Johnny Depp Announces Hollywood Comeback in Dark Christmas Carol Reimagining

Johnny Depp is set to star in a major new film for Paramount Pictures. The actor will lead the cast of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, a fresh take on the classic holiday tale. This marks his significant return to mainstream Hollywood studio projects.

The film is described as a thrilling ghost story. It will delve into a darker version of Dickensian London. This project represents a pivotal career moment for the actor after years focused on European cinema.

Depp to Play Scrooge in Ti West’s Vision

Depp will portray the iconic miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Horror auteur Ti West is attached to direct the feature. The screenplay was written by Nathaniel Halpern, known for his work on Tales from the Loop.

Andrea Riseborough, an Oscar nominee for To Leslie, will co-star. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 13, 2026. This information was first reported by Deadline.

The role is a high-profile return for Depp. His last major studio films were released in 2018 and 2019. This move is seen as a re-establishment of his leading man status in Hollywood.

A Strategic Career Resurgence

This project signals a strategic shift back to big-budget American filmmaking. Depp’s recent work includes the French period drama Jeanne du Barry. He also directed the Al Pacino documentary Modì, which arrives in US theaters this fall.

The actor’s involvement guarantees significant media attention. It also aligns with a growing trend of darker reimaginings of classic stories. A separate A Christmas Carol project from Robert Eggers is also in development.

Depp’s career trajectory changed following his 2022 defamation trial. His focus subsequently shifted to international and independent productions. The Paramount deal indicates a renewed industry confidence in his box office appeal.

Johnny Depp’s Hollywood comeback is now officially in motion with this high-profile casting. The dark reinterpretation of a beloved classic offers a unique vehicle for his return. This project will be closely watched as a barometer of his enduring star power.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the release date for Johnny Depp’s new movie?

The film, titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026. This gives the production ample time for development and filming. The date positions it perfectly for the holiday movie season.

Who is directing the new Christmas Carol movie?

Horror director Ti West is set to direct the film. He is best known for his recent acclaimed horror trilogy: X, Pearl, and MaXXXine. His involvement suggests a genuinely scary take on the classic ghost story.

What was Johnny Depp’s last big Hollywood film?

Depp’s last major Hollywood studio films were Waiting for the Barbarians in 2019 and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018. Since then, he has primarily worked on European productions and independent projects.

Who else is starring in the film with Depp?

Oscar-nominated actress Andrea Riseborough is confirmed to co-star. Her role has not yet been publicly specified. Her casting adds considerable dramatic weight to the project.

Is this the only dark Christmas Carol movie in development?

No, a separate adaptation is being developed by director Robert Eggers. That project is also expected to be a dark, horror-leaning version. Willem Dafoe is attached to star in Eggers’ film.

Trusted Sources

Deadline, Associated Press, Reuters