By Devyn Briones
Staff Writer
After playing characters like the man with scissor hands to a legendary pirate of the seven seas, Johnny Depp has been casted for the role of the irritable Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount’s upcoming film “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol” directed by Ti West, to be played in theaters on Nov. 13, 2026.
Ti West is known for directing horror films, such as “Pearl,” “X” and “MaXXXine.”
One of Charles Dickens’ most famous stories, “A Christmas Carol,” tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter, miserable old man who learns a life-changing lesson about compassion and consideration through the journeys he takes with each spirit that visits him. The ghost of his former business partner warns him that his greed and selfishness will grant him an eternity weighted down by heavy chains.
He is then visited by three other ghosts: the Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows him the innocence and warmth of his childhood, the Ghost of Christmas Present, who reveals the happiness and generosity of his nephew’s family and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come who presents a preview of Scrooge’s lonely death if he refuses to change.
However, this adaptation of the story has an eerie twist. West’s version will have more of a thriller feel.
The project has been described as, “a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’s London, follows one man’s supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight for a second chance,” according to Radio Times.
Alongside Depp, Andrea Riseborough will be co-starring in an undisclosed role, according to The Playlist. She’s known for playing the lead as an alcoholic mother in the film “To Leslie,” which led to her Best Actress Oscar nomination. She is also seen in films “Oblivion,” “The Death of Stalin” and “Birdman.”
Depp is known for his quirky roles, but hasn’t been casted for anything big since his defamation-lawsuit with ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022. Heard lost the case, leaving Depp with $50 million in damages, according to NBC News.
Before you grab your popcorn or your ghostly chains, keep in mind that Depp may redefine ‘bah, humbug’ for the next holiday season.
