Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol

About the Film

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is Paramount Pictures’ ambitious, gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella. Johnny Depp stars as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in a thrilling ghost story set in foggy Victorian London — a darker, more cinematic take on the holiday classic that leans into atmospheric tension, supernatural dread and, ultimately, emotional redemption.

It is directed by horror visionary Ti West (the X trilogy, Pearl, MaXXXine), from a screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern (Legion, Tales from the Loop), promising moody lighting, eerie ghost sequences and real psychological depth. Set photos have revealed Depp’s dramatic transformation — heavy prosthetics, aging make-up and full period costume — for his layered portrayal of Scrooge’s journey from cold isolation to hard-won joy.

The project marks Depp’s major studio comeback in a leading role. Principal photography began in early 2026 for a planned Thanksgiving 2026 theatrical release.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp headlines as Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold, greedy miser forced to confront his past, present and future across one life-altering supernatural night. His transformation is the work of Oscar-winning make-up designer Barrie Gower (The Batman), with aging prosthetics and Victorian styling turning Depp almost unrecognisable — a role that blends his signature eccentricity with heartfelt drama.

Cast & Crew

Cast

Ebenezer ScroogeJohnny Depp

Ghost of Christmas PastAndrea Riseborough

FredSam Claflin

Bob Cratchit (rumoured)Rupert Grint

(role undisclosed)Ian McKellen

(role undisclosed)Daisy Ridley

Ghost of Christmas Present (rumoured)Tramell Tillman

(role undisclosed)Charlie Murphy

(role undisclosed)Ellie Bamber

(role undisclosed)Arthur Conti