Johnny Depp returns to the big screen in a dramatically transformed role as Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer, a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol. Directed by filmmaker Ti West, the upcoming film takes the familiar tale into darker and more supernatural territory, with the newly released trailer introducing Depp’s Scrooge to three mysterious Christmas spirits.
The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 13, 2026. Paramount Pictures has presented the project as a new interpretation of Dickens’ story, with the tagline, “The name you know, the story you don’t.”
Johnny Depp Takes on Ebenezer Scrooge
In Ebenezer, Depp plays the wealthy and deeply miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, a character whose dislike of Christmas and obsession with money have made him one of literature’s most recognisable figures.
The trailer introduces Scrooge as a bitter businessman whose life is dominated by wealth and personal isolation. His world changes on Christmas Eve when he encounters the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, played by Ian McKellen.
Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits during the night. Their appearances force him to confront different stages of his life and the consequences of the choices he has made.
The story retains the central structure of Dickens’ 1843 novella while giving the supernatural elements a considerably darker atmosphere.
Ti West Brings a Gothic Edge to the Christmas Classic
The darker tone of Ebenezer is closely connected to director Ti West’s filmmaking background. Known for films including X, Pearl and MaXXXine, West has brought his interest in horror and atmospheric storytelling to Dickens’ ghost story.
West has said that he has been familiar with A Christmas Carol since childhood and was particularly drawn to its supernatural elements. His version does not completely reinvent Dickens’ narrative but instead places greater emphasis on the unsettling presence of the ghosts.
The trailer reflects that approach, showing Scrooge moving through disturbing visions while confronting the past, present and possible future of his life.
West has also indicated that the film remains respectful of Dickens’ original story, while allowing the production to develop its own visual and stylistic identity.
Ian McKellen Appears as Jacob Marley
One of the trailer’s major moments is the appearance of Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner.
Marley serves as the first supernatural warning to Scrooge, explaining that three spirits will arrive to show him what his life has become and where his choices could ultimately lead.
The three spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come remain central to the story. The film’s cast includes Tramell Tillman and Andrea Riseborough in roles connected to the supernatural visitors.
Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley and Sam Claflin Join the Cast
The film features a substantial ensemble cast alongside Depp and McKellen.
Harry Potter star Rupert Grint plays Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s underpaid and overworked employee. Sam Claflin appears as Scrooge’s nephew Fred, while Daisy Ridley plays Fred’s wife.
The cast also includes Andrea Riseborough, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy and Tramell Tillman.
The combination of established actors and West’s darker filmmaking style gives the project a different character from several earlier screen adaptations of Dickens’ famous story.
A Different Take on a Familiar Story
A Christmas Carol has been adapted for cinema and television numerous times, ranging from traditional dramas to animated productions. Ebenezer appears to distinguish itself primarily through its gothic atmosphere and stronger emphasis on the frightening side of the supernatural story.
Rather than treating the ghosts simply as symbols of Christmas morality, West’s approach gives them a more unsettling presence. The trailer shows Scrooge being forced into encounters with memories, visions and consequences that challenge his understanding of his own life.
At the centre of the story remains the possibility of redemption. Scrooge is given an opportunity to examine his past behaviour and consider whether he can change before it is too late.
Depp’s Return to a Major Hollywood Production
Ebenezer also marks an important point in Depp’s recent film career. The film represents his return to a major American studio production following several years in which his screen work was comparatively limited.
Depp previously appeared in the French film Jeanne du Barry, which opened the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and directed Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness. He is also set to appear alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline in the upcoming thriller Day Drinker.
The Scrooge role gives Depp another character-driven part rather than a continuation of one of his previously established franchises.
‘Ebenezer’ Release Date
Ebenezer is directed by Ti West and written by Nathaniel Halpern. The film is produced by Emma Watts and stars Johnny Depp, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 13, 2026, placing its arrival just ahead of the Christmas season.
With its combination of Dickens’ familiar story, Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Scrooge and Ti West’s darker approach to supernatural filmmaking, Ebenezer is set to offer audiences a more gothic interpretation of one of the most enduring Christmas stories.
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