Jekyll & Hyde drama for ITV

From an idea conceived by  The Fast Show’s Charlie Higson comes a ten-part action adventure drama, Jekyll & Hyde.

The action and fantasy series has been inspired by The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Higson will write and executive produce the ITV Drama with a brief to exude mystery, fantasy, horror and sci-fi.

Set in 1930’s London at a time of Hollywood glamour, aerodynamic cars and monster movies, the drama will pay homage to the Stevenson novel, and focus on the young, attractive, troubled hero, Robert Jekyll, the grandson of the original doctor. At the heart of the drama is Robert Jekyll’s quest to discover his real identity, his true family history and the nature of his ‘curse’. One actor will play the lead role Jekyll transforming into Hyde in moments of extreme anger, stress and when his or the lives of others are threatened.

Higson’s Jekyll is a young, sensitive and naïve man of intellect and morality, a well meaning if slightly repressed character who slips between his two personas unwillingly. Hyde is a totally different person; a superhero with super powers, great strength, speed and invulnerability. He is confident, risk-taking and lives life on the edge. His self-destructive nature gets him into trouble, and yet he is an incredibly powerful force. He is a man of action who gets things done despite the consequences! Throughout the series we will witness Jekyll wrestling with the dark, brooding personality of Hyde as he struggles to come to terms with his superhero alter ego.

In the opening episode Jekyll is a newly qualified doctor living with his foster parents in India. He knows nothing of his family history or his inherited condition, which his foster father, Dr Vishal Najaran, is controlling with medication. The drama follows his path to discovery, which coincides with the transformative powers of his condition growing stronger and more disruptive. His journey will take him into a dark and unforgiving place, as his alter ego seems capable of anything. At the same time there are shadowy forces trying to find Jekyll and the source of his powers.

Jekyll & Hyde will begin production in India in January 2015 and filming in London from February until July 2015.

“It’s an exciting challenge to take Stevenson’s work and use it as the basis for a new Jekyll & Hyde, so many superheroes with secret dual personalities have been brought to life thanks to Jekyll & Hyde. He’s one of literatures most important and influential characters and it’s a privilege to be rediscovering him.” – Charlie Higson

Jekyll & Hyde will feature several recurring characters, some human, and some freaks of nature. Monsters will thrive throughout the series and there’ll be spooky creatures, ghouls, zombies, werewolves and vampires. Casting is yet to be decided.