Hollywood icon Johnny Depp is set to make a dramatic return to mainstream cinema as Ebenezer Scrooge in a daring new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday tale. Titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, the film will be directed by horror auteur Ti West and is slated for release on November 13, 2026.
A Gothic Twist on a Timeless Classic
Paramount Pictures is in final negotiations to produce the film, which promises a darker, more thrilling take on the traditional Christmas story. Described as “a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London,” the narrative will follow Scrooge’s supernatural reckoning with his past, present, and future in a bid to reclaim his humanity.
Depp’s Comeback Role
At 62, Depp’s casting marks his first major studio role since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The actor has been gradually re-emerging in the film world following his high-profile legal battles, and Ebenezer is being positioned as a key milestone in his cinematic resurgence.
Supporting Cast and Creative Team
Joining Depp is Andrea Riseborough, known for her roles in Oblivion and Mandy, in an undisclosed co-starring role. The screenplay is penned by Nathaniel Halpern, creator of Tales from the Loop, while Emma Watts will produce the film.
Ti West’s Vision
Best known for his horror trilogy X, Pearl, and Maxxxine, West’s involvement signals a genre-bending approach to Dickens’ classic. While it remains unclear how much horror will seep into the adaptation, the creative team promises a visually rich and emotionally intense journey through Victorian London.
A Tale of Two Scrooges
Interestingly, Depp’s version won’t be the only Scrooge on screen. Actor Willem Dafoe is also set to portray the miserly businessman in a separate Warner Bros. adaptation directed by Robert Eggers, suggesting a cinematic showdown of interpretations in the coming years.
With its blend of prestige casting, genre innovation, and literary legacy, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated holiday releases of 2026.
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