Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott have joined forces for a fresh horror project that promises to offer a unique twist on a classic tale. Announced last week, this collaboration has quickly captured attention with the release of the first trailer, revealing a dark and mysterious atmosphere that aligns with the story’s eerie origins. Depp, currently experiencing a career resurgence after personal legal battles, teams up with Scott, who is also gearing up to direct a Bee Gees biopic for Paramount later this year.
The Story and Format Behind Hyde
The project, titled Hyde, is produced by Scott Free and Mechanical Cake and serves as a sequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s renowned novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Unlike typical adaptations, Hyde is not a film or television series but a graphic novel series set to launch on Halloween. The recent trailer runs nearly six minutes, offering a glimpse into this dark reimagining, which explores the consequences if Jekyll had not ended his life and his alter ego, Hyde, had gained full control.
Johnny Depp Reflects on His Connection to the Character
Depp shared his excitement about the project on Instagram, reminiscing about his childhood connection to the story. He said,
“When I was a boy, I carried a little, leather book of DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE in my back pocket everywhere I went… To step into the world of Robert Louis Stevenson, to be welcomed into Ridley Scott’s vision… and to explore this character—it’s madness and magic! Hope you folks like it…”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
This personal connection adds depth to Depp’s involvement, as the Hyde character is modeled after his likeness, and Depp has contributed creatively throughout the character’s development.
The Dark World of Hyde Explored in the Graphic Novel
Hyde picks up after the events of the original novella with a significant alteration: Hyde not only survives but thrives, fully embracing his sinister nature without restraint. He takes residence in the sewers beneath London and uses his serum on others, spreading his malevolent influence. The narrative delves into the darkness of unchecked power and the sinister transformation that ensues.
The character’s uninhibited actions are described as,
freely explore his dark tendencies with uninhibited abandon,
illustrating the brutal and unrestrained world that Hyde inhabits.
Creative Team Behind the Graphic Novel and Its Availability
Mechanical Cake CEO Jesse Negron and writer Joe Matsumoto have penned the two-volume series, with Gary Erskine and Chris Weston providing the artwork and Dave Elliott serving as editor. The project benefits from Depp’s hands-on involvement, influencing not just the appearance but also the decisions made by the central character throughout the story.
Negron highlighted the unique nature of this project, stating,
This is an incredible opportunity to build a studio-level project that goes directly from the creators to the audience, with no filters in between,
and added,
Hyde, like everything Mechanical Cake does, is a bit off the rails, in a good way.
—Jesse Negron, CEO of Mechanical Cake
Hyde is now available for pre-order through Mechanical Cake’s website, with Volume One priced at $30. While the release date of Volume Two remains unannounced, the trailer suggests a compelling and visually striking continuation. Fans of horror and graphic novels can anticipate a distinctly twisted and immersive tale that pushes creative boundaries.
The Anticipated Impact and Next Steps for Hyde
With the combined involvement of Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott, Hyde stands out as a distinctive entry in the horror and graphic novel genres. The project’s launch on Halloween capitalizes on the season’s affinity for eerie storytelling, and Depp’s comeback status adds additional intrigue for audiences. As Hyde explores the dark legacy of Jekyll’s alter ego in a fresh format, it could set a new standard for horror storytelling in graphic novels, potentially inspiring further explorations of classic horror through innovative mediums.
