©Courtesy of Paramount
On November 13, Paramount Pictures releases a new adaptation of Charles Dickens‘ 1843 novella “Christmas Carol,” starring Johnny Depp as the titular character, into US cinemas. Directed by Ti West and penned by Nathaniel Halpern, the movie is being presented as a new take on the story rather than a simple retelling.
The new featurette highlights Depp’s transformation into Scrooge and features contributions from several cast members, including Trammell Tillman, Ellie Bamber, Sam Claflin, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, and Ian McKellen.
Set in early Victorian London, “Ebenezer” embarks on an eerie odyssey that has defined the narrative over generations, as flashbacks of his past, present, and possible future compel him to face the life he has crafted and the lingering repercussions yet to come.
The supporting cast includes several recognizable names alongside Depp. Grint portrays Bob Cratchit, whereas Riseborough and Tillman embody the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present, respectively. McKellen portrays Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s late business partner, while Claflin is Fred, Arthur Conti plays the younger Ebenezer, and Bamber takes on the role of Belle
Production commenced this early in the year, with shooting happening in London, Dublin, and The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent, a site frequently employed to simulate vintage thoroughfares and waterfronts.
This project also signals Depp’s return to a major studio production, with Paramount gradually building excitement through CinemaCon footage, a July trailer, and an appearance where the actor came dressed as Scrooge.
West, whose recent films like X, Pearl, and MaXXXine have mainly been linked to horror, injects a distinctive genre into the Dickens material. The marketing thus far has focused predominantly on the mystical aspects of the narrative, highlighting ghosts, eerie visuals, and Scrooge’s psychological decline over presenting the content purely as a seasonal family tale.
“Ebenezer“ will be released exclusively in cinemas on 13 November 2026. Check out the trailer below.