7/17/91 (Fantasy--Jennewein/Parker) Script Discussion

Postby **Serum** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:23 pm

UPDATED 1/20/09: Editor's Note: I'm picky and want this thread in this forum, so I moved it. -Phlibbit

It's the OFFICIAL THREAD for the FIRST DRAFT SCREENPLAY of "SUPER MARIO BROS. THE MOVIE!" as written by Tom S. Parker and Jim Jennewein, who later went on to write the live action screenplays for "The Flintstones," and "Richie Rich." This is to be a direct, cleaned up version (meaning I've corrected spelling and grammatical errors) of this wonderfully written, (probably) first draft of the movie we all know and love. It's radically different from the movie that got made, and it's extremely true to its source material. I acquired this genuine replica of the script from http://www.scriptfly.com, go there, buy a copy if you want to have a great hard-copy, or keep checking back here for when I upload the entire script!

UPDATE! The entire script is now online for your reading pleasure.

Here are some things in the script that we all wanted, but never got...

Toad, as a major character, who is a three-foot tall mushroom creature.
Three-foot Goombas, who are FAR MORE DANGEROUS than the big ones.
(For the fanatics!) The good wizard Woltan, and the evil wizard, Beedleman.
An action-packed fight sequence with the HAMMER BROTHERS...
Thwomps, Yoshis, Big Green Pipes and Chain Chomps!
The 'Raccoon' power-up from 'Super Mario Bros. 3'.'
A fully outfitted in overalls Super Mario Bros from the start of the movie.
Mustaches (well, facial hair) on each of the brothers.
Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants, Bob-Ombs and more!

So hanker down, stay for awhile and get ready to read the REAL movie.
Not that I don't love the movie that got made, but...
...this script is GOD compared to the finished product we all know and love...

Here's the entire script, the screenplay in its uncut glory!

http://www.smbmovie.com/SMBArchive/preproduction/script/1_SMB_EarlyDraft_7-17-91.pdf

Best,
Corey

Postby **Serum** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:39 pm

All right, no problem Phlibbit! I'm about halfway done transcripting pages 20-40!
Everyone sit tight, the whole, uncut screenplay is coming soon, so stay tuned! :mrgreen:

Postby **Phlibbit** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:46 pm

Phlibbit's Mini-Review

So I got my copy of this in the mail today and tore through it. I love the ideas these guys had for this movie, it really is what one would have pictured at the time for a Super Mario Bros. film. From Koopa to the Goombas, Hammer Brothers, Thwomps, all of the powers and dungeons and game references (like the princess being in another castle--priceless!), the script does a quite amazing job of making the story a good adventure without making it seem like a bunch of strung together video game references. I think it could've totally worked as a film and likely would have been generally regarded as a decently fun, family film. At the very least, the target audience would have found it more appealing. Even though I really like this, I don't think I would trade it for the incredibly misunderstood and intriguing film that we did get. And although it's not a perfect script by any means (like some lame character development in some parts, mostly involving the princess, whose name is 'Hildy' for some damn reason...what a stupid name), it really does have a heart. The script gets an 'A' in by book, and is definitely worth a read.

So I guess that's my mini-review. I think maybe I'll make a review section of the site sometime. Gotta give props to Corey for tracking this thing down. I always wondered what the fabled "fantasy" SMB script was like, and we finally have an answer.

Oh, and did anyone go back and look at the pre-production storyboards that are on the site, for the opening scene? (http://www.smbmovie.com/SMBArchive/preproduction/storyboards.htm) I think our burning questions have been answered there.

And for what it's worth, this script actually reminds me a lot of my personal SMB sequel fan-script. They even stole some of my ideas, lol.

Postby **Serum** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:53 pm

Phlibbit wrote:So I got my copy of this in the mail today and tore through it. I love the ideas these guys had for this movie, it really is what one would have pictured at the time for a Super Mario Bros. film. From Koopa to the Goombas, Hammer Brothers, Thwomps, all of the powers and dungeons and game references (like the princess being in another castle--priceless!), the script does a quite amazing job of making the story a good adventure without making it seem like a bunch of strung together video game references. I think it could've totally worked as a film and likely would have been generally regarded as a decently fun, family film. At the very least, the target audience would have found it more appealing. Even though I really like this, I don't think I would trade it for the incredibly misunderstood and intriguing film that we did get. And although it's not a perfect script by any means (like some lame character development in some parts, mostly involving the princess, whose name is 'Hildy' for some damn reason...what a stupid name), it really does have a heart. The script gets an 'A' in by book, and is definitely worth a read.

