Johnny Depp steps back into a major Hollywood studio production for the first time in eight years, starring as Charles Dickens’s miserly protagonist in Paramount Pictures’ supernatural adaptation Ebenezer, directed by Ti West and slated for a November 13 release.
Paramount is leaning heavily into Depp’s recognizable screen persona. The project arrives following a period of intense legal battles and public scrutiny surrounding the actor, whose career turned away from major studio tents following his televised 2022 defamation trial involving ex-wife Amber Heard.
Opening promotional materials feature nods to past characters like Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and the Mad Hatter. Paramount positions the holiday release as a dark ghost story.
The film is presented by Paramount Pictures in association with Domain Entertainment and Black Label Media, as a Wattsco / IN.2 Production and a Ti West Film. Emma Watts is producing the movie. Adam Bohling, David Reid, Stephen Deuters, Jason Forman, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary, Molly Smith, Thad Luckinbill, Trent Luckinbill, and Ti West act as executive producers. The motion picture features a screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern and has received a PG-13 rating for frightening material.
To achieve his distinct appearance, the actor’s transformation into the central miser required three hours in the makeup chair. Co-star Andrea Riseborough spent six and a half hours preparing for her role as the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Reflecting on his childhood inspirations, Depp explained that he had been fascinated by Scrooge since he was a very young boy, noting an enduring obsession with Alastair Sim’s portrayal on screen. When approached for the Paramount feature, he acknowledged the intimidating nature of tackling such revered literature before deciding to pursue a fresh perspective on the character’s origins. The wider ensemble cast also includes Sam Claflin as Fred, Daisy Ridley as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, and Robert Strange.
An August report from the website Puck highlighted early test screening results in New Jersey that yielded an 80 out of 100 score ahead of its theatrical distribution, significantly higher than a reported historical average of 72. Additional early preview screenings have been scheduled across regional markets, such as a free advance screening arranged by Thrifty Minnesota at the AMC Southdale 16 in Edina, Minnesota.
Paramount Launches Promotional Push with New York Screening
Paramount launched the film’s promotional push in New York City with an intimate gathering at The Whitby Hotel’s 147-seat screening room. The event drew co-stars Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, director Ti West, and guests including Hayley Atwell, Kyle MacLachlan, Patti Smith, Shaboozey, and Dave Gahan, according to Yahoo.
Speaking at the screening, Depp described developing his unique physical take on the character. Ebenezer just sort of arrived in a weird way,
Depp told PEOPLE. It’s kind of like the first time you put the wardrobe on, and you feel that, like with any character, that becomes your kind of suit of armor.
The following day, Depp startled onlookers at the Bryant Park Winter Village by appearing in full costume as Scrooge. He was complete with silver strands, Victorian garb, top hat, and cane, according to Page Six.
Embracing the character’s disdain for the season, the actor knocked over a Christmas tree, tore down garlands, and kicked aside nutcrackers before hundreds of gathered fans, as reported by BroadwayWorld.
Industry Analysts View Film as Commercial Test for Depp
According to Robert Mitchell, Scrooge proved to be a well-suited role for Depp, offering a familiar, humorous, and eccentric figure that aligned well with his acting strengths. Industry analysts view the film as a test of the actor’s commercial viability.
Andrea Riseborough portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past. Ian McKellen plays Jacob Marley, Rupert Grint takes on Bob Cratchit, and Tramell Tillman acts as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
The film stars Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, and Ellie Bamber. Paramount plans to open the PG-13 film in theaters, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, D-BOX, and premium large formats on November 13, 2026.