Johnny Depp Teases New Role As Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde

Instagram/@johnnydepp

Indications of his next movie have been in the air of speculation for some time. On Instagram, the actor shared an enigmatic post regarding Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, based on the famed classic by Robert Louis Stevenson, thereby initiating an internet frenzy among his followers.

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Saying that he had carried a leather-bound copy of the book when he was a boy growing up, Depp said the “madness and magic” of ever playing this dual personality. He tagged Ridley Scott and Mechanical Cake TV in the post, so this very well could be an actual movie rather than just nostalgic prattling. The caption alone would have stirred controversy, and then Depp uploaded this highly peculiar almost three-minute video that lent another layer of intrigue.

The strange video shows Depp in poetic rambling-mode, spewing out an odd stream-of-consciousness monologue almost resembling an eccentric line from a character he might play. It spoke of walking amongst the dead; seeing kingdoms of plants and animals; contrasting these with cities of perpetual cruisin’ and these others glowing with eternal fire. It is perhaps that unhinged yet hypnotizing delivery that makes Depp suitable for the role of Jekyll/Hyde: a man torn between civilized intellect and primal instinct.

Comments soon started rolling in. “That vibes,” one user wrote, offering sentiment for the day. Others started waxing nostalgic, recalling memories from their own childhood of the classic story, the excitement building with: “I remember Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde from when I was a kid, looking forward to this.” Yet it was not simply the project itself that teased people’s imaginations – it was simply the idea of Depp going back to such deep, darkly whimsical roles that first brought him notice.

One commenting also said how perfect Depp is for this character. Others said that Depp was the greatest actor to ever do so. Another supported the argument that it was the best casting of the decade. The enthusiasm was not just about the acting, however. Many expressed that they missed seeing Depp in a movie. One thought said, “I have truly missed watching you in movies.” “Welcome back!”

Not everyone commentated upon his praise, though: An Italian fan posted a tearful call for a boycott of Disney since his controversial exit from the Pirates franchise, revealing the depth of feeling his supporters have for his beleaguered career. In no time, they were casting each other in fantasies for the up-and-coming projects, with one begging, “PLEASE DO ALICE IN WONDERLAND 3 OR NEW PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN.”

Another reply might be just as fascinating, claiming familial ties to the actual inspiration for Stevenson’s novel. They said this character was based on their relative Deacon Brodie, the 18th-century cabinet maker who lived a double life as a criminal. That, however, just adds another layer of mystery on top of Depp being bound to be intriguing regardless.

From the fragmented poetry and the gothic imagery of the video, one gathers that this probably will not be very straightforward. With Ridley Scott hanging on in there and Depp ready to ramble all the way down with some of his offbeat character fixations, expect a bold and fresh visual exploration of the duality of human nature. After years of tabloid antics and meltdowns, it’s his grand return to his artistic roots: the kind of quirky and challenging role that put him on the map.

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Information on the project is currently pretty scarce, but given the transformative qualities of Depp, the visionary touch of Scott, and the timeless allure of Stevenson’s psychological thriller, it might be one of the hottest projects to keep an eye out for. “The King is back,” commented one. There really is a way to think about the question: I mean whether the King is going to grace the throne as a dignified Dr. Jekyll or the abominable Mr. Hyde, Depp is about to make center stage one way or another.