I couldn't have said it better myself, Phlibbit, the script is a burning hypothetical, a shining example of future perfect...it's the best 'what if' movie question answered, black and white on paper, clear as crystal. I just wanna note, as soon as I finish transcribing the entire screenplay, I'm going to be doing my own, personal rewrite based on the '91 script, incorporating a few elements I felt even this wonderful, first draft left out. I guess that could be labeled as 'fanfiction' and I know there's a section on the site for that, or at least there will be soon, and I'd more than honored to have it posted there!

Best,
Corey (MerrittTheFerret)

Postby **Phlibbit** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:57 pm

MerrittTheFerret wrote:The script is a burning hypothetical, a shining example of future perfect...it's the best 'what if' movie question answered, black and white on paper, clear as crystal.

What a great one-sentence summary. I think making your own personal re-write is an excellent idea. And speaking of that, I'll give you one: rename Hildy to Daisy, dammit.

Postby **Serum** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:06 pm

Phlibbit wrote:
MerrittTheFerret wrote:The script is a burning hypothetical, a shining example of future perfect...it's the best 'what if' movie question answered, black and white on paper, clear as crystal.

What a great one-sentence summary. I think making your own personal re-write is an excellent idea. And speaking of that, I'll give you one: rename Hildy to Daisy, dammit.

Oh, absolutely, that was my first thought when I first thumbed through the script, was, "Who's Hildy?"
Then I said, "Oh, Hildy's the princess." :mrgreen:

Postby **Serum** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:35 am

Hey everybody,

Just wanted to let everyone know, I might have the entire script
up today, as my brother just bought a scanner. So if I can get him
to let me use it, I'll just scan the screenplay and upload it directly!

It won't be for a few hours, but I'll see what I can do!

~ MerrittTheFerret

Postby **Serum** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 4:32 pm

All right, if you didn't see it already, at the top of the page there's a link to the ENTIRE 7/17/1991 screenplay!

ultimateemail5000 · Postby **ultimateemail5000** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 11:27 pm

Dude thanks man, I just printed it out and will be reading it later on. I scanned through it as it was printing and so far I was impressed. Cant wait to read it, thanks again.

Postby **Serum** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 8:18 am

ultimateemail5000 wrote:Dude thanks man, I just printed it out and will be reading it later on. I scanned through it as it was printing and so far I was impressed. Cant wait to read it, thanks again.

No problem, I'm just glad I could find the original script for everyone to read.

pandacommando · Postby **pandacommando** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:11 am

Not bad at all. It really sounds like somthing directly out of a game. The only thing that really bothered me is the fact that they portrayed Mario as such a total jerk. I know he was was a bit like that in the final movie, but this was just way too much.

Postby **Serum** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:22 am

pandacommando wrote:Not bad at all. It really sounds like somthing directly out of a game. The only thing that really bothered me is the fact that they portrayed Mario as such a total jerk. I know he was was a bit like that in the final movie, but this was just way too much.

I understand where you're coming from, but personally, I think Mario needed to start off as a total jerk to make his catharsis all the more meaningful.

ultimateemail5000 · Postby **ultimateemail5000** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:49 am

I read the script and have got to say it was a lot better than the final product. The power ups, Toad being a mushroom guy, Koopa actually a reptile, but some things being changed were upsetting. Yoshi being called Jr one of them, and then he just dissapears without a trace? I don't blame them for having a generic name for the Princess, since back then Daisy wasn't the real Super Mario Bros storyline Princess(that was Mario Land), and Peach was only refferred to as Princess Toadstool(only in AMERICA) without any real name other than Princess Toadstool. I was honestly glad to see no thwomp stompers, but instead REAL Thwomps. No devo guns, if they had racoon power though there could have atleast been some really awesome fire power ending. I also think the ending in the original may have been too horrible for kids, since Koopa falls in lava, I know it's in the game but it's cartoony. If it were in a live action movie it'd be a terrible thing to see.

I would love to take this script and just make a really low as budget movie out of it and be like, this is what SMB the movie could have been, but no they left the script in the hands of two no talents. Over all next time I want to watch the Mario movie, I think I may just read the script instead. Can't wait to read the other draft, even though so far it's completely different.

Postby **Serum** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:08 pm

ultimateemail5000 wrote: I also think the ending in the original may have been too horrible for kids, since Koopa falls in lava, I know it's in the game but it's cartoony. If it were in a live action movie it'd be a terrible thing to see.

