Ian McKellen Praises Johnny Depp's 'Spankingly Good Form' in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol'

The veteran actors star together in the upcoming Charles Dickens adaptation directed by Ti West.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:18am

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring a dramatic, high-contrast composition of sparkling sequins and shattered glass, conveying the sense of luxury and spectacle associated with a major movie premiere.The glitz and glamour of a Hollywood film premiere sets the stage for Johnny Depp's anticipated return to the big screen.NYC Today

Sir Ian McKellen, who stars alongside Johnny Depp in the upcoming film 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,' had nothing but praise for his co-star, describing Depp as being in 'spankingly good form' and saying he 'fell in love with' the actor during their six days on set together.

Why it matters

This marks Depp's return to major Hollywood films after a high-profile defamation case with his ex-wife Amber Heard, which culminated in a televised six-week trial. The upcoming 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' adaptation is one of several new screen versions of the classic Dickens story in the works.

The details

According to McKellen, Depp was 'effervescent, funny, irreverent, serious — all at the same time' during filming. McKellen, who plays the ghost of Jacob Marley in the Ti West-directed adaptation, said the set had 'a wonderful feeling' and that Depp was 'very obliging to his fellow actors.' Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol also stars Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, and Tramell Tillman.

  • The Christophers, the new movie starring McKellen, premiered in New York on April 8, 2026.
  • Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is set to hit theaters on November 13, 2026.

The players

Sir Ian McKellen

An acclaimed British actor who stars as the ghost of Jacob Marley in the upcoming 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' film.

Johnny Depp

A veteran American actor who is making his return to major Hollywood movies with his role in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'

Ti West

The director of the upcoming 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' adaptation.

Rupert Grint

British actor who stars as Bob Cratchit in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'

Andrea Riseborough

British actress who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past in 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.'

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What they’re saying

“He's in spankingly good form. Effervescent, funny, irreverent, serious — all at the same time.”

— Sir Ian McKellen, Actor

“I fell in love with him. [There was] a wonderful feeling on the set.”

— Sir Ian McKellen, Actor

What’s next

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is set to hit theaters on November 13, 2026, just in time for the holiday season.

The takeaway

This upcoming adaptation of the classic Dickens story marks Johnny Depp's return to major Hollywood films after a high-profile legal battle, and the positive reviews from co-star Ian McKellen suggest it could be a promising comeback for the veteran actor.