HYDE: Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott Unleash a Dark New Vision at San Diego Comic-Con 2025

Prepare to descend into the shadows of Victorian London with HYDE, a bold reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This gripping graphic novel series, co-owned by Johnny Depp, Ridley Scott, and Mechanical Cake, premiered its chilling first trailer at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, igniting excitement among fans of gothic horror and graphic novels. With Depp shaping the titular character and Scott’s visionary oversight, HYDE promises to be a haunting, unfiltered exploration of humanity’s darkest impulses.

A Twisted Evolution of a Classic Tale

HYDE picks up where Stevenson’s novella left off, imagining a world where Mr. Hyde has vanquished Dr. Jekyll, claiming full control. Now lurking in the sewers beneath London, Hyde unleashes his uninhibited depravity, using a mysterious serum to transform others into twisted versions of himself. This two-volume graphic novel series, spanning four chapters and over 200 pages per volume, dives deep into Hyde’s psyche, blending psychological horror with visceral, atmospheric storytelling.

Created by Mechanical Cake CEO Jesse Negron and co-written with Joe Matsumoto, HYDE features stunning artwork by Gary Erskine and Chris Weston, with veteran editor Dave Elliott ensuring a polished narrative. The project, overseen by Scott Free’s Tom Moran, Infinitum Nihil’s Jason Forman, and Mechanical Cake’s Tom Sanders, is described as “a bit off the rails, in a good way,” promising a studio-level experience that goes “directly from creators to audience.”

Johnny Depp’s involvement is central, as he not only lends his likeness to Hyde but also shapes every aspect of the character’s development. Early artwork revealed at Comic-Con showcases a shadowy, intense Hyde bearing Depp’s unmistakable features, amplifying the character’s menacing allure. Depp, reflecting on the collaboration, said, “To build within the world of Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterful characters and to be welcomed into the vision of Ridley Scott… It’s insane and beautiful to receive that trust from Ridley. A master.” Ridley Scott, known for Alien and Gladiator, called the pitch a “no-brainer” after seeing the concept and poster mockup, signaling his confidence in HYDE’s potential to captivate.

Comic-Con 2025: A Monstrous Debut

The HYDE trailer, unveiled at Comic-Con’s Hall H panel titled “HYDE: When the Worlds of Graphic Novels and Movies Collide,” electrified attendees on July 24, 2025. Featuring live-action footage of Depp in full costume as Hyde, the teaser showcased a dark, atmospheric Victorian London, with glimpses of the character’s sewer lair and his chilling experiments. Fans on X praised the trailer’s “haunting” and “intense” vibe, with one user noting, “Johnny Depp isn’t just starring, he created this character. His imagination has no limits.”

The panel, featuring Negron, Elliott, Moran, Forman, and artist Anthony Francisco, explored how graphic novel and film talent collaborate to bring bold stories to life. Attendees received an exclusive large-format HYDE ashcan (a graphic novel preview), also available as a free download on Mechanical Cake’s website. The Comic-Con booth offered collectible HYDE swag, further fueling excitement. The first chapter, set to release on Halloween 2025, is available for pre-order at mechanicalcake.com and was a hot item at the convention.

A Broader Vision: From Page to Screen?

While HYDE debuts as a graphic novel, the involvement of Depp and Scott hints at cinematic ambitions. Posts on X speculate about a potential live-action film, with one fan asking, “Will we be getting a live-action film with Johnny Depp directed by Ridley Scott?” The trailer’s live-action elements, featuring Depp in costume, fuel this anticipation. Scott’s Scott Free and Mechanical Cake are also developing other graphic novels, including the sci-fi crime thriller Modville and the Norse war saga Nick, suggesting a robust creative pipeline.

Depp’s return to high-profile projects follows his 2023 acting comeback in a French historical drama, and HYDE aligns with his upcoming roles in Day Drinker and Terry Gilliam’s The Carnival at the End of Days. His ability to embody complex, transformative characters makes him a perfect fit for Hyde’s unhinged chaos. Scott, a master of world-building, brings his signature intensity, ensuring HYDE pushes boundaries in both storytelling and visuals.

Why HYDE Matters

HYDE reimagines a literary classic for a modern audience, diving deeper into the psychological horror of unchecked darkness. Its gritty, unfiltered approach sets it apart in a landscape of remakes, offering a fresh take on a story that has captivated readers since 1886. The collaboration between Depp, Scott, and Mechanical Cake positions HYDE as a cultural event, blending star power, artistic innovation, and genre-defying ambition.

As Negron puts it, “HYDE, like everything Mechanical Cake does, is a bit off the rails, in a good way. We execute at a whole other level.” With the graphic novel’s first chapter dropping on Halloween and a potential film on the horizon, HYDE is poised to haunt fans across mediums. Visit mechanicalcake.com to pre-order and join the descent into Hyde’s world. For more on this thrilling project, check out x.ai/grok.