Few horrific tales have stood the test of time like Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Johnny Depp has signed on to the new graphic novel “Hyde” based on the already heavily adapted story. Depp, Ridley Scott, and the production company Mechanical Cake will co-own the work which is set to launch on Halloween.
This new take is created by Jesse Negron, who is also the CEO of Mechanical Cake. Scott’s Scott Free banner is also collaborating with Mechanical Cake on the graphic novels, “Modville” a sci-fi crime drama and “Nick” a Norse war tale.
“HYDE, like everything Mechanical Cake does, is a bit off the rails, in a good way,” said Negron. “We execute at a whole other level. We cannot wait to unleash HYDE into the world at San Diego Comic-Con this year! We invite everyone to come by our booth, which takes you into the worlds of our graphic novel series, MODVILLE and HYDE.”
“Hyde”
The book will talk about Mr. Hyde’s life after he defeated his Dr. Jekyll alter ego. Allowing the character to “freely explore his dark tendencies with uninhibited abandon.” He now resides in the sewers of London, armed with a serum to transform other people. Creating the potential for an army of Hydes.
“To build within the world of Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterful characters and to be welcomed into the vision of Ridley Scott… and inexplicably having the opportunity to explore, it’s surprising to me,” said Depp in a statement. “And hopefully surprising to him. It’s insane and beautiful to receive that trust from Ridley. A master.”
“Hyde” is co-written by Negron and Joe Matsumoto, with Dave Elliott editing. Art is provided by Gary Erskine and Chris Weston.
The upcoming graphic novel will b e showcased at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Negron, Elliot, Anthony Francisco, Scott Free senior vice president Tom Moran, and Infinitum Nihil vice president Jason Forman will host the Thursday panel “‘Hyde’: When the Worlds of Graphic Novels and Movies Collide.”
“Hyde” will hit shelves on October 31st, 2025. You can pre-order a copy here.
