Johnny Depp is preparing for a long-awaited return to major studio filmmaking with “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,” a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic in development at Paramount Pictures. The project, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ti West (“Pearl,” “Maxxxine”), is set for release on November 13, 2026, marking Depp’s first major studio role in nearly a decade.
A Darker Take on a Classic Tale
Depp is reportedly in final talks to play Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted London businessman whose encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future lead to a profound moral awakening. The story — a mainstay of holiday cinema since its first screen adaptation in the early 20th century — will be revisited through the creative lens of West, whose distinctive filmmaking style blends tension, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
The script, penned by Nathaniel Halpern (“Tales From the Loop,” “Legion”), is said to balance Dickens’ moral themes with a visually striking approach. Andrea Riseborough (“To Leslie,” “Oblivion”) will co-star in a key role, while Emma Watts produces the film. Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman will serve as executive producers.
A Legendary Story Reimagined
“A Christmas Carol” has inspired countless adaptations across generations, with portrayals by actors such as Alastair Sim (1951), Bill Murray (“Scrooged,” 1988), Michael Caine (“A Muppet Christmas Carol,” 1992), and Jim Carrey (2009’s motion-capture version). Paramount’s version aims to explore the familiar narrative from a fresh angle, merging period authenticity with a more introspective tone.
The upcoming film will arrive alongside another high-profile reimagining — Robert Eggers’ “A Christmas Carol” at Warner Bros., with Willem Dafoe reportedly in talks to play Scrooge.
Depp’s Comeback to Studio Filmmaking
For Johnny Depp, “Ebenezer” marks a major return to Hollywood studio projects following a stretch focused on independent cinema. His last major studio role was in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” (2018). In recent years, he has appeared in smaller productions such as “Minamata” and “Jeanne du Barry,” as well as the upcoming thriller “Day Drinker,” co-starring Penélope Cruz and expected to premiere in 2026.
Depp has also been active behind the camera, directing “Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” a biographical drama about artist Amedeo Modigliani starring Riccardo Scamarcio, Stephen Graham, and Al Pacino. The film is slated for release in U.S. theaters on November 7 of this year.
Looking Ahead
With “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,” Depp’s collaboration with Ti West signals a bold creative shift — blending the actor’s signature intensity with the director’s modern storytelling approach. If successful, the film could offer audiences both a revitalized interpretation of Dickens’ message and a cinematic comeback for one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic stars.
As Scrooge learns that redemption can come even in the darkest of winters, Depp too seems poised for a season of renewal — one that could mark a defining chapter in his storied career.