Johnny Depp returns to a major Hollywood studio film as Ebenezer Scrooge in Ti West’s dark retelling of A Christmas Carol. The supernatural fantasy, co-starring Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint and Daisy Ridley, is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 13, 2026.
 

Johnny Depp Returns as Scrooge in Ebenezer Trailer

Johnny Depp is back at the centre of a major Hollywood studio production as Paramount Pictures unveils the official trailer for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. The gothic fantasy casts Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted central character from Charles Dickens’ enduring Christmas story.

Directed by Ti West, the film is scheduled to open exclusively in cinemas on November 13, 2026. Paramount previously described the project as a dramatic and highly stylised reimagining of the classic tale, while the newly released trailer highlights its mixture of supernatural horror, dark humour and emotional redemption.

Johnny Depp Ebenezer Trailer Reveals a Darker Scrooge

The trailer introduces Depp’s Scrooge as a bitter and isolated figure moving through wintry streets while treating the people around him with contempt. His comfortable cruelty begins to collapse when frightening supernatural visitors force him to confront his past, present and possible future.

Depp is shown declaring, “It’s good to be back,” a line that works both as Scrooge’s dialogue and as a playful acknowledgement of the actor’s return to a major studio-backed lead role. The footage also includes his familiar dismissal of Christmas with the words “Bah! Humbug.”

Ti West, known for horror films including X, Pearl and MaXXXine, brings a more unsettling visual approach to Dickens’ story. Ghostly figures, dim interiors, snow-covered streets and Scrooge’s volatile behaviour suggest that the film will lean strongly into the original tale’s supernatural elements.

Johnny Depp Hollywood Return Gains Attention

Ebenezer represents Depp’s most prominent mainstream Hollywood starring vehicle in several years. While he continued appearing in international productions, the Paramount release places him back at the centre of a large theatrical campaign aimed at global audiences.

The actor also generated attention at San Diego Comic-Con on July 23 by appearing unexpectedly in full Scrooge costume. Wearing heavy ageing makeup, a top hat and a dark overcoat, Depp interacted with fans before joining a filmmakers’ panel, creating one of the convention’s most discussed promotional moments.

Johnny Depp Ebenezer Cast Brings Major Stars Together

The film surrounds Depp with a prominent ensemble cast. Ian McKellen plays Jacob Marley, while Rupert Grint appears as Bob Cratchit. Andrea Riseborough portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Tramell Tillman plays the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, Charlie Murphy, Arthur Conti and Ellie Bamber also appear in the film. Claflin plays Scrooge’s nephew Fred, while Conti portrays the younger version of Ebenezer.

The screenplay was written by Nathaniel Halpern and is based on Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. Although the familiar story has received numerous film and television adaptations, West’s horror background and Depp’s transformation are being positioned as the elements that distinguish this version.

Ebenezer Release Date Sets Up Holiday Season Run

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol will arrive in theatres on November 13, placing it ahead of the Thanksgiving and Christmas moviegoing periods. Paramount has already begun presenting the film as one of its notable theatrical releases for 2026.

The first trailer indicates that the film will retain the story’s themes of guilt, compassion and personal transformation while presenting the spirits and Scrooge’s emotional journey through a darker cinematic lens. With Depp returning to a high-profile studio production, Ti West directing and a cast that includes Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint and Daisy Ridley, Ebenezer is positioned as one of the most closely watched fantasy releases of the 2026 holiday season.