Paramount Pictures is in the final stages of securing Johnny Depp for its upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. The project, which will be directed by horror auteur Ti West , features a script by Nathaniel Halpern and Andrea Riseborough joining the cast. As per the media reports the studio has tentatively scheduled the release for November 13, 2026, marking a major event in the holiday movie calendar.
Johnny Depp Takes on the Iconic Role of Scrooge
Depp is set to portray the titular Ebenezer Scrooge, the famously misanthropic and miserly businessman of 19th-century London. In Dickens’ tale, Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, forcing him to confront his life choices and offering a chance at redemption. Over the decades, Scrooge has been immortalized by actors such as Alastair Sim (1951), Bill Murray in Scrooged (1988), Michael Caine in The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), and Jim Carrey (2009). Depp’s interpretation promises to bring his signature flair for eccentric and compelling characters, drawing on his previous iconic roles like Captain Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, the Mad Hatter, and Ichabod Crane.
This project also represents Depp’s first major studio role since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, from which he was dismissed following a high-profile defamation case involving allegations from his ex-wife Amber Heard. Since then, Depp has gravitated toward independent cinema, appearing in films like Minamata and Jeanne du Barry, and most recently completing the thriller Day Drinker opposite Penélope Cruz, slated for a 2026 release.
Ti West Brings a Unique Horror Touch to a Holiday Classic
Ti West, known for his critically acclaimed horror films X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, is making his first major studio foray with Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. West’s expertise in tension and atmospheric storytelling aligns intriguingly with Dickens’ ghostly narrative, promising a version of the story that blends classic holiday sentiment with darker, haunting undertones. For West, the project represents a significant expansion of his filmmaking repertoire, moving from boutique horror to a high-profile adaptation of one of literature’s most enduring tales.
Andrea Riseborough Joins the Cast
Andrea Riseborough, whose career has spanned from Oblivion to To Leslie, is set to co-star, though her role remains under wraps. Known for her versatility and intense screen presence, Riseborough adds significant gravitas to the ensemble, complementing Depp’s larger-than-life portrayal of Scrooge.
Emma Watts is producing the film, with Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman serving as executive producers. Depp is represented by Range Media Partners, Riseborough by CAA, Independent Talent Group, and Untitled, and West by CAA and LBI Entertainment. This marks one of Paramount’s first high-profile projects following its recent merger with Skydance, signaling the studio’s ambition to produce bold, star-driven content with widespread commercial appeal.
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol will join a long lineage of cinematic adaptations of Dickens’ classic, a story that has resonated with audiences for over a century. The tale of Scrooge’s moral awakening, catalyzed by the spectral visits of his late business partner and the three Christmas spirits, continues to offer fertile ground for fresh interpretations. Paramount’s take, with Depp and West at the helm, promises a unique blend of spectacle, emotional depth, and dark humor.
Interestingly, Depp’s upcoming project is not the only Christmas Carol adaptation in development. Warner Bros. is reportedly developing its own version under director Robert Eggers, with Willem Dafoe circling the role of Scrooge. The simultaneous interest from two major studios underscores the enduring appeal of Dickens’ story and the versatility of the Scrooge character as a vehicle for innovative filmmaking.
For Johnny Depp, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol represents a significant career milestone. After years of public scrutiny and a focus on independent projects, his return to a major studio franchise underscores the industry’s renewed confidence in his bankability and creative choices. The role of Scrooge is tailor-made for Depp, allowing him to channel his flair for idiosyncratic, larger-than-life characters while navigating one of literature’s most psychologically rich roles.
Paramount’s slated release date of November 13, 2026, positions the film strategically for the holiday season, a prime window for family-oriented cinema and awards consideration. With Depp, West, and Riseborough onboard, the film is shaping up as one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the year, combining star power, auteur direction, and a timeless story with proven emotional resonance.
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