus.

One of them yawns with Ann in front of it staring down its massive jaws.

However one of the Nanonychus stalks behind Ann

She sighs in relief, then something slips off her chest, she looks down her shirt at her chest and realizes that her bra is gone, she turns around to see that it had been stolen by one of the Nanonychus. The little dinosaur plays with the bra as Ann watches in a mix of horror and amusement.

it lands on the nose of a sleeping Daspletorex, waking up and snapping at the little dinosaur.

eats the piece of clothing and it looks at Ann, she turns and runs as fast as she can.

Standoff
The Daspletorex pushes her, sending the tree toppling to the ground! Ann rolls away from the tree, jumps to her feet, and runs!! She races through the jungle, dodging trees, leaping over fallen logs, smashing through bushes ... The Daspletorex pounding after her! Its breath rasping. . . footsteps. Brahms Lullaby begins to play in the background as all five dinosaurs are in front of the woman, Ann takes out her father's knife.

Kong lands behind Ann and the tyrannosaurs halt their advance.

They surround Kong like lions hunting buffalo.

Kong fights like a madman ... not only does he have to do battle with the Daspletorex, but he is also protecting Ann - constantly transferring her from one hand to the other as the Daspletorex snaps at her throughout. Kong punches and smashes with his fists, but he also uses wrestling-style headlocks and flips ... for a brief moment, Ann rolls free on the ground and has to dodge the 25-foot dinosaurs and the gorilla, as the frenzied fight thunders all around her. Kong incapacitates the first and injured the second.

Ann is suddenly grabbed by the second Daspletorex! She is taken in his jaws ... It bites down just as Kong grabs his jaws in both hands and rolls the Daspletorex onto its back, Ann still wedged in its mouth! The razor-sharp teeth dig into her as Kong desperately uses all his strength to force the Daspletorex's mouth ... Ann slides out, raking her back against the teeth. Kong forces the jaws open until they rip apart at the hinge!

The last Daspletorex

Rather than risk further injury from a final fight with the massive ape, the tyrannosaur decides to move on. Ann is hurt and bleeding, Kong carefully picks her up and hurries into the jungle.

He picks up Ann and

Feast on the glade
They

sailor 2 It's hopeless. Jack Come on. Fellas. Come on! PEEK In it for you? ... is she that good in bed? The sailors look at him with scorn Jack punches PEEK to the ground! One grabs him and says., He has one last scornful look at the Denham and the sailors ... then turns and heads into the jungle alone.

Denham to the sailors. Dinosaur munchie traveling! The sailors chuckle.

Meanwhile in a jungle glade - dinosaurs of all kinds.

Kong playfully grabs a young hadrosaur by the tail, the young animal is distressed while Ann seeing this is horrified and calls out. Stop, stop! "Put him down,"

A herd of six sauropods, both Kong and Ann spot the rescue group in the distance looking at them.

Kong reacts to the sounds of gunfire and men yelling. Kong snarls,

The giants fight like elephant seal bulls during the mating season.

Denham, Peek, Coatan, Lenson, and the last 4 sailors are still on the swamp beach, gathering What remains of their equipment together. They turn in unison ... as sauropod lumber towards them along the beach. Denham and the sailors step back warily as the sauropod slowly wanders past them ... not paying them any attention. We close on the sauropod and innocently step on Peek's tape recorder, instantly crushing it. Bam! Bam! Bam! The massive sauropod falls dead ... Peek advances forward, his Tommy gun smoking ... a look of disbelief on his face as he looks at the mangled remains of his beloved equipment! Peek in a fit of rage. "That cost me seventy-five bucks!" Peek kicks the dead sauropod. chops Denham and the sailors react with horror as Peek gets picked up in the massive animal's mouth and thrown like a ragdoll to his death.

A crew member knocked into a baby hadrosaur enraging the mother to kill the sailor, a giant snake ambushes one of the sailors, and Jack runs into a pachycephalosaur. One sailor is torn apart by the fishing dromaeosaurids, and a Troolestes attacks a sailor, driving its beak into the man's head ceratopsians surround a couple of sailors and devour them.

Coatan takes out his tomahawk.

Denham in a panicked state says. "I can't get back to the wall! I'll get eaten!"

Denham shouts to Jack. "Twelve hours, Driscoll. Good luck!" Jack heads into the jungle.

