Johnny Depp returns to major studios with Ti West’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ remake

Johnny Depp is set to star as Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount’s dark reimagining of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Ti West

Johnny Depp is returning to the big screen with a major studio project, taking on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

The film, titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, will be directed by acclaimed horror filmmaker Ti West, best known for Pearl and Maxxxine.

Written by Nathaniel Halpern (Tales from the Loop, Legion), the film promises a darker and more psychological take on Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic. Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie, Oblivion) is set to co-star alongside Depp. Emma Watts is producing, with Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman serving as executive producers.

If finalized, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol will mark Depp’s first major studio role since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The actor was dropped from that franchise following a high-profile libel case in the U.K. but has since made a gradual comeback with independent projects like Minamata and Jeanne du Barry.

Paramount is reportedly eyeing a November 13, 2026 release date, positioning the film as a prime holiday season contender. Depp’s portrayal of the bitter yet redeemable Scrooge could mark a significant return for the actor to mainstream Hollywood.

The character of Ebenezer Scrooge has long been a staple of Christmas cinema, portrayed by legends including Alastair Sim, Bill Murray, Michael Caine, and Jim Carrey. With Ti West’s gothic sensibilities and Depp’s flair for eccentric roles, this latest retelling is expected to bring a haunting new edge to Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and spirit.