Johnny Depp returned to acting in 2023 with a French-language historical drama after stepping back during his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. He is now working on a new horror project with director Ridley Scott, known for films like Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator. The two are developing a project based on the classic gothic horror story by Robert Louis Stevenson, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Variety reports that Depp, Scott, and production company Mechanical Cake co-own a new graphic novel property. The first release, titled Hyde, focuses on the character Mr. Hyde. The story imagines a world where Hyde has defeated his Dr. Jekyll side, allowing him to pursue his dark nature freely. Hyde moves through London’s sewers, experimenting with a serum to create others like himself. The graphic novel’s main character resembles Depp, who is involved in the project’s creative decisions.
Mechanical Cake CEO Jesse Negron co-wrote the two-volume series with Joe Matsumoto. Artists Gary Erskine and Chris Weston contributed the artwork, and Dave Elliott served as editor. Negron said this project lets creators connect directly with their audience. Hyde will be released on Halloween, targeting fans of the horror genre.
Depp has experience in horror films, playing characters such as Glen Lantz in A Nightmare on Elm Street, Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, and Benjamin Barker in Sweeney Todd. While Depp does not act in Hyde, he helps develop the character and story. He described working with Ridley Scott as a significant opportunity: “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.”
Depp is also preparing for future acting roles. He will star in the psychological thriller Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb, and the apocalyptic comedy The Carnival at the End of Days by Terry Gilliam, where he will play Satan opposite Jeff Bridges as God. Reports indicate Depp is in advanced talks to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a potential sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie despite past difficulties returning to the franchise.
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Karina Smitt
I'm not as much of a "CoMiCs NeEd MoAr DiVeRsItY & iNcLuSiOn" advocate as my girlfriend often is, but we both love funny books, crispy bacon, straight bourbon and hip hop. Add yet, we never vote the same, so we cancel each other out... and that works perfectly in my book!
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