Ann is cradled in Kong's hand. He is lying on his side, asleep ... holding Ann close to his face like a child would sleep with a teddy bear. Kong stirs, suddenly opening his mouth in a huge yawn. He opens his eyes, and for a few quiet moments, he and Ann stare at each other. Kong sits up, placing Ann on the ground ... They are deeper into Kong's cave. Ann can see that the back of the cave leads to a way out as daylight streams in. A small, but deep lake fills part of the cave, surrounded by smaller rock pools. Kong sits on his haunches, looking for all the world like the king of his domain. A shadow flutters over Ann as bat-thing attempts to grab her ... Kong reaches forward and snatches it out of the air. He bites the head of the BAT thing ... Rips off one of its legs ... drops the bloody leg on the ground in front of Ann! Ann looks aghast at the offering as Kong eats the rest of the BAT-THING with a certain amount of relish. She backs away from the meat ... Kong leans forward and pushes it closer to her. Ann steps away and shakes her head. ANN "No ... thank you."

Kong shakes his head and pushes the meat closer. Ann holds her nose and a face. Kong puts a finger up to his nose and pulls a face. He pushes the meat closer ... Ann takes a big step backward and ... trips over a rock' Kong looks alarmed for a moment.

I'm ok ... see ... Ann stands and with great dramatics, she deliberately falls over! Kong gets excited, he slumps back against the wall. Ann stands up and with a squeal, she goes into a forward roll! Kong is highly excited! He rolls forward on his side! Ann laughs at him ... she does a cartwheel! Kong paces from side to side like an over-excited kid. He suddenly turns and disappears out of the back entrance of the cave.

KONG hurries back into the cave he is holding a tiny object between his thumb and forefinger. With great delicacy, he drops a ripe mango at Ann's feet! Ann bites into it, suddenly realizing how hungry she actually is while the animals watched from the side. Then a noise

A mating pair of raptors, the male is displaying to the female, not far is also a male courting a female, and the whole valley teaming with mating while Kong looks on alone, the last of his kind with the only one by his side is Ann Darrow.

At that moment! A zipping sound fills the air ... a volley of arrows, darts, and spears fly toward the sailors! Within seconds 7 sailors fall dead, including the two supporting Denham. He runs with incredible speed and throws himself behind a wall. Englehorn and the 12 surviving sailors take shelter and fire wildly in all directions.

Lenson grimly looks at Jack with dread and apprehension, knowing that he will die.

He runs straight into the Daspletorex

KONG thunders past the ROCK POOL just as JACK surfaces, gasping for air.

BAT-THING FLAPPING MADLY above them ... They descend rapidly ... about twice the speed of a parachute. ANn buries her face into JaCK'S waist - not wanting to look back at KoNG rOARING wITH gRIEF fROM tHE lEDGE.

In the distance ... AN eNRAGED KoNG is quickly descending from his mountain lair!

A battle raging at the native city ... bodies are strewn around - dozens of natives, and sailors impaled with spears and arrows. It's like a scene from the movie "Zulu". A small group of survivors from the ship is holed up behind the stone block.

CKS atop the great wall. Denham, Englehorn, and three sailors are looking exhausted and defeated. Denham fires at a group of natives with a Tommy gun ... it empties. Englehorn (grimly) "That was the last of our ammo." Suddenly points across the treetops.

Denham excited) They're coming!! POV Two boatloads of reinforcements from the "Venture" are rowing towards the beach! Englehorn It's too late ...

Jack turns and is confronted by the sight of 300 natives, closing in around them ... The natives have abandoned the attack - All eyes are on ANN. They murmur in awe ... "Kong ... Kong ... Kong". The witch doctor recites some complex incantations. Denham and Englehorn stare in disbelief. Englehorn "They think Ann's a demon." Jack and Ann are backed right against the gates. The natives are pushing closer and closer to them ... they raised their spears, ready to thrust them into Jack and Ann, Kong roars!!! Jack hears his footsteps pounding towards the gates at high speed! Jack grabs Ann and pushes her along the wall, just clearing the gates as Kong crashes through! The gates are smashed off their hinges ... 7 story tall gates - weighing 35 tons - land on the natives with a sound like someone stepping on eggshells! Kong strides into the square, beating his chest and roaring. Denham was in utter amazement. "Holy shit!" The surviving natives scatter! Kong rampages after them, stomping on them and biting their heads off ... in a scene that not only gets a PG 13 but is praised by the MPAA for its sensitivity! Denham, Englehorn, and the sailors take their chance to slip away toward the beach. Jack pulls Ann away from the gates, slipping behind cover to avoid being seen by Kong ... They run through the giant carved head ... into the tunnel complex that leads to the beach.

Jack snatches a native spear off the ground on the way. A few brave native warriors hurl spears at Kong ... but they either bounce off or only just penetrate the skin. Kong picks up a large bronze Kong statue and hurls it at a group of spear throwers perched atop a stone building.

