Johnny Depp returns as Scrooge in 'Ebenezer' trailer, out November 13
Synopsis
Johnny Depp's first major theatrical comeback has a face — and it's Scrooge's. The trailer for 'Ebenezer', a dark Ti West-directed reimagining of the Dickens classic, opens with Depp growling 'It's good to be back.' With Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley, and Rupert Grint alongside him, this is the most high-stakes Hollywood return of the holiday season.
Key Takeaways
Johnny Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in 'Ebenezer' , a dark reimagining of the Charles Dickens classic.
The film is directed by Ti West and releases exclusively in theatres on 13 November .
The trailer was released on Instagram , opening with Depp's line: 'It's good to be back.' The ensemble cast includes Ian McKellen , Daisy Ridley , Rupert Grint , Sam Claflin , and Andrea Riseborough , among others.
The film marks Depp's most significant screen return following his high-profile defamation trial against Amber Heard .
Hollywood star Johnny Depp is set to make his long-awaited big-screen comeback with 'Ebenezer', a dark reimagining of Charles Dickens' beloved classic, with the film's official trailer now out. Directed by Ti West, the film is scheduled to release exclusively in theatres on 13 November.
What the Trailer Reveals
The over-a-minute-long trailer opens with Depp, in character as the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge, delivering the line: 'It's good to be back.' The footage portrays a cantankerous, penny-pinching Scrooge tormented by terrifying spirits of Christmas that haunt him through the festive season. The trailer was shared on Instagram with the caption: 'Bah Humbug! Watch the new trailer. Only in theatres November 13.'
A Star-Studded Cast
'Ebenezer' features an ensemble cast alongside Depp, including Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Charlie Murphy, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen. The breadth of the cast signals a significant production ambition for what is being positioned as a major theatrical event.
Depp's Return After a Turbulent Chapter
The film arrives after Depp's widely publicised legal battle with former wife Amber Heard, in which both parties accused each other of domestic abuse. A jury ultimately found both guilty of defamation. The trial drew global attention and cast a long shadow over Depp's Hollywood standing, making 'Ebenezer' his most significant screen appearance since the proceedings concluded.
A Career That Defined an Era
Depp, a recipient of a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, has also earned three Academy Award nominations and two British Academy Film Award nominations over his career. He first gained attention with his debut in the horror film 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', before going on to headline acclaimed projects including 'Edward Scissorhands', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', 'Chocolat', and the blockbuster 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. Notably, he began his professional life as a musician performing in amateur rock bands before pivoting to acting.
What to Watch For
With a November theatrical window and a high-profile cast, 'Ebenezer' is positioned as one of the more closely watched releases of the holiday season. Whether Depp's return resonates with audiences and awards bodies will be a key storyline as the release date approaches.
Point of View
Depending on your read of his post-trial public image — a man who feels wronged by the world, retreating into bitterness. What the trailer does not yet reveal is whether 'Ebenezer' has something new to say about the Dickens source material, or whether Depp's return is itself the entire pitch. Ti West's horror credentials suggest the 'dark reimagining' label is not decorative, but the November release window puts it squarely in awards-and-family terrain. The real test will be whether audiences who followed the trial with sympathy translate that into ticket sales — or whether the controversy keeps studio partners cautious about the film's wider rollout.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Ebenezer' and when does it release?
'Ebenezer' is a dark reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic story, directed by Ti West and starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge. The film is set to release exclusively in theatres on 13 November.
Who else stars in 'Ebenezer' alongside Johnny Depp?
The film features a large ensemble cast including Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Charlie Murphy, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen.
Why is Johnny Depp's return in 'Ebenezer' significant?
'Ebenezer' marks Depp's most prominent big-screen appearance since his widely publicised defamation trial with former wife Amber Heard, in which a jury found both parties guilty of defamation. The film is seen as a key moment in his Hollywood comeback.
What awards has Johnny Depp won in his career?
Depp has received a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with three Academy Award nominations and two British Academy Film Award nominations across a career spanning several decades.
Who directed 'Ebenezer' and what is the film's tone?
'Ebenezer' is directed by Ti West and is described as a dark reimagining of the Charles Dickens classic. The trailer depicts Scrooge being tormented by terrifying Christmas spirits, suggesting a horror-inflected take on the familiar tale.
