featuring @paramountau
Johnny Depp is stepping into the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer, a dark and supernatural reimagining of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol. Paramount Pictures has released a brand-new trailer for the upcoming film, offering audiences a closer look at Depp’s transformation into one of literature’s most recognisable characters.
Directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Ti West (Pearl, X and MaXXXine), Ebenezer promises a darker interpretation of Dickens’ timeless tale, combining its familiar themes of redemption and compassion with an eerie supernatural atmosphere.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian England, the film follows Scrooge, a miserly businessman whose contempt for Christmas and disregard for those around him have made him a deeply unpleasant figure.
However, his miserable existence is about to take an unexpected turn when the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, arrives on Christmas Eve with a chilling warning.
Played by legendary actor Ian McKellen, Marley informs Scrooge that he will be visited by three mysterious spirits. These supernatural encounters will force him to confront his past, examine his present circumstances and face the consequences of the life he has chosen.
The newly released trailer offers a glimpse of Depp’s distinctive interpretation of Scrooge, showcasing the actor almost unrecognisable beneath the character’s elaborate appearance. From his miserable disposition to his unusual sense of humour, Depp appears to bring a distinctive personality to the familiar literary figure.
The footage also introduces the three spirits who will guide Scrooge through his extraordinary journey. Andrea Riseborough portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman takes on the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present, while Daisy Ridley appears as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
With its haunting imagery, supernatural encounters and darker visual approach, the trailer suggests that West is taking the traditional Christmas story in a distinctly different direction.
While the central themes of Dickens’ original story remain intact, the film looks set to explore Scrooge’s transformation through a more unsettling cinematic lens. The combination of West’s experience in horror filmmaking and Depp’s portrayal of the famously miserly character could give audiences an entirely different perspective on the familiar tale.
Joining Depp and McKellen in the impressive ensemble cast are Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, Ellie Bamber, Charlie Murphy, Henry Lloyd-Hughes and Arthur Conti.
The screenplay was written by Nathaniel Halpern, with Emma Watts producing the film.
For Depp, Ebenezer marks another significant leading role in a major Hollywood production. Following his appearances in Jeanne du Barry and his directorial effort Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, the actor is returning to a prominent studio production with a character that offers plenty of opportunities for both dramatic and comedic performances.
With its combination of a celebrated literary story, an accomplished cast and a director known for his work in horror, Ebenezer is shaping up to be an unconventional addition to this year’s Christmas movie lineup.
Paramount Pictures will release Ebenezer exclusively in cinemas on November 13, 2026.
The name may be familiar, but this latest adaptation promises a decidedly different journey into the world of Ebenezer Scrooge.