Behind them, Kong can be seen smashing his way toward the beach! Denham throws himself in one of the boats. Denham (screaming) Get out here! Jack and Ann race out of the tunnels and onto the beach ... just as Kong charges up behind them! They get halfway across the sand before Kong scoops Ann up triumphantly! He strides past Jack ... Without hesitation, Jack throws the spear with all his might ... into the back of Kong's leg, just behind the knee! Kong Roars in pain as his leg collapses, sending him sprawling on the sand still clutching Ann protectively. Denham leaps out of the boat, brandishing a new Tommy gun. Staying out of reach, he aims at Kong's head ... squeezes the trigger ... Ann screams! Denham hesitates - as if a sudden thought enters his head. He swings the aim onto Kong's knees ... and fires!

Kong roars! He releases Ann onto the beach. Sailors leap out of the boats as Denham starts clubbing Kong with the gun butt. Denham (CONT'D) Don't kill him, boys ... knock him out cold! I want him alive! The sailors attack Kong, clubbing him on the head with gun butts and oars. Ann (screaming) Stop' No! Leave him.' Ann rushes towards the sailors. Jack grabs her ... pulls her away. Ann pleads to Jack. "Stop them, Jack! ... No! We see from Kong's POV ... Ann being restrained by Jack, tears streaming down her face. Grotesque flashes of sailor's faces filled with hate - clubbing ... Distorted sound of yelling ... clubbing ... Sounds fade - except for Ann's voice ... Ann sobbing) "I'm sorry ... I'm so sorry." A film of water washes over Kong's POV ... Slow fade to black. Close on Denham ... lights a cigar. The sailors are surrounding the unconscious Kong on the beach. Denham (triumphant) Well done boys! We came to shoot a motion picture, but we're taking back something far greater than any movie you could imagine! I can see it now ... his name in the lights! "King Kong - the Eighth Wonder of the World"!

New York
Two burly security guards deliver the box office takings in cash to Denham ... He is dressed in a tux and looks much rested since his Skull Island adventures.

Denham Thanks, fellas. Denham loads the cash into his safe. Jack Hey, Denham! Jack is standing in the office doorway, uncomfortable in his tux. Looking very Jack Payment in advance. That was the deal. Denham stuffs a wad of cash into an envelope. Denham Two grand, Jack. You'll be able to retire on that! Slips the envelope into his top pocket. Jack Not me. Thought I'd head out west ... get into some Redwood country. Denham, How about Ann? Is she going with you? Jack shakes his head. Jack replies. "Haven't seen her - not since we got back," Denham says. She's got a bit of an attitude, that girl. She's turned down a bunch of money. Too bad ... it would've been a great angle - "Beauty and the Beast". He shakes his head and then says. I must be getting old - I thought you two had something going there.

We all hear tales of adventure we scarcely believe ... but seeing is believing, and tonight you will see Kong - the living proof of our adventure! An adventure in which thirty-six of our party met terrible deaths! Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to you the man who felled the mighty beast armed only with a native spear! Mr. Jack Driscoll!

Ladies and gentlemen! It is now time to see for yourselves ... One who was a King and a God of the world he knew, but who now comes to civilization as a captive - as an exhibit to gratify mankind's insatiable curiosity. Ladies and gentlemen ... Look upon Kong - the Eighth Wonder of the World!!!

Kong recognizes Ann! He roars and pulls on his chains. Denham races over to the mic in an attempt to pass this off as part of the show. Denham (amplified) Ladies and gentlemen! Miss Ann Darrow ... the bravest girl I have ever known!

The confused audience starts to applaud ... Ann (angry yell) Show's over everybody! Go home! The applause dies away. Ann with an angry yell. What are you waiting for? You've seen the big ape humiliated. Go on ... go home! Nobody moves.

Ann screaming) Get the hell out of here.

Denham in an amplified nervous chuckle. Now Ann ... some people stand and step into the aisles, but nobody actually leaves ... all eyes are on Ann as she bounds up onstage as she, "You're hurting him - let him down." Jack steps forward saying. "Ann!" Ann pushes Jack away. Ann (yelling) Let him down! Ann hurries over to Kong ... he is very agitated. She gently strokes.

The STAGE has cleared apart from DENHAM who stands mesmerized by KONG ... he steps back fearfully, falling on his bottom. KONG beats his chest, roars ... and STEPS ONTO DENHAM!! DENHAM'S arms and LEGS spasm beneath KONG'S foot as he is ground INTO OBLIVION!

