Johnny Depp appeared nearly unrecognizable as he took on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the latest movie adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, during filming in London on January 28. This project marks Depp’s return to a major Hollywood studio film after several years, showcasing his transformation through extensive makeup and prosthetics.
The 62-year-old actor was seen wearing a bulky blue and black coat paired with pajamas underneath, his salt-and-pepper hair visible under a nightcap. Depp filmed scenes alongside Andrea Riseborough, who portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past, dressed entirely in white makeup with eerie white contact lenses and a flowing white gown, creating a ghostly presence.
Details of the Film and Its Ensemble Cast
Directed by Ti West, known for his work on films such as X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, this adaptation draws directly from Dickens’s original 1843 story. Alongside Depp and Riseborough, the cast includes Tramell Tillman, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, and Sam Claflin. Earlier reports also noted that Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe are developing a separate take on the story with a more horror-driven style.
Context Around Johnny Depp’s Career and Legal Struggles
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol represents Depp’s first prominent Hollywood studio film since 2019’s Waiting for the Barbarians and 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. His more recent projects, including 2023’s Jeanne du Barry and the forthcoming Day Drinker (both acting roles), as well as 2024’s directorial effort Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, have been on a smaller scale.
Depp’s retreat from big studio productions followed the high-profile defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard. The six-week court case concluded in June 2022 with a verdict holding Heard liable for defamation related to a 2018 op-ed. Both parties subsequently reached a settlement after appeals.
Release Plans and Anticipated Reception
Paramount Pictures is set to release Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol in theaters on November 13, positioning the film for the holiday season. Depp’s portrayal of Scrooge, supported by a strong ensemble cast and the direction of Ti West, is expected to draw significant attention amid the actor’s recent history and the enduring popularity of Dickens’s story.
