EXT. HOWLETT ESTATE - DAY (1845)
The peaceful tranquility of the Howlett estate is disrupted by the playful laughter of children. JAMES HOWLETT III (a kind-hearted boy of about 10) and ROSE, an adopted orphan girl slightly older than him, run through the fields. Their faces are full of joy, innocence, and freedom.
JAMES HOWLETT II and ELIZABETH HOWLETT, a wealthy and kind couple, watch their son and Rose from a distance, enjoying the moment. Dog Logan, the rough son of the gardener, Thomas Logan, watches them with a scowl from the edge of the field, his resentment growing.
---
INT. HOWLETT MANOR - LIVING ROOM - EVENING
James Howlett III sits by the fireplace, his father reading a book nearby, while Rose helps with some chores. The atmosphere is warm and familial, until there's a knock at the door. The tension in the room spikes subtly.
JAMES HOWLETT II
(calmly)
James, fetch the door, please.
Young James Howlett moves to the door, opening it to reveal THOMAS LOGAN, his grizzled face shadowed by the dim light outside.
THOMAS LOGAN
(gruff)
I need to speak with your mother.
---
EXT. HOWLETT ESTATE - BACKYARD - NIGHT
Under the pale moonlight, Elizabeth Howlett stands outside with Thomas Logan. Their voices are hushed but intense. James Howlett III hides behind the bushes, overhearing the conversation. Thomas is trying to convince Elizabeth to run away with him, but she resists.
ELIZABETH HOWLETT
(panicked)
You need to leave, Thomas. It's over. Please, just go.
Suddenly, JAMES HOWLETT II storms out, furious.
JAMES HOWLETT II
(to Thomas)
What are you doing here, Logan?
THOMAS LOGAN
(snarling)
You took everything from me. My job. My dignity. I'll take it all back, starting with her.
Before James Howlett II can react, Thomas Logan pulls out a knife and, with brutal speed, plunges it into his chest. James Howlett III watches in horror as his father collapses to the ground.
ELIZABETH HOWLETT
(screaming)
No!
---
CLOSE-UP: JAMES HOWLETT III'S FACE
Tears fill his wide eyes, his breath quickening as the trauma of the moment overwhelms him. A deep rage wells up from within, unlike anything he's felt before.
---
INT. HOWLETT ESTATE - NIGHT
In a sudden burst of energy, James Howlett III charges forward, letting out a primal scream. His body convulses as sharp bone claws burst from his knuckles for the first time. Shocked and driven by instinct, he rushes toward Thomas Logan, who turns just as the claws pierce through his chest.
THOMAS LOGAN
(whispering, dying)
You're just like me, boy... a monster.
---
EXT. HOWLETT ESTATE - NIGHT
Thomas Logan falls to the ground, dead. James Howlett III stands over him, blood dripping from his newly emerged claws, breathing heavily. His mother, Elizabeth, horrified, backs away from him, her face pale and filled with disgust.
ELIZABETH HOWLETT
(crying, horrified)
What have you become? You're... a monster!
JAMES HOWLETT III
(pleading)
Mother... no... it was an accident, I—
ELIZABETH HOWLETT
(sobbing)
Stay away from me!
Without warning, Elizabeth takes a nearby hunting rifle and, in her grief and terror, points it at her own head. James Howlett III screams, rushing toward her.
