Johnny Depp returns to the Hollywood spotlight this week in Paramount Pictures’ Ebenezer, a dark, gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
The film, which marks the actor’s first major studio role since 2018, opens in theaters on November 13, 2026. While the project is a departure from traditional holiday fare, the market is crowded with previous adaptations, ranging from the 1951 classic starring Alastair Sim to the 1988 Bill Murray vehicle Scrooged. Most recently, Disney’s 2009 animated A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey grossed $325 million against a reported $200 million budget.
Paramount produced the film with a $38 million budget, paying Depp a $5 million salary—a figure described as a fraction of his previous studio earnings, though supplemented by potential bonuses tied to box office performance.
Marketing efforts, costing approximately $50 million, included a surprise appearance by Depp at San Diego Comic-Con, where he threw candy at attendees while in character. Industry projections estimate a modest domestic debut of approximately $20 million, with an additional $20 million expected from 63 international markets.
I didn’t think I needed another Christmas Carol film, but #Ebenezer really surprised me. It embraced the horror side of the story at its fullest but it’s one of the best and most faithful adaptations of Dickens… and it looked beautiful too. I even got teary at the end.
Critics Praise Depp’s Portrayal of Scrooge
Initial critical responses to the film have been largely positive, with particular focus on Depp’s portrayal of the miserly Scrooge. Critics have noted the actor’s ability to balance emotional weight with his signature style. FilmSpeak critic Tom Chatalbash described the film as a “wickedly fun holiday treat,” while UK film critic Phil Roberts characterized Depp’s performance as “magnetic throughout Scrooge’s soft redemption arc.”
Additional reactions from critics, including JimmyO of JoBlo, highlighted a level of emotional development in the character that exceeded expectations set by the film’s trailers, with the critic admitting, “I was not terribly excited about the prospect of another Christmas Carol,” but noting that “Ti West’s Ebenezer presents a darker look at this Christmas fable.”
Context of the Comeback
The release of Ebenezer follows a lengthy period of professional distance between Depp and major Hollywood studios. The actor’s last significant studio outing was 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. During his absence from major studio projects, he appeared in independent films such as Minamata and Jeanne du Barry, and directed the 2024 biopic Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
Research firm CEO Kevin Goetz notes that the actor’s professional identity remains tied to his history, stating, “Johnny’s image was built on being a bad boy.” This persona helped define his most iconic roles, including Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.
Despite the high-profile nature of the actor’s legal history, some exhibitors remain optimistic. Mark O’Meara, owner of University Mall and Cinema Arts theatres, noted that while audience interest varies, the reaction does not feel overly polarizing.
Research from the National Research Group in April 2026 indicated that Depp maintains a strong standing with fans, ranking him among the top 10 actors who would influence a decision to see a new movie in a cinema.
Production and Premiere
The film was written by Nathaniel Halpern, who previously collaborated with director Ti West on the projects Tales from the Loop and Outcast; Halpern also served as a writer for 12 episodes of the FX series Legion.
The production held a high-profile premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on November 9, 2026, attended by cast members and guests including Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, Tramell Tillman, Minnie Driver, Ellie Bamber, and Paul Whitehouse.
Our man JimmyO saw #Ebenezer. His thoughts: I was not terribly excited about the prospect of another Christmas Carol. Thankfully, Ti West’s Ebenezer presents a darker look at this Christmas fable. Yet it brings more sincerity than many of the earlier efforts. Johnny Depp gives a…
- Director: Ti West
- Cast members include: Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen.
- Premiere: The film held a premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on November 9, 2026.
More on Johnny Depp
Ti West’s #Ebenezer puts a bold spin on Dickens’ classic, delivering a sincere period piece infused with heart and despair. Johnny Depp is magnetic throughout Scrooge’s soft redemption arc leading to a finale that delivers more emotional resonance than its predecessors. Humbug! pic.twitter.com/lErClm8L2T
Utterly superfluous. #Ebenezer https://t.co/K1UgnYQGyg
EBENEZER is a much more gothic take on A Christmas Carol than you are expecting and it’s a great case study as to why Ti West should handle bigger blockbuster stories. It Oozes style and performances are solid throughout. That being said it’s incredibly well worn territory and it… pic.twitter.com/4xVdCSfByY
I'm a sucker for A Christmas Carol & #Ebenezer hits all the beats right, but nothing's distinct or unique about this version. Fantastic set design, production & sound sesign, but it's just Depp doing cooky Scrooge, nothing more than his old tricks… Claflin & Grint innocent pic.twitter.com/3dYHypcGed
