Who would've thought that the director behind the ultra-violent, R-rated 'X' trilogy — comprising "X", "Pearl", and "MaXXXine" — would take on a Christmas story? The trailer of his latest film "Ebenezer" has caught some of his fans by surprise, in a good way. There is another reason, too. It has Johnny Depp returning to the eccentric misfit category of roles he is mostly known for, in many of the films he did with frequent collaborator Tim Burton.
Depp plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the cranky miser protagonist of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. The role was previously played by Jim Carrey in animated form in Robert Zemeckis' 2009 3D fantasy 'A Christmas Carol. Interestingly, "Ebenezer" could be mistaken for a Tim Burton had it not been for the name 'Ti West' appearing in the credits.
"Ebenezer" marks Depp's first major Hollywood studio leading role since his 2022 defamation trial involving ex-wife Amber Heard. The trailer was unveiled along with a surprise appearance by Depp in full costume at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. "Ebenezer" is scheduled to hit theatres in the United States on November 13, 2026.
Produced by Paramount Pictures, "Ebenezer" has a script by Nathaniel Halpern, known for his television writing work in "The Killing", "Tales from the Loop" and "Legion". His treatment is expected to lean more towards a gothic, psychological thriller and supernatural ghost story that highlights the darker corners of Scrooge's soul than a traditional heartwarming holiday story.
The film's ensemble cast includes Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, Daisy Ridley as Emily Cratchit / Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Sam Claflin as Fred.
