SDCC 2025: HYDE - Johnny Depp, Ridley Scott, and Jesse Negron Unite for a Bold New Take on a Classic Monster

In an era dominated by reboots, sequels, and cinematic universes, it’s rare to see an original property arise with the potential to reshape genre storytelling from the ground up. That’s exactly what’s happening with HYDE, a daring new graphic novel series and multimedia property co-created and co-owned by none other than Johnny Depp, legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, and creator Jesse Negron through his innovative imprint, Mechanical Cake.

Premiering this week at San Diego Comic-Con, HYDE picks up where Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde leaves off—but with a dark twist. In Negron’s vision, Mr. Hyde has triumphed over Dr. Jekyll, leaving his conscience and moral tether behind. Now unchallenged, Hyde takes up residence in the sewers beneath London, where he expands his horrific experiments using the infamous serum—corrupting others and creating new versions of himself in a disturbing new underground dominion.

“HYDE is a full-throttle descent into darkness,” said Negron. “It’s an incredible opportunity to build a studio-level project that goes directly from the creators to the audience, with no filters in between.”

The graphic novel, a two-volume series with four chapters totaling over 400 pages, boasts an A-list creative team. Negron co-writes with Joe Matsumoto, with veteran editor Dave Elliott steering the project editorially. Artists Gary Erskine and Chris Weston—both legends in their own right—bring the world of HYDE to visceral life.

Johnny Depp, no stranger to twisted characters and literary reimaginings, will not only shape the character of Hyde but will also have creative input across the entire property. “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,” said Depp. “It’s surprising to me. And hopefully surprising to him. It’s insane and beautiful to receive that trust from Ridley. A master.”

Ridley Scott, renowned for his visionary storytelling in classics like Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, saw the project’s potential instantly. “It’s a no-brainer!” he declared upon viewing the concept pitch and poster mockup.

Behind the scenes, the collaboration is powered by Scott Free Productions (with Senior VP Tom Moran), Infinitum Nihil (Jason Forman, COO), and Mechanical Cake (CFO Tom Sanders), ensuring that HYDE isn’t just a graphic novel—it’s a world ready for expansion.

Negron teases that HYDE reflects Mechanical Cake’s broader philosophy. “Like everything Mechanical Cake does, it’s a bit off the rails, in a good way. We execute at a whole other level. We cannot wait to unleash HYDE into the world at San Diego Comic-Con!”

Fans attending SDCC will be treated to a sneak peek in Hall H during the panel HYDE: When the Worlds of Graphic Novels and Movies Collide, Thursday from 1:30-2:30pm. All attendees will receive an exclusive collectible HYDE ashcan (a preview edition), which will also be available for free download on the Mechanical Cake website. Booth visitors can expect additional collectible swag and a glimpse into the worlds of MODVILLE and HYDE.

Chapter 1 of HYDE is set to ship this Halloween, making it the perfect time to dive into the shadowy world of Negron’s creation. Pre-orders are now live at mechanicalcake.com, and available at the HYDE booth throughout Comic-Con.

In a world where originality often takes a backseat to franchises, HYDE is staking its claim as something bold, brutal, and completely new—helmed by a creative dream team unafraid to explore the darkness beneath.