The Third Wish - Screenplay
Included below is the full screenplay for The Third Wish. The identifiers in square brackets in the scene headings refer to the iClone project files that make up the movie.
FADE IN:
EXT. BEACH - NIGHT [S01, S02, S03]
A bright moon lightens the sea, whose crashing waves meet the
deserted beach. Across the water, a sweeping lighthouse beam
signals its presence to the shore.
On the beach, two figures. The large glowing one is a genie
by the name of EUGENE. He floats above an oil lamp sitting
on the sand, next to an old chest. Markings on the open lid
of this chest suggest that it originates from the Titanic.
Eugene looms large over an agitated WALTER PINHEAD, a man in
his 40s. Pinhead wears a shirt with a multicolored logo and
his belt buckle is decorated with a large "P"
PINHEAD
Now you have made me waste TWO
wishes...
The genie sneers at him.
EUGENE
Don't blame ME! YOU will just have
to be more precise!
PINHEAD
(irritated)
EUGENE, shut up! Let me
concentrate.
Pinhead, in thought now, is watched by the impatient genie.
EUGENE
Pinhead! Come on! We don't have
all night. What is your third and
final desire?
The genie starts tapping his fingers on an invisible table.
Pinhead glares up at him, annoyed.
PINHEAD
Do you mind?
Eugene keeps tapping. Exasperated, Pinhead walks away, then
back. He stops in front of the genie and glares at him.
PINHEAD (CONT'D)
I wish I had your job!
A green flash emits from the lamp. Pinhead is lifted up, and
his shrinking body is sucked into the spout.
Meanwhile the genie-as-apparition fades away. He reemerges
as Eugene in normal human form, clothed, and standing next to
the lamp. His facial features can still be recognized, but
the glowing of his skin slowly subsides.
EUGENE
Wow! Finally free! That went
well! Alas, not so much for poor
Pinhead...
Ecstatic, he roars with laughter.
INT. INSIDE OIL LAMP - NIGHT [S04, S05]
It's dark but for the moonlight entering via the lamp spout.
The uncontrolled merriment of Eugene gradually fades away and
blends with the muted outside sounds.
Pinhead looks dazed. He has lost his bronze "P" belt buckle
in the transfer.
He surveys his surroundings. There are a chair, a table, a
few floor lamps, and a mattress. He turns the floor lamps
on. The interior is now fully lit, revealing the solid brass
inside of the oil lamp.
In the center of the floor is a manhole. Pinhead lifts the
cover. Steam rises up. He finds a flashlight on the table,
gets down on his knees and shines into the opening.
Determined, he gets up and lowers himself into the manhole.
INT. SEWER SYSTEM - NIGHT [S06, S07]
Pinhead descends a steel ladder attached to the wall and
crosses through a room's open door into a corridor. A sign
reads: "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".
Pinhead turns right and follows the corridor towards a metal
bridge. Going forward, he becomes aware of a mix of wailing
and moaning, growing in intensity as he proceeds.
The bridge crosses a sewer canal that stretches left and
right. Torches along the canal emit a faint sickly-greenish
shine, aided by tubular lights mounted on the wall.
As he steps on the bridge, Pinhead stops, frozen.
A WOMAN ZOMBIE, holding herself outside the bridge railing,
hisses and claws in his direction. Close by, another one
stands in the water. A group a zombies slowly approaches,
slushing through the filthy waste.
Scared, Pinhead runs across the bridge. To the right, he
spots a staircase marked "EXIT". He rushes up the flights.
At the top of the stairs, he halts, panting. Still shaken,
he slowly continues down a short hallway and through an
opening to enter a small room. A door on the far wall is
marked: "NO EXIT".
Suddenly, a fierce-locking TROLL blocks his way, growling.
TROLL
Can't get out! Back to station!
Now! Don't try! Exits guarded!
Pinhead recoils, startled. Defeated, he turns around and
slowly shuffles back the way he came.
INT. INSIDE OIL LAMP - NIGHT [S08]
Pinhead sits in the chair, head down. He slowly rocks
himself in comfort. Suddenly, he sits straight up and
engages his phone. A beep, and then...
PHONE (V.O.)
We're sorry. Unable to connect
you. Insufficient bars.
He bends his head in despair, clenching his fists.
EXT. BEACH - DAY [S09, S10]
The sun is shining, revealing the tranquil, pristine beach.
The cries of seagulls blend with the surf sound of the sea.
A group of Pinhead's vacation FRIENDS, in their 20s and 30s,
stroll along the beach towards an exit through the dunes.
