Millar was unhappy with the first draft of the screenplay, considering the approach to be "too tame" and "a little bit Americanized" given he wanted "basically be the opposite of the Spider-Man movie, the idea of someone getting powers and realizing they can do what they want, then choosing the dark path." The author only started to support the direction the project was taking once Bekmambetov "came in with his Eastern European madness" and the intention of coming closer to the spirit of the book. Bekmambetov said that he would take liberty in adapting the comic book's world: "It's difficult for me to just follow.
Millar was dissatisfied with the initial screenplay draft, finding it too mild and "a little bit Americanized" since he aimed to create a stark contrast to the Spider-Man movie's approach, where a person gains powers and can do as they please, then chooses the dark path. The author only began to support the project's direction once Bekmambetov brought his unique Eastern European perspective.