MR. X, the award-winning visual effects studio established in 2001, has relaunched as an independent, artist-led brand under the leadership of its original founder Dennis Berardi. The relaunch sees MR. X once again standing on its own creative feet. The existing company Herne Hill Media, founded in 2021 by Berardi, will dissolve into MR. X as part of this rebirth.
Under Berardi’s direction, MR. X previously grew into a global powerhouse with studios across Toronto, Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, Adelaide, and Bangalore. Known for its rich cinematic work, the studio’s legacy includes collaborations with Guillermo del Toro on The Shape of Water, Crimson Peak, Nightmare Alley, and Cabinet of Curiosities, as well as high-impact VFX for Monster Hunter, Ad Astra, Shazam!, Vikings, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and A History of Violence.
Speaking on the relaunch, Berardi shared:
“MR. X was built on the belief that great visual effects are more than technology—they are storytelling at its most ambitious. This relaunch is about reclaiming our independence and putting artists back at the center of everything we do.”
Upcoming Projects
MR. X’s first major project since the relaunch will be Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, slated for theatrical release in select theaters on October 17, followed by streaming on Netflix on November 9. Additional upcoming credits include Wednesday Part 2 and IT: Welcome to Derry.
Why This Relaunch Matters
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Creative Autonomy | MR. X returns to its roots with leadership and vision restored to its founding artists. |
| Artist-Led Vision | The studio now operates with creative control firmly in the hands of its creators. |
| Credibility & Legacy | A storied resume across high-profile projects reinforces its reemergence. |
| Prime Positioning | Relauch timed with high-visibility projects ensures a strong return to the market. |