XANDRA, mid-20s, lags behind the others, walking slowly. She
scans the surroundings, searching. Now she retraces her
steps, drawing closer to the sea, away from the group.
One of them, CARL, late 20s, looks back. He shields his eyes
against the sun, spots Xandra, and calls out to her.
CARL
Xandra, are you coming?
Xandra turns around and shakes her head. Carl is irritated.
CARL (CONT'D)
Well, I won't wait. Just forget
about him!
Xandra shrugs.
XANDRA
Carl, don't be silly!
She walks on. Carl storms off, annoyed.
Xandra spots something on the beach and quickly heads that
way. It's the chest that Pinhead discovered earlier. Next
to it, she finds the lamp and Pinhead's "P" belt buckle.
Xandra gasps in horror.
She squats down to pick up the buckle. While she reaches,
her left hand brushes the lamp. In a flash, Pinhead appears,
as genie.
Startled, Xandra jumps up. Then she recovers, relieved.
XANDRA (CONT'D)
Pinhead! What happened?
PINHEAD
I'll tell you. But first, a
warning. No wishing. Not even in
thought.
Xandra is puzzled at first, then shrugs.
XANDRA
(slowly)
Oh... Kay...
She sets herself down on the beach, facing Pinhead.
PINHEAD
Well, you know, it was like this...
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET WITH BAR - NIGHT [S11]
An older MAN limps down a moonlit street in a part of town
that has seen better days. The buildings flanking the quiet
street are uninspiring. A surprising highlight is the Blue
Oasis, a "Bar - Café" as its colorful sign announces.
The man hobbles along past the tastefully lit building. An
awning covers an outside patio. Large picture windows reveal
the bar's PATRONS having a good time. One of them is Eugene.
A gloomy figure in a dark corner of the bar room takes it all
in. He is Senior G.I.A. Agent FEISAL HUSSEIN, mid 40s. In
dark glasses and a hat, he is dressed like a fifties spy.
INT. BAR - NIGHT [S11]
The patrons fill the bar room with lively conversations.
Soft Jazz music is playing. Feisal watches a noisy Eugene,
who sits at the bar, plastered and in high spirits.
Eugene's human form is that of an attractive dark stranger.
He has the full attention of three young women, JESSICA,
TIFFANY, and CARLA, all smiles and giggles. Jessica has her
hand on Eugene's shoulder.
Suddenly Eugene bursts out in a snorting laugh. He then
turns to Sam, the bartender.
EUGENE
(slurring)
Hey, Sham. Drinksh for everybody!
Ignored, he burps. Jessica laughs loudly, the others grin.
Meanwhile, Feisal has gotten up to leave. He walks past
Eugene, glancing at him briefly.
EXT. DESERT WITH WALLED CITY - DAY [S12]
A fierce sun scorches the walled city and surrounding desert.
The landscape is bare: nothing but sand, apart from some
scattered pyramids. On an asphalt road leading to the city,
a Bentley with Feisal speeds towards the town's main gate.
EXT. INSIDE WALLED CITY - DAY [S13]
The Bentley is parked inside the city walls near the gate.
Feisal stands next to the car and surveys the CROWD-filled
main square, which is bustling with market activity.
He then crosses the square towards the imposing building of
the "Genie Intelligence Agency". One of the windows reveals
the silhouette of the G.I.A DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS.
INT. G.I.A. BUILDING - DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY [S13]
From her office window, the Director, a stylish woman in her
late 50s, ponders the outside activity of the market crowd
and the approaching Feisal.
She then turns away from the window, in thought.
INT. G.I.A. BUILDING - DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - LATER [S14]
The office is well-appointed in mostly modern style, except
for large wooden desk by the windows. Next to the desk,
against a side wall, are two large book cases filled with
dossiers. On the same wall is a projection screen, currently
showing footage of Eugene's encounter with Pinhead.
The viewers are Feisal and the Director, who are seated at a
large conference table near the wall opposite the windows.
The Director stops the projection after Eugene's transition
into human form. She looks perturbed.
DIRECTOR
Agent Hussein, this is not the
first time Eugene has broken the
rules. He's good, but, well,
unruly.
She smiles briefly. Feisal turns to her.
FEISAL
Madam Director, we simply don't
have the manpower to monitor every
genie twenty-four-seven.
The director nods.
DIRECTOR
I understand, and I don't blame
you. Budget cuts and all that. As
director I used to have carte
blanche, but now...
She pauses, in thought.
DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
Agent Hussein, please take care of
this. I'm assigning a junior agent
to assist. And, I promise you, one
more misstep and it's the salt
mines for Eugene. You tell him
that from me.
EXT. SEASIDE APARTMENTS - ESTABLISHING - DAY [S15]
Xandra, Carl, and their friends lodge in a recent three-story
apartment building with beach access. The units are one
bedroom suites with a sea view. The corner units have
balconies. From there, a few guests are catching the morning
sun. The windows of a third floor corner unit reveal Xandra,
Feisal, and Pinhead-as-genie having a conference.
INT. XANDRA'S APARTMENT - LIVING AREA - DAY [S16]
A pleasant and spacious third-floor apartment with modern
furnishings. The door to the balcony is open and provides a
view of the beach. Outdoor sounds stream in: the surf,
seagulls, outside activity.
The living area has a couch, easy chairs, side tables, and a
coffee table. On it, an edition of "Aladdin or the Wonderful
Lamp", showing a drawing of the lamp on the vintage cover.
Xandra and Feisal are seated close to Pinhead, who floats
above the oil lamp on the floor.
FEISAL
Genie Eugene has broken a major
rule by giving up his post.
PINHEAD
So Feisal, you're saying that wish
should not have been granted?
Feisal nods.
FEISAL
You're right. Sadly, wishes can
NOT be undone.
XANDRA
Then, what CAN we do?
Feisal turns to her.
FEISAL
I've got an idea, but I'll need
your help for a date with Eugene.
Xandra smiles at Pinhead, then turns to Feisal.
XANDRA
Sure!
FEISAL
(to Pinhead)
Pinhead, you'll be free in a few
days, I promise.
(to Xandra)
Xandra, meanwhile, keep the lamp
hidden from any visitors.
Xandra nods. Feisal gets up.
FEISAL (CONT'D)
I'll call you soon.
INT. XANDRA'S APARTMENT - LATER [S17]
Carl walks down the hallway towards the living/kitchen area.
CARL
Xandra? Are you there? We're
about to meet up...
He stops and scans the room.
CARL (CONT'D)
Nobody. Weird...
He walks into the living room area and notices the Aladdin
book on the coffee table.
CARL (CONT'D)
Interesting reading...
Just then a gust of blows a scarf from the right side table,
revealing the oil lamp.
CARL (CONT'D)
Cool, the real thing...
He walks over to the side table and squats down. He reaches
to pick up the lamp.
CARL (CONT'D)
Nice. I think I will borrow that.
He looks up, smiling.
INT. CARL'S APARTMENT - DAY [S18, S19]
Carl's apartment is like Xandra's but has a different, darker
atmosphere. There's a sitting area with a couch and a dining
area furnished with a table and chairs.
Carl sits at the table, the lamp in front of him.
He rubs the lamp, and Pinhead appears. Or rather, his lower
half, because he is too tall for the room.
PINHEAD
Hey! Put me on the floor!
Carl, puzzled, places the lamp on the floor, revealing the
complete genie.
CARL
Pinhead?
Carl is shocked at first, then starts to giggle...
CARL (CONT'D)
This is just too funny...
Pinhead looks irritated.
PINHEAD
(stuttering)
You, you, rotten lowlife... Now,
get on with your three wishes.
Carl, still grinning, strokes his chin in thought.
CARL
I wish money in the bank.
A flash. On the table appears a piggy bank. A penny slides
through the slot and hits the bottom. PING!
Pinhead grins.
PINHEAD
Ha ha! Got you there!
Carl grimaces, then shrugs.
CARL
I wish a romantic evening...
A flash, then it's--
EVENING
The daylight has vanished. Dimmed lights provide a subdued
illumination. Soft music is playing. Carl is seated on the
couch. Pinhead is on the floor nearby. On the coffee table,
a bottle of champagne and two filled glasses.
Carl looks satisfied, then checks beside him. He frowns.
CARL (CONT'D)
And, I wish to share this with a
beautiful woman.
A flash. Xandra pops up next to Carl on the couch.
PINHEAD
Ha! That was your third wish!
He disappears inside the lamp.
CARL
Xandra!
Xandra spots the lamp and then glares at Carl.
CARL (CONT'D)
Sorry, it was just a joke...
Xandra gets up.
XANDRA
Yeah, seriously?
Carl bends his head.
Xandra grabs the lamp and storms out. Carl stares after her.
INT. INSIDE OIL LAMP - DAY [S20]
Pinhead sits in his chair, reading a book. He looks up.
