Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott Launch Bold New Project HYDE with Mechanical Cake

An original graphic novel series from Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott reimagines the story of Mr. Hyde.

Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott are joining forces with writer-director Jesse Negron’s Mechanical Cake to create an original entertainment property called HYDE. The trio—Depp, Scott, and Negron—will share ownership of the new venture, described as a graphic novel series built from the ground up.

Created by Negron, HYDE takes place in a world where Mr. Hyde has permanently defeated Dr. Jekyll. Now unchecked, Hyde operates freely in the sewers beneath London, experimenting on others using the corrupting serum that transformed him. The series explores a darker, more expansive world through Hyde’s twisted lens.

Depp and Scott Dive Into Stevenson’s Iconic World

Depp will have creative input on the entire project and will be responsible for building the character of Hyde. Reflecting on the opportunity, 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.”

Scott, who has helmed such legendary films as Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, saw the potential of HYDE immediately after viewing early concept art and pitch materials.

“It’s a no-brainer!” said Scott.

A Bold New Graphic Novel Series

HYDE will be published in two volumes, each containing two chapters and totaling over 200 pages per volume. The project is written by Jesse Negron and Joe Matsumoto, with artwork by industry legends Gary Erskine and Chris Weston. Comic veteran Dave Elliott serves as editor.

Scott Free Senior VP Tom Moran, Infinitum Nihil COO Jason Forman, and Mechanical Cake CFO Tom Sanders are overseeing the project.

“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,” said Negron.

Comic-Con Debut and Exclusive Preview

The HYDE series will make its debut at San Diego Comic-Con with an exclusive large-format “ashcan” preview handed out during the Hall H panel titled HYDE: When the Worlds of Graphic Novels and Movies Collide, scheduled for Thursday from 1:30–2:30 p.m. The ashcan will also be available as a free download on the Mechanical Cake website.

Attendees can visit the HYDE booth at Comic-Con for additional collectibles and previews from both HYDE and Mechanical Cake’s other graphic novel, MODVILLE.

“HYDE, like everything Mechanical Cake does, is a bit off the rails, in a good way,” added Negron. “We execute at a whole other level. We cannot wait to unleash HYDE into the world.”

Pre-Orders Open Now for Halloween Release

Chapter 1 of HYDE is set to ship on Halloween and is available for pre-order now at mechanicalcake.com. Fans can also place pre-orders directly at the Comic-Con booth.

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