Script shocker: 'I killed Ferris Bueller'

Let the debate continue on the merits of a Ferris Bueller sequel. In the last seven days, since I broke the news of the script by screenwriter Rick Rapier, I've been called everything from a "schmuck" to a "thieving stableboy from Bavaria." (Actually that last part is probably in my head from watching "Beer Fest" too many times this weekend.)

I also was a skeptic on the idea of a sequel -- until I read the script. And to help move the conversation along, Rick and I have decided to release a scene from the script for everyone to read. This particular scene occurs early in the movie. Let us know what you think.

* * *

INT. FERRIS' PERSONAL AIRLINER - CONTINUOUS

Ferris braces himself between the rest room and the EMERGENCY EXIT. Cameron grows more agitated.

CAMERON: Ferris! Sit down! It's FAA regulation!

FERRIS: The benefit of owning one's own plane is that one can refrain from following FAA regulations.

The Ferris Bueller corporate jet rises into the air, its wheels retracting.

INT. FERRIS' PASSENGER AIRLINE - CONTINUOUS

Cameron gestures angrily for Dick and Dirk to do something. Dirk points to his fastened seat belt.

DIRK (surprisingly demure): But we're taking off, Mr. Frye.

Cameron turns to Ferris.

CAMERON: If this is about the infomercial, I'm sorry, awright!? How'd I know it would result in a 200 percent increase in seminar bookings?

FERRIS: Market research?

CAMERON: A happy accident.

FERRIS: Another accident like that and they'll be comparing me to Howard Hughes...

CAMERON: Would that be so bad?

FERRIS: You wouldn't be the one in a sterile room with nails so long you can't wipe your ass!

CAMERON: Well, it's too late!

FERRIS: No, it's never too late. (turns to CAMERA) That's Rule Number 7 from "Life Moves
Pretty Fast," disk one.

CAMERON: Why do you put me through this crap, Ferris?

FERRIS (to Cameron):  Rule number 9: "Find life's little pleasures whereever you can." I think
that's on disc two.

DEVON (still jotting in her PDA): Disc 3.

CAMERON: Well, you can forget pleasure: today's your birthday.

Ferris leans to gaze out the EMERGENCY EXIT window.

CAMERON: Ferris, sit down! The last thing we need is you in the hospital -- Millions are riding on tonight's simulcast! Carpenter would own us --

FERRIS: Is that all you care about? Money?

CAMERON: Sit down. I'm done arguing with you.

Cameron turns his back to Ferris. Ferris doesn’t budge.

FERRIS: Do the voice.

CAMERON: (knowing) What?

FERRIS: Do it. Do Peterson and I'll be a good boy all day long. Do it. (imitates Cam as "Mr.
Peterson") "Rooney! Who the hell do you think you’re talking to!?"

Cameron is adamant. No voice.

CAMERON: We don't have time for your stupid crap, Ferris!

Ferris looks to the CAMERA like Can you believe him?

FERRIS (to Cameron):  Do it!

It's a stand off.

FERRIS: You leave me no choice... It's on your head.

CAMERON: What is?

FERRIS: My stupid crap.

Ferris puts his hands on the EMERGENCY EXIT latch. Seeing Ferris, Dirk and Dick are now on alert.
Devon sees too and her eyes flash wide with concern. She implores Cameron, but he just shakes his head dismissively with a smirk of faux self-confidence.

Ferris defiantly starts to lift the EXIT DOOR handle. In an instant, Dirk and Dick are out of their seats.

DICK: Don't do it!

FERRIS: Not another step!

As Devon GASPS, Cameron turns to see what Ferris is up to.

CAMERON: You wouldn't dare.

FERRIS: Watch me.

Dirk and Dick crowd Cameron as Devon watches from her seat, aghast.

FERRIS (pathetic): I wanted to live, but you wouldn't let me.

DEVON: Mr. Bueller! No!

Dubious, Cameron holds up his hand to calm her.

FERRIS: I'm getting off this roller-coaster!

CAMERON: (calling Ferris bluff) At what, 10,000 feet? That first step's a doozy.

Ferris flashes a devilish, defiant scowl -- Pulls the EXIT door handle -- INSTANTLY gets sucked from the plane! Air rushes past a horrified Cameron, the Bodyguards, and Devon as they fight the swirling currents.

Here's where Cameron loses it.

CAMERON: NO!!!

EXT. THE SKY ABOVE SAN FRANCISCO - CONTINUOUS

Ferris tumbles toward the CAMERA, stabilizes... nonchalantly withdraws a pair of yellow skydiving goggles from his coat pocket, slips them on, tosses away the offending Blackberry.

