Johnny Depp Unveils Dramatic Scrooge Transformation in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' Trailer

The actor debuts his radical look for the upcoming Paramount film at CinemaCon.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of the intricate, weathered prosthetic makeup on Johnny Depp's face as he portrays the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, capturing the gritty, high-contrast textures and details of the iconic miser's appearance.Johnny Depp's dramatic physical transformation into the iconic miser Ebenezer Scrooge is the centerpiece of the upcoming film 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'Las Vegas Today

Johnny Depp surprised audiences at CinemaCon by unveiling the first footage from his upcoming film 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,' showcasing his dramatic physical transformation into the iconic miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Directed by Ti West, the film is Depp's first major studio collaboration since his 2022 legal proceedings.

Why it matters

Depp's portrayal of Scrooge is highly anticipated, as the character has been famously brought to life by actors like Alastair Sim. The film's bold visual approach and supporting cast, which includes Ian McKellen, Andrea Riseborough, and Rupert Grint, also have fans excited to see a fresh take on the classic Dickens tale.

The details

In the footage shown at CinemaCon, Depp appeared unrecognizable, with heavy prosthetics, grimy mutton chops, greasy grey hair, and yellowed teeth. The trailer blended spooky imagery with comic energy as Scrooge encounters the supernatural spirits. Depp praised director Ti West's vision for the project, saying 'Ti did something really special, I was just sort of around for laughs.'

  • The film 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' is set to release in theaters on November 13, 2026.
  • Depp unveiled the first footage from the film at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 17, 2026.

The players

Johnny Depp

An acclaimed actor who is starring as Ebenezer Scrooge in the upcoming film 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'

Ti West

The director of 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,' known for his work on horror films like 'X,' 'Pearl,' and 'The House of the Devil.'

Ian McKellen

A veteran actor who is portraying the role of Jacob Marley in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'

Andrea Riseborough

An actress who is playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in the film.

Rupert Grint

An actor who is portraying the character of Bob Cratchit in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's no reason not to attempt something”

— Johnny Depp, Actor

“Ti did something really special, I was just sort of around for laughs.”

— Johnny Depp, Actor

What’s next

The film 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' is set to hit theaters on November 13, 2026, and anticipation is high for Depp's take on the iconic Scrooge character.

The takeaway

Depp's dramatic transformation into Scrooge and the film's bold visual approach have generated significant buzz, as audiences are eager to see a fresh interpretation of the classic Dickens tale. The supporting cast and director's horror pedigree also add to the intrigue surrounding this upcoming holiday release.