Well, I'm sure they would have filmed it in a 'tasteful' manner, like in the third "Lord of the Rings" where Golem falls in the lava...that wasn't too intense. I mean, it's not like a person was falling into the lava. It was a big, turtle-shelled monster, I think by then, the kids in the theater would be cheering. But I understand your concern...

ultimateemail5000 · Postby **ultimateemail5000** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:00 pm

MerrittTheFerret wrote:
ultimateemail5000 wrote: I also think the ending in the original may have been too horrible for kids, since Koopa falls in lava, I know it's in the game but it's cartoony. If it were in a live action movie it'd be a terrible thing to see.

Well, I'm sure they would have filmed it in a 'tasteful' manner, like in the third "Lord of the Rings" where Golem falls in the lava...that wasn't too intense. I mean, it's not like a person was falling into the lava. It was a big, turtle-shelled monster, I think by then, the kids in the theater would be cheering. But I understand your concern...

My concern is that burning in lava is one of my main fears, and yeah the thought just freaks me out. JUST because I think that though it doesn't mean its a bad thing for kids. I have never seen Lord of the Rings 3 (didnt like the series) but yeah that could be the way they could have gone around doing it.

Postby **Serum** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:06 pm

ultimateemail5000 wrote:
MerrittTheFerret wrote:
ultimateemail5000 wrote: I also think the ending in the original may have been too horrible for kids, since Koopa falls in lava, I know it's in the game but it's cartoony. If it were in a live action movie it'd be a terrible thing to see.

Well, I'm sure they would have filmed it in a 'tasteful' manner, like in the third "Lord of the Rings" where Golem falls in the lava...that wasn't too intense. I mean, it's not like a person was falling into the lava. It was a big, turtle-shelled monster, I think by then, the kids in the theater would be cheering. But I understand your concern...

My concern is that burning in lava is one of my main fears, and yeah the thought just freaks me out. JUST because I think that though it doesn't mean its a bad thing for kids. I have never seen Lord of the Rings 3 (didnt like the series) but yeah that could be the way they could have gone around doing it.

Gotcha, and don't bother with Lord of the Rings III, anyway. It's too long. :mrgreen:

Carl · Postby **Carl** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:28 pm

I read the script today, I loved it. I would love to see it made, even in just a fan-film rendition. But I see why it wasn't used. It's a bit too outlandish for most audiences. We love it here, because we love the games, and because this script follows the games very closely.
Anywho, I drew some art based on the character descriptions.

Postby **Phlibbit** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:49 pm

Hey, thanks Carl! That's a very good representation of what that script made me think of. Great work!

Carl · Postby **Carl** » Tue Apr 07, 2009 12:03 am

Thanks for the compliment!
I know it's pretty sketchy in the linework, but I was really trying to get across the "realist" and the "dreamer" vibe given to the bros
Next, i might try to interpret some other characters' appearances

ultimateemail5000 · Postby **ultimateemail5000** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 2:20 am

That's really good, that is exactly how I imagined them myself, especially Luigi. Good job, Keep up the work.

Kougo · Postby **Kougo** » Mon May 18, 2009 7:59 pm

Oh, man. This script is awesome. I took the afternoon off yesterday just to read through all of it, and I gotta say I love it. I know I'm late to the party; I've been gone from this site for so long, but this is quite a treat to return to. I remember visiting Script Fly last year and fully intended to purchase a copy of the script myself some time, but never really got around to it. Now I don't have to, though I probably will, anyway, just so I can have a physical copy.

Also, kudos on the sketch there, Carl. I like it, though, admittedly, I couldn't stop picturing Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo when I read the script. Even though that doesn't really make any sense, I guess I'm just too used to them.

WildWinger88 · Postby **WildWinger88** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:33 pm

I'm not gonna lie, but this script is amazing! I so wish this would have been the movie that was released, rather than what we have. Don't get me wrong, the reason I joined this board is because I LOVE the movie. But, I feel this script has HUGE potential. I wasn't a big fan of Hily's name, as you all are not either. I would have called her Peach or Daisy or whatever. Hildy just seems very awkward to me. And honestly, I didn't have a problem with the name Junior for Yoshi. I mean, it kind of made sense. I don't think Luigi, Mario, or even Toad would have been like, "Hmm, lets call him...Yoshi!". It would have been really random.

I have no problem with the lava death, I think it was very fitting and I would have been cheering by this time. However at the end, Koopa's head popped out of the lava and roared/spit fire? Then Mario says "Game over"? I think that could have been written out, but its not a huge deal.

In the end, this script is insane. Its got action, comedy, romance, and sibling rivalry lol. I'm inspired by this script so much, I'm going to make an entire concept poster based around it and post it as soon as its done.

