After years away from major studio films, Johnny Depp is officially making a grand return to Hollywood. The acclaimed actor, known for his eccentric and transformative roles, will take on one of literature’s most iconic characters — Ebenezer Scrooge — in a chilling and visually rich retelling of A Christmas Carol.
Titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, the film is being developed by Paramount Pictures and is set for a worldwide theatrical release on November 13, 2026. The movie will be directed by Ti West, the filmmaker celebrated for his modern horror hits X, Pearl, and MaXXXine.
This ambitious adaptation promises to give audiences a fresh, darker, and more psychological take on Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of greed, regret, and redemption.
A New Era for Johnny Depp
For Johnny Depp, 62, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol marks a significant comeback to the Hollywood mainstream. The actor has kept a relatively low profile in the American film industry following a series of highly publicized legal battles, focusing instead on independent and European projects.
His last major studio appearances were in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and Waiting for the Barbarians (2019). In recent years, Depp starred in the French biopic Jeanne du Barry, portraying King Louis XV — a performance that earned him praise at the Cannes Film Festival. He also directed the upcoming historical drama Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, which releases in U.S. theaters on November 7, 2025.
Now, Depp’s return to a globally beloved story could mark a turning point in his career — and a reintroduction to audiences who have long admired his ability to bring depth and complexity to iconic roles.
Ti West Brings a Horror Edge to Dickens’ Classic
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol won’t be a typical holiday movie. Under Ti West’s direction, the film is expected to lean heavily into the ghostly and supernatural elements of Dickens’ original novella, transforming it into a gothic, suspenseful experience.
West, known for his mastery of atmospheric horror, has proven his skill at combining emotional storytelling with eerie tension. His recent trilogy (X, Pearl, and the upcoming MaXXXine) earned him a reputation as one of modern horror’s most visionary directors.
This dark approach could set Ebenezer apart from countless other adaptations — from the family-friendly Muppet version to the faithful 1951 classic starring Alastair Sim. According to early reports, this version will explore Scrooge’s haunting inner world with a tone more reminiscent of a psychological thriller than a traditional holiday film.
The Story: Redemption Through Darkness
The plot remains rooted in Dickens’ original masterpiece — a tale that has endured for nearly two centuries.
Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman who despises Christmas and all forms of joy, is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns him that his selfishness has doomed him to eternal torment unless he changes his ways.
Scrooge is then visited by three spirits — the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come — who force him to confront the pain he has caused and the emptiness of his life.
This new adaptation promises to delve deeper into Scrooge’s psyche, exploring his trauma, guilt, and fear of mortality. With Johnny Depp in the lead role, fans can expect a layered and emotionally charged performance that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.
Supporting Cast and Crew
Joining Depp in the project is Andrea Riseborough, an Oscar nominee known for her stunning performances in To Leslie and Mandy. Riseborough’s casting hints at a more intimate and character-driven story, as her nuanced acting style complements West’s visual storytelling.
The screenplay is written by Nathaniel Halpern, best known for his work on Tales from the Loop. His ability to weave poetic emotion into speculative settings makes him a perfect fit for this reinterpretation.
With West behind the camera and Halpern crafting the script, Ebenezer is shaping up to be a rich cinematic experience — blending haunting visuals, powerful performances, and profound themes of redemption.
A Competitive Field of Dickens Adaptations
Interestingly, Ti West isn’t the only filmmaker reimagining Dickens’ ghost story. Another adaptation is in development by Nosferatu director Robert Eggers, with Willem Dafoe rumored to star. That version will also lean into horror, suggesting that the coming years could see a resurgence of A Christmas Carol as a dark and emotionally complex tale.
However, Depp’s star power, combined with West’s directorial vision and Paramount’s big-screen backing, gives Ebenezer a major edge in anticipation and box-office potential.
Depp’s Redemption Arc — On and Off Screen
In many ways, Ebenezer mirrors Depp’s own real-life narrative. Following his widely publicized defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp withdrew from mainstream Hollywood. The six-week trial concluded in June 2022, with the jury ruling in Depp’s favor.
Since then, the actor has gradually rebuilt his career, focusing on smaller projects and philanthropic work. He pledged to donate his $1 million settlement from Heard to multiple charities.
Now, portraying a man haunted by the ghosts of his past seems almost poetic for Depp — a chance to confront his own professional and personal legacy through art.
What Fans Can Expect
Audiences can look forward to a film that combines gothic horror, deep emotion, and powerful performances. Depp’s interpretation of Scrooge will likely be unlike any before — vulnerable, intense, and steeped in the eerie visual style that Ti West has perfected.
While the movie will undoubtedly stay true to Dickens’ message of hope and transformation, its darker tone will appeal to adult viewers looking for a more haunting holiday experience.
With a release date of November 13, 2026, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is perfectly timed for the holiday season — giving moviegoers something chilling yet uplifting to look forward to.