[New Film] Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ Reveals Its Bold New Take on Nov. 11

More than a mere miser: A complex inner struggle breathes new life into the story

‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,’ starring Hollywood heavyweight Johnny Depp, opens on the 11th.

‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ follows the inner transformation of Scrooge, a miser whose name is synonymous with stinginess, as he encounters unexpected ghosts on Christmas Eve. Charles Dickens’ timeless classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ has been reimagined across genres—from stage productions and animation to musicals—for more than a century. This adaptation brings it to the screen in a contemporary visual language.

Lead actor Johnny Depp has created an array of singular characters through his distinctive visuals and commanding performances, from Captain Jack Sparrow in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise to Willy Wonka in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ (2005) and Edward Scissorhands in ‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990). Known for his heavy smoky makeup and distinctive gestures, Depp has built a global fan base. This time, with graying white hair and a sour expression, he disappears completely into the role of Scrooge, an isolated old miser.

Depp said of developing the character: “I wanted to move beyond the one-dimensional framework of a miserable, greedy old man and approach him from a different perspective. No one is born determined to make others uncomfortable,” adding, “The message in this work is profoundly deep, and I also tried not to lose sight of the witty humor woven into it.”

The film brings together veteran Ian McKellen of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Rupert Grint of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise for a polished ensemble. Directed by Ti West, whose distinctive style earned acclaim with the horror film ‘Pearl’ (2022), the film adds stylish suspense to the source material’s weighty classicism.