Johnny Depp Headlining New Christmas Carol Movie From Fan-Favorite Horror Director

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Johnny Depp used to be a major movie star, largely thanks to his success with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean films. This led to roles in other big hits like Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. However, his career suffered after public controversies involving Amber Heard. He lost his role in the Fantastic Beasts series, and while he won his defamation case against Heard, he hasn’t returned to major Hollywood stardom—until now. He’s recently signed on to star in a new version of A Christmas Carol, which could mark a turning point for his career.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Johnny Depp is set to star in a new film called Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, which will be directed by Ti West. West is well-known among horror fans for directing the X trilogy – X, Pearl, and MaXXXine – starring Mia Goth. Depp will play Ebenezer Scrooge in the movie. Paramount plans to release Ebenezer on November 13, 2026, and Andrea Riseborough will also appear in the film.

Can Ebenezer Be Johnny Depp’s Comeback Vehicle?

While many versions of A Christmas Carol exist, a new adaptation called Ebenezer aims to offer a fresh take on the familiar story. Paramount is positioning it as a scary and suspenseful ghost story, focusing on Scrooge’s journey through time as he confronts his past and tries to redeem himself. Given this emphasis on thrills, it makes sense that director West was chosen for the project. Although the film will explore Scrooge’s personal growth, it seems Ebenezer will lean more heavily into the horror genre, fitting West’s established style. His previous X trilogy was praised for its unique visual approach and strong acting, and Paramount hopes this new film will capture that same quality on a larger scale.

Following recent controversies, Ebenezer will be a key test for Johnny Depp’s career. The role seems like a good fit for him, as he’s done similar, imaginative projects before. However, the bigger question is how audiences will react to him and whether the film will be successful in theaters. Paramount is optimistic, releasing it right before the busy holiday movie season, hoping it will continue to draw viewers after Thanksgiving. Still, it’s been a while since Depp consistently starred in popular films, so its success isn’t certain.

The success of the film Ebenezer could open the door for Johnny Depp to return to his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Disney is still considering a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, but they’re waiting to see how Ebenezer performs. If the film is a hit with audiences, Disney might bring Depp back to capitalize on his potential comeback. However, if Ebenezer isn’t well-received, Disney could move forward with a reboot starring a different actor, such as Margot Robbie.

Following the completion of the Skydance merger, Paramount is making bold moves with its content strategy. While the studio plans to keep popular franchises like Star Trek going, they’re also collaborating with directors like James Mangold on original, creator-led projects. Betting on Mangold to replicate his recent success with a Timothée Chalamet crime film is one thing, but relying on Johnny Depp to lead a major holiday movie is a bigger gamble. Still, Paramount seems confident in the project, called Ebenezer, suggesting they’re pleased with its development so far.

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2025-10-23 22:46