Depp, Scott Launch 'Hyde' Novel, Film in Works

Johnny Depp and Ridley Scott, together with Mechanical Cake, are launching 'Hyde,' a graphic novel series inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.' The story envisions Mr. Hyde having completely overtaken Dr. Jekyll, living in London's sewers and using a serum to create more Hydes. Depp will lend his likeness to Hyde and is deeply involved in the creative process, with a film adaptation already in early development that is expected to star him. The series is written by Jesse Negron and Joe Matsumoto, illustrated by Gary Erskine and Chris Weston, and will be published in two volumes of over 200 pages each. The first volume will debut on Halloween, with an early preview at San Diego Comic-Con. Depp and Negron emphasized the project's creative freedom and direct-to-audience approach.