HBO Max will premiere the 1938 version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on November 1, 2025, ahead of new adaptations by Robert Eggers and Johnny Depp. This announcement comes as both Eggers and Depp prepare separate retellings of the classic story about Ebenezer Scrooge and his supernatural visitors.
Historic 1938 Adaptation to Stream on HBO Max
The 1938 film stars Reginald Owen as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns valuable lessons in kindness from ghostly visitors representing Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Produced by MGM and originally released in time for Christmas, the movie became a holiday tradition through television syndication and later found a steady audience on Turner Classic Movies. Directed by Edwin L. Marin, this classic take holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 13 reviews.
Legacy of A Christmas Carol Adaptations Through the Years
Charles Dickens’ story has inspired many versions across decades and genres. These include the 1970 musical Scrooge featuring Albert Finney and Alec Guinness, the 1992 family-favorite The Muppet Christmas Carol, and the 2009 animated film starring Jim Carrey using performance-capture technology. Bill Murray’s portrayal of Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive in the 1988 dark comedy Scrooged, adds a modern twist cherished by holiday audiences.
ScreenRant’s 2023 ranking placed the Muppets’ version at number one, with the 1938 classic coming in second, underscoring the lasting appeal of these different interpretations.
Two New Versions on the Horizon with Depp and Eggers
Johnny Depp is involved in a fresh adaptation directed by Ti West, reportedly playing Scrooge in what is described as a thrilling ghost story. Andrea Riseborough joins the cast as a co-star. Meanwhile, Robert Eggers, known for his work on Nosferatu, is independently developing his own rendition, with Willem Dafoe considered for the role of Scrooge. These upcoming projects reflect Hollywood’s ongoing fascination with Dickens’ enduring morality tale.
Notable Actors Who Have Embodied Ebenezer Scrooge
Should Depp and Dafoe assume the role, they will join a distinguished list that includes Reginald Owen, Albert Finney, Jim Carrey, George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart, Guy Pearce, Michael Caine, Kelsey Grammer, and Cicely Tyson, who provided a rare gender-swapped version. This array of actors highlights the flexibility and timelessness of the character.
Unconventional and Modern Takes on the Dickens Classic
Beyond traditional retellings, varied and offbeat adaptations have emerged. The 1985 Canadian TV movie Buckaneezer Scrooge and Rowan Atkinson’s Blackadder’s Christmas Carol offer unique spins, while internet-inspired versions like A Christmas Karen and parody episodes such as Epic Rap Battles of History’s Donald Trump v. Ebenezer Scrooge demonstrate the story’s cultural reach. These diverse interpretations keep Dickens’ moral lessons alive in contemporary media.
Continuing Relevance of Dickens’ Story and Its Adaptations
The widespread range of adaptations confirms the persistent influence of A Christmas Carol’s message of redemption and generosity. HBO Max’s decision to stream the 1938 original ahead of upcoming remakes ensures that audiences can enjoy an esteemed classic while looking forward to fresh cinematic versions crafted by filmmakers like Robert Eggers and Ti West, featuring high-profile actors such as Johnny Depp and Willem Dafoe.