With a big grin, he surveys this wild blue yonder like he owns it, then looks into the CAMERA with self-satisfaction, lips waffling in the slip stream.

FERRIS (his speech unaffected): I pulled it off! Think Cam bought it?

INT. BUELLER CORPORATE JET - CONTINUOUS

As Cameron slouches in Ferris’ chair, he rubs the armrests like they were Ferris himself, as Devon comforts him.

CAMERON: I killed Ferris Bueller.

Comments

[JA]

Haha..hahaha......I love it!! Just love it!!

[Tonianne]

Watched it for the first time Friday, been quoting it all weekend. How can any movie featuring that star-pairing of Cloris Leachman and Jurgen Prochnow not be destined for cult status and greatness?

As for being called a "schmuck," at least you don't drink Zimas and Smirnoff Ices...

[Spears]

Both Zima and any of those flavored malt beverages make me really sick. Too sweet. My stomach survives on a delicate balance of fried meat and bourbon.

Rick, the screenwriter, may pick another scene to release later this week -- a funnier scene later in the movie. So stay tuned!

[chase]

someone ... Make This Movie.

... BTW, nice pcast with the mighty Quinn ... I listened to it in the woods, running today. (Was subjected to a nasty spill ... but that's another story)

And .. BTW, if you want a flick with a real throwback feel to the '80s teen stuff, Superbad really works. Seriously.

McLovin --

[Dave]

Sorry Spears...love the show..just not feeling it. I think Ferris has taken a permanant vacation from the Big Screen.

[Max]

Hmmm - I love that movie with the rest of us but somehow I feel uneasy with a real sequel since most of them SUCK!

[Marissa]

WHOA!! I can envision all the candid glances directly at the camera and speaking to the camera as if he KNOWS we're there.
Thanks, Spears, for letting us get a smackerel of what Rapier has to offer in the continued tale of Ferris.
Might I please have more, sir?

[BME]

Beautiful stuff! Great continuity in the characters! This needs to be made, Ferris has to live on the screen again.

[ALCO_HOLZ]

this is actually HILARIOUS, as a long time hughes fan, with aspirations to join both the brat pack and the breakfast club, i was uneasy as to this alleged sequel but i was not disappointed, it was classic ferris, please somebody buy this movies. and send a copy to john hughes stat this man needs to make movies again....preferably with molly ringwald, anthony michael hall, judd nelson, emilio estevez and ally sheedy=) perhaps he could finally write the elusive whatever happened on monday movie, or book, i could deal with a book...I JSUT WANT TO KNOW!!!!

[Brad]

Nope. Bad idea.

[Roxie]

Ha Ha Ha!!!!! I was a skeptic at first, but this is a riot. Please get it made. I hope someone in Hollywood is listening.

And as for the people who don't like it......don't go see it. We won't miss you at the theater.

SAVE FERRIS!

[Justyn]

I think this would be one sequel I would love to see. The orignal movie was a classic. I think it is time to bring back some 80's into the new century. I would definately watch this over and over again like the original.

[S.W.]

Ferris lives again!! Wouldn't it be great to see all of the original actors on screen together again!

[Andres]

Ferris your my hero ! - LOL

[Brian]

How can there not be a sequel?! I already want to know more.

Please make this movie! Out of all of the crap Hollywood puts out every year, this would be an all-star cast and an all-star storyline!!

[Jay Jay the Jet Plane]

Why isn't anyone making this movie.... from what I read so far it's hilarious! I want more...I want the entire movie... please!!
I need more Ferris!!!

i dont get it , rnt they a bit old

[Rick in Scottsdale]

* "I don't get it, rnt they a bit old"

How's that question grab ya, Steve? (and anyone else who's on the cusp or just past it!)

That is the premise of the sequel -- Ferris is turning 40. After graduation from high school, it is one of life's most universally reflective milestones, wherever one is in life.

[Brock]

Great stuff, Rick. Made me laugh and want more even at 3:30am as I stumble through a frustrating editing session.

[Ted H.]

Love the scene. He's got Ferris at 40 nailed. Can we see the rest--and on the screen?!?

[k10 in VA]

This could work. Yeah, lots of sequels stink, but there are some really great ones, too. If this one has the feel of the first Ferris (and the excerpt suggests it does), it could do really well. I'd love to see it on screen.

[lenzi]

i have been obssesed with ferris beuller forever! I was woried at that it wouldnt be very good. but i really do think that ill love it! Please some how get it on the big screen!!!!!!!