PINHEAD
A close call, last night. But,
there is magic in a bit of mind
control...
He frowns and addresses the camera.
PINHEAD (CONT'D)
Well, Xandra has a date tonight,
with Eugene. I wish I could help.
Wish? Genies can't wish.
He shakes his head, then returns to his book.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET WITH BAR - NIGHT [S21]
Eugene shuffles away from the entrance to the bar, sent off
by an agitated BOUNCER.
Suddenly, Eugene stops and glares at the bouncer.
EUGENE
Asshole!
He trudges back to the entrance. The bouncer raises his hands
for Eugene to keeps his distance, but Eugene moves forward
and attempts to manoeuver the bouncer out of the way.
A final push and Eugene hits the patio floor. He rolls on his
side and lies still. The bouncer returns inside the bar and
closes the entrance doors.
The scene is watched from an alley way next to the bar by a
JUNIOR GIA AGENT, who is wearing a Bluetooth phone.
AGENT
Bingo...
A dark SUV emerges and stops in front of the bar.
Eugene works himself up in a sitting position facing the
street.
The front passenger door opens, revealing a pair of shapely
legs in high heels belonging to Xandra. Eugene perks up.
Xandra exits the car and walks towards Eugene, then squats
down.
XANDRA
Hi, I'm Xandra. You must be
Eugene? Are you OK?
Eugene grimaces.
EUGENE
My head...
He speaks slowly, like drunk.
XANDRA
Can you stand? Walk?
She rises. Eugene also gets up, unsteady on his feet.
XANDRA (CONT'D)
I'll take you to my place -- just
to freshen up.
Eugene manages another pained smile.
EUGENE
Thanks...
Xandra turns and walks to the car. Eugene follows, with tiny
steps.
INT. XANDRA'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - NIGHT [S22]
Xandra guides Eugene into the bathroom, then leaves him,
closing the door. He inspects himself in the mirror.
The door opens slowly. Eugene stiffens. Feisal enters and
closes the door. He glowers at Eugene, furious.
FEISAL
Idiot! The Chief has had it with
you!
Eugene bends his head and looks away.
FEISAL (CONT'D)
This will be your last chance. You
know the salty alternative.
Eugene nods, looking gloomy and still drunk.
EUGENE
OK, let's get -- it over with.
INT. XANDRA'S APARTMENT - LIVING AREA - NIGHT [S23]
The lamp stands on the floor near the coffee table. Xandra
sits on one of the couches, while Feisal and Eugene stand
near the lamp. Eugene waits. Feisal nudges him, and Eugene
steps towards the lamp. He crouches down and rubs it.
Smoke starts to emit from the lamp followed by a flash.
Eugene steps aside. A moment later Pinhead as Genie appears.
PINHEAD
Yes Master?
EUGENE
(grunting)
I want, my job back.
A flash, then a human Pinhead appears on the couch opposite
Xandra, while Eugene vanishes inside the lamp.
Pinhead lies down, yawns, and falls asleep. Feisal picks up
the lamp. Xandra gets up from her couch and smiles.
XANDRA
Thank you so much!
Feisal nods and turns to leave.
EXT. OPEN-AIR MARKET - DAY [S24]
The open-air market is situated in a paved square surrounded
by old townhouses. The merchandise is presented in stalls or
on the pavement.
Pinhead and Xandra peruse some antique offerings spread out
on a colorful rug.
Positioned in front is an open chest, its lid suggesting that
it originates from the Titanic. A sign states: "Salvaged
from the Titanic!" Next, on a stool, are an oil lamp and a
classic edition of "Aladdin or the Wonderful Lamp".
Xandra and Pinhead look at each other, surprised.
XANDRA
You think it's genuine?
Pinhead shakes his head.
PINHEAD
No, not likely. Want to try the
lamp?
Xandra turns to Pinhead.
XANDRA
Why? I have my genie right here...
Xandra starts to walk away, then stops.
XANDRA (CONT'D)
Wait! Let's try this incantation
Feisal told me.
She turns and steps closer to the lamp.
XANDRA (CONT'D)
(slowly)
Oum! Djinn! Oum!
A flash. Xandra recoils.
XANDRA (CONT'D)
Oh my gosh! Oops!
Genie Eugene emerges, floating above the lamp.
PINHEAD
Well, well, if that isn't my genie!
The genie notices them and turns furious.
EUGENE
(exasperated)
Hey! Leave me alone!
They walk away, while a babbling LITTLE GIRL approaches to
inspect the genie.
FADE OUT.
THE END