Johnny Depp is making a grand return to Hollywood in a role that’s both iconic and deeply symbolic — he will play Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, directed by horror veteran Ti West. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless novella marks Depp’s first high-profile studio film following his very public legal battles.
The movie is being produced by Paramount Pictures, and the screenplay is written by Nathaniel Halpern, known for his work on Tales from the Loop. Co-starring Andrea Riseborough, the film promises to deliver a moody and atmospheric take on Scrooge’s haunting journey — past, present, and future.
Depp’s casting is particularly noteworthy: coming back to a major studio project after his defamation trial, he’s choosing a character that represents redemption, regret, and transformation. Scrooge is one of literature’s most complex figures, and Depp’s return in this role could be seen as both a creative and symbolic comeback.
Director Ti West, known for his horror trilogy (X, Pearl, MaXXXine), brings a fresh lens to Dickens’ classic. The pairing of West’s eerie style and Depp’s brooding presence suggests this A Christmas Carol won’t be a typical festive film — expect a darker, more introspective version.
If things go as planned, the film is eyeing a release around 13 November 2026. For Depp, this could reestablish his place in Hollywood’s big-league storytelling; for audiences, it’s a chance to revisit a classic with a twisted, modern edge.
