First Look at Johnny Depp in ‘Ebenezer’ Revealed as the Film Gets Release Date
Christmas movies rarely make headlines in the middle of summer, but this week proved to be the exception. Paramount Pictures chose the middle of July to give audiences their very first glimpse of one of the more unexpected holiday releases coming later this year.
The reveal centers on a brand new take on Charles Dickens’ beloved 1843 novel, one of the most adapted stories in film history. Turning a tale this familiar into fresh news usually requires a genuinely surprising angle, and this particular version has one built right into its casting.
That surprising angle arrived alongside the first official poster for ‘Ebenezer,’ which reveals Johnny Depp stepping into the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The image shows little more than the actor’s eyes and the brim of a snow-dusted black hat, paired with the tagline “the name you know, the story you don’t.”
The film comes from director Ti West, the filmmaker behind horror hits like ‘X,’ ‘Pearl’ and ‘MaXXXine,’ and it is described as a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London. The story follows one man’s supernatural journey to confront his past, present and future while fighting for a second chance at redemption.
That description hints at a version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ that leans harder into its ghostly roots than the countless family friendly adaptations audiences already know. Pairing West’s horror sensibilities with Dickens’ original material suggests ‘Ebenezer’ is aiming for something noticeably darker and more atmospheric than past interpretations.
Depp is joined by a stacked ensemble cast that includes Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Daisy Ridley as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Rupert Grint rounds out the cast as Bob Cratchit, alongside Sam Claflin, Charlie Murphy, Arthur Conti and Ellie Bamber in supporting roles.
Behind the camera, the screenplay comes from Nathaniel Halpern, known for his work on ‘Legion’ and ‘Tales From the Loop,’ with Emma Watts producing. Filming reportedly took place across Dublin and London earlier this year, giving the production a distinctly Victorian backdrop to work with.
There is also a broader industry story tucked inside this casting choice. ‘Ebenezer’ marks Depp’s first major studio leading role in nearly a decade, following years dominated by independent projects and a highly public legal battle that reshaped his standing in Hollywood.
The Playlist framed the casting as a signal that Depp’s Hollywood exile may officially be coming to an end, pointing to Paramount’s willingness to headline a major studio release with him as evidence the industry sees him differently now.
What's your first reaction to Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer?
Whether or not that reading holds up, there is no denying the poster has already generated plenty of conversation online. Fans have been quick to praise the moody visual direction, with many expressing excitement over seeing Depp back in a leading studio role after such a long gap.
‘Ebenezer’ arrives in theaters on November 13, positioning it as a Thanksgiving alternative to the usual glut of cheerful holiday releases. With West’s horror pedigree behind the camera and Depp anchoring the cast, this particular ‘Christmas Carol’ looks determined to stand apart from every version that came before it.
What do you think of the first look at Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge, share your thoughts in the comments.
