Johnny Depp is stepping back into the limelight, this time to create the character of Hyde for a new graphic novel. Teaming up with legendary director Ridley Scott, best known for his work on Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, Depp is collaborating with Mechanical Cake, a production company, to bring a fresh entertainment property to life. The duo, along with Scott, co-own this exciting new venture called Hyde, which begins with a graphic novel that’s set to reshape the infamous character of Mr.
Hyde from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
In this reimagined version, Hyde reigns supreme after defeating his alter ego, Dr. Jekyll. With Jekyll out of the picture, Hyde is now free to explore his darkest impulses with no restrictions. The two-volume graphic novel series is set in the underworld of London, where Hyde dwells in the sewers, experimenting with a corrupting serum to create even more versions of himself. The series promises to be a thrilling adventure, with over 200 pages per volume, and each volume will include two action-packed chapters.
Depp is fully involved in shaping the character of Hyde, bringing his unique touch to all aspects of the project. In a statement, he shared his excitement about working within the world of Stevenson’s characters and collaborating with Ridley Scott. Depp said, “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. And hopefully surprising to him. It’s insane and beautiful to receive that trust from Ridley. A master.”
The graphic novel series, written by Jesse Negron and Joe Matsumoto, edited by Dave Elliott, and illustrated by Gary Erskine and Chris Weston, will kick off with Hyde Chapter 1 of 4, scheduled for release this Halloween. Fans can expect a darker, more twisted take on the beloved character.
In other news, there are rumors that Depp may return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, where he famously portrayed the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow. After a tumultuous few years marked by legal battles and controversy, Depp seems to be finding his way back to major projects. Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of the Pirates films, has even expressed interest in bringing Depp back, a sign that the tides may be shifting in Depp’s favor once again.