Overview
Title: Hyde
Release Date: Halloween, October 31, 2025
Genre: Gothic Horror, Graphic Novel
Creators: Johnny Depp, Ridley Scott, Mechanical Cake
Writers: Jesse Negron, Joe Matsumoto
Artists: Gary Erskine, Chris Weston
Editor: Dave Elliott
Publisher: Mechanical Cake
Based On: “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson
Synopsis
“Hyde” is a bold reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” This two-volume graphic novel series explores a world where Mr. Hyde has triumphed over his Dr. Jekyll alter ego, allowing him to unleash his dark tendencies with uninhibited abandon. Set in the shadowy sewers of Victorian London, Hyde experiments with a corrupting serum to transform others into versions of himself, creating a chilling narrative that delves into the depths of human nature. Johnny Depp, who co-owns the property alongside Ridley Scott and Mechanical Cake, lends his likeness to the titular character and provides creative input across all aspects of the project.
Key Details
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Format: Two-volume graphic novel series, each containing two chapters with over 200 pages.
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Creative Team:
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Johnny Depp: Co-owner, character creator, and provides likeness for Mr. Hyde.
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Ridley Scott: Co-owner, contributing to the project’s vision through Scott Free Productions.
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Jesse Negron: Creator, co-writer, and CEO of Mechanical Cake.
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Joe Matsumoto: Co-writer.
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Gary Erskine & Chris Weston: Artists, bringing the dark, gothic aesthetic to life.
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Dave Elliott: Editor.
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Production Oversight: Tom Moran (Scott Free), Jason Forman (Infinitum Nihil), Tom Sanders (Mechanical Cake).
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First Look: A 35-page preview was released online, showcasing Depp’s likeness and the series’ haunting artwork.
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San Diego Comic-Con 2025: Featured in a Hall H panel titled “Hyde: When the Worlds of Graphic Novels and Movies Collide” on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Attendees received an exclusive collectible preview and themed merchandise was available at the Hyde booth.
Notable Quotes
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Johnny Depp: “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.”
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Jesse Negron: “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. ‘Hyde,’ like everything Mechanical Cake does, is a bit off the rails, in a good way.”
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Ridley Scott: “It’s a no-brainer!” (on the pitch and poster mockup for Hyde)
Additional Information
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Trailer: A nearly six-minute trailer was released on July 28, 2025, featuring live-action footage of Johnny Depp in costume as Mr. Hyde, sparking rumors of a potential film adaptation.
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Depp’s Connection: Depp has shared a personal connection to the story, noting that as a child, he carried a leather-bound copy of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” everywhere, making this project a full-circle moment for him.
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Fan Reception: Fans have expressed excitement on social media, with comments praising Depp’s ability to embody intense, chaotic characters and anticipation for the series’ dark, psychological twist.
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Other Projects: Alongside “Hyde,” Mechanical Cake is developing two additional graphic novels: the sci-fi crime thriller Modville and the Norse war saga Nick.
Sources
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Variety: Johnny Depp Joins ‘Hyde’ Graphic Novel Series From Ridley Scott and Mechanical Cake
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IGN: Pirates of the Caribbean Star Johnny Depp Is Creating the Character of Hyde for a New Graphic Novel
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Entertainment Now: Johnny Depp Unleashes His Inner Monster in Dream Role for ‘Hyde’ Graphic Novel
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MovieWeb: Johnny Depp Lets Evil Take Over in First Trailer for Ridley Scott Horror Collaboration
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Bleeding Cool: Johnny Depp, Posing For The New Hyde Graphic Novel, In 35-Page Preview
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Posts on X: @Variety, @IGN, @RidleyScottArch, @ReemDepp