Postby **Phlibbit** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:48 pm

Well, I'm glad you got a good idea for your next SMB poster

WildWinger88 · Postby **WildWinger88** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:55 pm

Phlibbit wrote:Well, I'm glad you got a good idea for your next SMB poster

I know right! I'm going to try and think hard on this one, though. I'm wondering who would be a good cast for it?

Postby **Serum** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:08 pm

This is from back when Danny DeVito was supposed to play Mario and at the time, personally, I think Nathan Lane would have been a good Luigi.

WildWinger88 · Postby **WildWinger88** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:43 pm

Hmm, Nathan Lane as Luigi? I'm so so on that. Don't get me wrong, Nathan Lane's a great actor, but that seems kind of odd. Especially since the script had more of a description of someone between 20-25.

If he was younger, I think I could see it. But, at this time, he would have been slightly too old, I feel. Just my two cents.

Postby **Phlibbit** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:25 pm

Lane would be a better Mario than Luigi. But probably not right for either, IMO. Still, I'm so biased that I can't see anyone but Hoskins and Leguizamo in the roles at this point.

WildWinger88 · Postby **WildWinger88** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:46 am

Phlibbit wrote:Lane would be a better Mario than Luigi. But probably not right for either, IMO. Still, I'm so biased that I can't see anyone but Hoskins and Leguizamo in the roles at this point.

LOL
Dude, I've sort of become the same way. Even when I read this script, I was picturing them. However, I wasn't picturing Mathis as Hildy. o.0

ultimateemail5000 · Postby **ultimateemail5000** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:01 am

You should add a gang of mobsters somwhere on the poster, since the writers knew it would be a good idea to have Mario involved with the mob. IMO Mario involved with the mob in anyway is the funniest thing in a story line.

WildWinger88 · Postby **WildWinger88** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 1:50 am

ultimateemail5000 wrote:You should add a gang of mobsters somwhere on the poster, since the writers knew it would be a good idea to have Mario involved with the mob. IMO Mario involved with the mob in anyway is the funniest thing in a story line.

Actually, this poster has a very epic feel to it. You guys will probably hate the cast, though! lol

WildWinger88 · Postby **WildWinger88** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:27 pm

Guys! Check out my latest design concept. Its based upon this script!

http://wildwinger.deviantart.com/art/Su ... -127812365

1upmushroom · Postby **1upmushroom** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 12:55 am

MerrittTheFerret wrote:I'm going to be doing my own, personal rewrite based on the '91 script.

Corey (MerrittTheFerret)

I am too. And no I'm not copying your idea.

1upmushroom · Postby **1upmushroom** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 10:19 pm

Carl wrote:I read the script today, I loved it. I would love to see it made, even in just a fan-film rendition. But I see why it wasn't used. It's a bit too outlandish for most audiences. We love it here, because we love the games, and because this script follows the games very closely.
Anywho, I drew some art based on the character descriptions.

Are you gonna do more?

Carl · Postby **Carl** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 2:29 pm

edited together a pic of Danny Devito and some other things to get an idea for what he would look like in the role.

ultimateemail5000 · Postby **ultimateemail5000** » Wed Feb 24, 2010 12:32 pm

Carl wrote:
edited together a pic of Danny Devito and some other things to get an idea for what he would look like in the role.

He would have made such a better Mario. I like Hoskins, but Devito is just hilarious. I wonder who was going to be originally chosen for Luigi back then before Lequizimo?

Postby **Phlibbit** » Thu Feb 25, 2010 2:01 am

DeVito could have done a terrific job; he puts his soul into every character he portrays.

Having said that, I wouldn't trade Bob Hoskins for anyone. Sure, he loathes the movie to this day, but I gotta like the guy all the more for doing it.

Prime Evil · Postby **Prime Evil** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 8:31 pm

ultimateemail5000 wrote:You should add a gang of mobsters somwhere on the poster, since the writers knew it would be a good idea to have Mario involved with the mob. IMO Mario involved with the mob in anyway is the funniest thing in a story line.

Uh...'Super Mafia Bros.'?

I'll get my coat.

billbot85 · Postby **billbot85** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 11:37 pm

MerrittTheFerret wrote:All right, if you didn't see it already, at the top of the page there's a link to the ENTIRE 7/17/1991 screenplay!

I started reading both scripts. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. The first script is exactly how I had pictured what a Mario Bros. Movie would look like.

Howlrunner · Postby **Howlrunner** » Wed May 05, 2010 12:07 pm

Is this script still availabe online? The link at the top of the page no longer works.

Trust The Fungus · Postby **Trust The Fungus** » Tue Aug 10, 2010 12:48 am

the link brings me to the website, but it says content deleted

Who is online