Johnny Depp has undergone a striking transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge for the upcoming Paramount Pictures production Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, with new set photos released from London on January 28. The images reveal Depp almost unrecognizable, featuring extensive prosthetics and makeup as he embodies the iconic miser from Charles Dickens’ classic story.
Details of Depp’s Appearance and Role
In the photographs, Depp is seen wearing a large blue and black coat over nightclothes, complemented by gray-streaked hair under a traditional nightcap. The 62-year-old actor’s look captures the essence of Scrooge’s miserly and cold nature, reflecting a careful attention to detail in the character’s period styling as he filmed scenes in the British capital.
Significance of This Project in Depp’s Career
This film marks Johnny Depp’s return to high-profile Hollywood productions after years of focusing on smaller independent projects. Before this, his most notable studio films were Waiting for the Barbarians in 2019 and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018. Depp’s career momentum slowed following his highly publicized legal battle with Amber Heard, which ended in June 2022 when a jury ruled against her in defamation claims. The couple finalized their settlement in December 2022 after further legal proceedings.
Creative Team and Supporting Cast Members
Director Ti West, known for his work on horror films such as X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, is helming this darker take on Dickens’ tale. The screenplay is written by Nathaniel Halpern, who brings experience from projects like Tales from the Loop and Legion. Andrea Riseborough appears as the Ghost of Christmas Past, featuring white makeup and ghostly contact lenses, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
The supporting cast includes Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, Sam Claflin as Fred, and Daisy Ridley in an undisclosed role, rounding out a lineup of established actors.
Plot Overview and Release Plans
Paramount Pictures describes the movie as
“a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London, following one man’s supernatural journey to face his past, present and future as he fights for a second chance at redemption.”
This adaptation promises a suspenseful exploration of Scrooge’s character through a gothic lens.
The film is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 13, 2026, marking a significant addition to the slate of holiday films with a well-known cast and creative team.
Depp’s Recent and Upcoming Work
In the years following his legal challenges, Depp has appeared in independent projects like the French historical drama Jeanne du Barry, which debuted at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. He also recently completed filming the action thriller Day Drinker alongside Penélope Cruz in October 2025, signaling an active return to diverse film genres.
“a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London, following one man’s supernatural journey to face his past, present and future as he fights for a second chance at redemption.” – Paramount Pictures