KONG sees ANN and JACK stream out of the EXIT DOOR to the street beyond ... EXT. Broadway JACK pulls ANN - crying and protesting - down the sidewalk. Behind them, the vast theatre wall explodes onto the street, showering PEOPLE and CARS with BRICKS and STEEL ... KONG strides into the MIDDLE OF THE road!!! Cars drive into KONG'S LEGS ... he smashes his fists onto ' their ROOFS. OTHER ... pile into each other ... into SHOP FRONTAGES - it's MAJOR PANIC TIME. CAR. KONG STOMPS on the CAR in front, LIFTS FOOT, and STOMPS EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT Jack hurries down an alley, still towing ANN. Ann is angry ... tearful says. Jesus Christ! How could you do this to him? How could you do this? Jack (agitated) Come on, come on! We gotta keep moving! ANN sobbing. He's going to die! They'll kill him!

JACK (angry) Take to look out there. Have you seen what he's done? You're talking about a crazy animal! ANN (screaming) You're the animals - all of you! She pulls away from JACK. ANN (CONT'D) I'm going to him! JACK blocks her path. JACK I can't let you do that ... JACK socks ANN on the JAW ... she collapses into his arms! EXT. STREET - NIGHT JACK runs - with Ann slung over hIS shoulder - towards a cab in the middle of A BUSY STREET - traffic is snarled up due to Kong's rampage a couple of blocks away -although there is no sign of KONG on this street.

ANN He won't harm me ... (yelling) Kong! KONG is 50 yards away ... he sees Ann, roars, and walks toward her on his knuckles. JACK runs up to ANN. Go ... Please Ann, I ... care about you! Ann ...... love you. ANN stares at him for a long moment ... KONG is looming up behind her. ANN Jack ... you don't know what love is.

Jack slides down the wall of the empty sTREET, head in hands, SOBBING

Jack finds his plane from WWI.

Hey Bill ... you gotta hear this! The stupid ape's climbing up the Empire State Building carrying a goddamn woman on his shoulder! Naval planes are being dispatched from Wrights Field at dawn. Guess the boys want a little target practice! Orders are to blow the son of a bitch away as soon as he puts the girl down!

Ya want a tip, buddy? Get down to Fifth Avenue ...they blow that ugly shit off building there's gonna be bits of gorilla all over the street! It'll take the sanitation department a week to clean it up! The MP laughs loudly as the vehicle roars away, leaving Jack alone in the street. He is outside a cinema showcasing some new epic movies about World War One Flying Aces. An overly romanticized poster features a Jean Harlow type in an embrace with a pilot.

Azhdarchid attack on the city

out of the sky

The

A child now at the mercy

one stabs his arm.

Cast

 * Ann Darrow: the daughter of Darrow was kidnapped by a tribe as a sacrifice for Kong was at first afraid of Kong, but eventually comes to understand him after he saves and protects her from some of the island's predators. She is mostly barefoot during her time on Skull Island. Unlike previous incarnations, she has a tomboy personality which she inherited from her father.
 * Jack Driscoll: A former pilot from WWI who lost his best friend in the war.
 * Carl Denham: filmmaker
 * Walter Douglas a colleague of Linwood Darrow.
 * Captain Englehorn: the German captain of the SS Venture, Englehorn shows a dislike for Denham.
 * Mr. Ginting
 * Lord Linwood Darrow - Ann's father who is a famous archaeologist from Yorkshire, England, he is modeled after Sean Bean.
 * Kurt - A heroic Venture crew member who sacrificed himself to a pack of.
 * Matt - Jack's friend who was killed during World War 1.
 * Charlie Mason - Boatswain of the Venture.
 * Coatan - The Venture's Native American first mate.
 * Lenson - A South African big-game hunter.

