Johnny Depp is stepping into the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. The newly released trailer gives Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas classic a darker and more supernatural twist.
Directed by horror filmmaker Ti West, the movie goes beyond a traditional retelling. Instead, it explores the experiences that turned Scrooge into the bitter businessman audiences know so well.
Paramount Pictures has unveiled the trailer ahead of the film’s theatrical release on November 13, 2026.
Johnny Depp Transforms Into Scrooge
First, the trailer showcases Johnny Depp’s dramatic transformation. The actor is almost unrecognizable under heavy makeup and period costumes.
Depp plays Scrooge as a cold and isolated businessman. However, the character’s hatred of Christmas is only part of the story.
This adaptation digs deeper into his personality. It explores the events that shaped his bitterness and changed the course of his life.
As a result, Depp gets the chance to portray Scrooge as a more layered character. At the same time, his distinctive screen presence remains visible beneath the transformation.
Ti West Adds a Dark Twist
Meanwhile, director Ti West is giving the familiar story a gothic makeover.
West is best known for horror films such as X and Pearl. Therefore, his approach to Dickens’ supernatural tale is expected to be much darker than traditional Christmas adaptations.
The trailer features shadowy locations and unsettling imagery. It also highlights several supernatural encounters.
Instead of focusing only on warmth and holiday nostalgia, the movie embraces a creepy atmosphere. Consequently, Ebenezer feels closer to a gothic ghost story.
Ian McKellen Plays Jacob Marley
One of the trailer’s biggest highlights is Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley.
Marley is Scrooge’s former business partner. After his death, he returns as a ghost to warn Scrooge about what lies ahead.
His appearance sets the supernatural story in motion. More importantly, Marley warns Scrooge that three spirits are coming.
The encounter looks considerably darker in West’s version. Therefore, Marley’s arrival could become one of the movie’s most haunting sequences.
The Three Ghosts Return
Of course, the three Christmas spirits remain central to the story.
Andrea Riseborough plays the Ghost of Christmas Past. Tramell Tillman portrays the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Meanwhile, Daisy Ridley appears as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Together, the three spirits force Scrooge to examine different parts of his life. As a result, he must confront memories, choices and the possible consequences of his actions.
Rupert Grint Joins the Ensemble
The film also features several familiar faces.
Rupert Grint, best known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, portrays Bob Cratchit. He plays Scrooge’s hardworking and long-suffering employee.
Sam Claflin appears as Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. Meanwhile, Arthur Conti plays a younger version of Ebenezer.
The younger Scrooge is particularly important. His story allows the film to explore how the character changed over time.
A Story About Scrooge’s Origins
Unlike many previous adaptations, Ebenezer does not simply introduce audiences to an already miserable Scrooge.
Instead, the movie explores his origins.
It examines the experiences that turned him into a wealthy but lonely businessman. Therefore, audiences may see a different side of the character before his famous Christmas Eve transformation.
The story still follows the familiar themes of regret and redemption. However, the filmmakers are expanding the journey surrounding them.
A Darker Look at Redemption
At its core, A Christmas Carol is a story about change.
Scrooge believes his wealth and independence are enough. However, the arrival of the spirits forces him to reconsider his choices.
This new adaptation appears to emphasize the darker side of that transformation. Scrooge must face uncomfortable memories before he can understand what his future could become.
Ultimately, the question remains whether he can change.
Johnny Depp’s Major Hollywood Return
The movie also marks a significant return for Depp.
In recent years, the actor has worked on international productions and explored filmmaking behind the camera. He starred in the French historical drama Jeanne du Barry and directed Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
Now, he is returning to a major Hollywood studio project in a leading role.
Furthermore, playing Scrooge gives Depp the opportunity to take on another instantly recognizable character.
Depp Teased the Role at Comic-Con
Fans already received a glimpse of Depp’s transformation earlier this year.
The actor appeared in character as Scrooge at San Diego Comic-Con. The surprise appearance gave audiences an early look at his Victorian-era makeover.
Now, the newly released trailer offers a much bigger preview.
It showcases Depp’s performance while also highlighting the film’s supernatural world. Consequently, anticipation around the unusual Christmas adaptation continues to build.
A Christmas Classic Gets a Gothic Makeover
There have been countless adaptations of A Christmas Carol. However, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is taking a noticeably different approach.
Ti West’s horror background brings a darker visual identity to the material. Meanwhile, Depp’s transformation gives the iconic character a fresh screen presence.
The impressive cast adds even more interest. Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin and the rest of the ensemble help create a new version of Dickens’ world.
Most importantly, the film still holds onto the original story’s central themes.
Scrooge must face his past. He must understand his present. Finally, he must confront the future that awaits him.
When Will Ebenezer Be Released?
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 13, 2026.
The release comes just weeks before Christmas. Therefore, the film could offer audiences a very different holiday movie experience.
With Johnny Depp leading the cast and Ti West bringing a horror-inspired style, the adaptation is clearly aiming to stand apart from previous versions.
For now, the trailer promises ghosts, mystery, gothic visuals and a familiar story told from a darker perspective.
Are you excited to see Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge? Watch the trailer and share your thoughts on this haunting new take on the Christmas classic!
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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