Skull Island

 * King Kong: a massive ape, who originally resided on Skull Island, where he was routinely offered sacrifices by the island's native human population. He has scars all over his body to show that he's been through some fights.
 * Daspletorex (Frightful King) is an evolved tyrannosaurid related to Tyrannosaurus rex that native to the island. 7 1/2 meters long (23 ft long). Hunts the sauropods, ceratopsians, and hadrosaurs. It's snout like those of abelisaurids.
 * Pelorotalus (Monstrous Talon) dromaeosaurid that is reminiscent of Dakotaraptor, about 3-4 meters (9-12 feet), they most hunted the ornithomimids. One of its most potent features was the animal’s incredible intelligence.
 * Pachyrhinotaurus (Fierce Horned/Thick nosed Bull) ceratopsian.
 * Monoclonitops (Single Face) Ceratopsian
 * Prenotholus (Sloping Dome) is a kind of pachycephalosaur. Uses its head to knock its opponents.
 * Massodontotitan (Massive Teeth Giant) medium-large species of Titanosaur the size of Madagascar's Rapetosaurus. While very large they are not quite gentle giants as they trample anything underfoot. In addition to its squishing its enemies with a well-placed stomp of its hind foot, Massodontotitan was very good at approaching gigantic heights. They can rear up and stomp down the threats with their large mass, instantly killing them.
 * Troolestes (Wounding Stealer) oviraptorid.
 * Sicatarsus (Dagger foot) is a Therizinosaur. While they do use their claws for the purpose of feeding, they can have their claws as weapons against their foes.
 * Agilimimus (Agile Mimic) is an ornithomimid that reached 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) in length.
 * Nanonychus (Dwarf Claw) Troodontid 0.5 meter (1.5 feet). While they are smaller than their relative Pelorotalus, they are an incredibly dangerous (and deadly) animal due to their large sickle-shaped talons that adorned the second toe of their feet. Combined with their hand-like appendages that possessed three curved claws as well, these razor-sharp talons were capable of easily slashing (and holding) prey.
 * Trachysaurus (Rough Lizard) is an ankylosaur. While slow they are deadly with their tail club which knocks out any opponent. this club was used to defend from predators and could've been used to ward off predators. This heavy tail was this ankylosaur's strength and could generate enough force to crush the enemy’s bones once swung around.
 * Insulahadros (Island hadrosauroid) is a species of cow-sized Hadrosaur. While it can still be a dangerous opponent to anyone or anything that gets in their way. They can use its tail as a defensive measure, attempting to hit the theropod with it as it spins around to flee or swinging at the theropod as it changes direction while being pursued. Against small theropods, the hadrosaurs could do that as well as try to simply charge past and/or trample the attackers, not killing them but dealing serious injuries.
 * A kind of raptor that feeds on fish and is a member of the Unenlagiinae family.
 * Gorgoanterov (Fierce Ripper) - An abelisaurid on Skull Island.
 * Simosuchus (pug-face crocodile)
 * Azhdarchids. The true terrors of Skull Island, these creatures were one of the reasons why Kong was the last of his kind.
 * Madtsoia is a large species of snake.
 * Aqualania: (Freshwater Roamer) is an amphibious predatory giant lizard with features of mosasaurs that mostly lives in the rivers and swamps of Skull Island.
 * Bat creatures
 * Rugossuchus (Wrinkled Crocodile) A relative to Barinasuchus from the Eocene.
 * Alligator gar.
 * bird-like creatures
 * A mammal that looks like a giant ground sloth.
 * Beelzebufo
 * Giant tortoises
 * Neck This is one of the most disturbing creatures on the island. It uses its tail as a noose and hangs its victim by the neck until it is dead, it then consumes its victim.

Others

 * Lizards
 * Sumatran tiger
 * Crocodiles

Differences from the original script
The sauropod stampede is replaced with a group of ceratopsians attacking the crew after one was killed while trying to devour one of the sailors and since the stampede was included in the 2005 remake by Peter Jackson.

Lord Darrow does not die of a heart attack he takes part in the voyage to Skull Island.

Kong's three-way fight with the allosaurs is replaced with a pack of five tyrannosaur descendants.

The log scene is replaced with a glade scene where the crew is attacked by dinosaurs and other creatures.

In the swamp scene, the crew is attacked by a Daspletorex since we now know that tyrannosaurs were powerful swimmers instead of prehistoric axolotl-type creatures.

Herb dies in a glade by getting devoured by ceratopsians rather than in the swamp by the prehistoric axolotl-type creatures.

Peek's death is caused by sauropods rather than an

Azhdarchids serve as Kong's final opponents rather than military planes.

Similarities to Peter Jackson 2005
The dinosaurs are evolved versions of their ancestors.

Vastatosaurus Rex and Daspletorex are both descendent.

Just as fleshed out as Jackson's film.

Trivia
Based on the 1993 unmade King Kong film and has features of the Apple TV+ series Prehistoric Planet.

Sumatra is a Dutch colony at the time of the 1930s.

The creatures of Skull Island act like real animals rather than monsters, creatures that are trapped on an island tend to select for smaller size, island gigantism is a thing that only happens on larger islands, not tiny ones like Skull Island.

Kong will have more realistic sounds and behavior akin to the 2017 version of Kong, hand gestures would have been used by his kind, and he would have the actual vocalization of great apes such as gorillas.

Giants arthropods/insects don't exist on this version of Skull Island as they existed since the Carboniferous period.

In the rescue of Ann; Jack Driscoll, Carl, and 17 men

While the swamp scene is similar to the swamp scenes in the 1933 and 2005 King Kong films it's also a shout-out to a scene in the Jurassic Park novel when Alan Grant and were attacked by the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Idea Fandom.