Johnny Depp leaves fans stunned with eerie Ebenezer Scrooge makeover

Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, stepping into the spotlight fully transformed as Ebenezer Scrooge to promote his upcoming film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.

The actor arrived unannounced during Collider's Directors on Directing panel, dressed head-to-toe as Charles Dickens' iconic miser. Wearing a top hat, carrying a cane and sporting striking gray facial hair and elaborate makeup, Depp was nearly unrecognizable as he debuted his gothic take on the beloved literary character.

Ahead of the panel, Depp was also spotted outside the San Diego Convention Center as he made his way to the film's immersive Scrooge and Marley activation in the Gaslamp Quarter, drawing large crowds of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the star in character.

During one fan interaction captured on video, someone called out, "Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge," prompting Depp to stay in character with the classic response: "What's so pleasant about it?" A trailer for the film was released shortly after his Comic-Con appearance.

Directed by Ti West, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is a gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic novella, following Scrooge's supernatural journey through his past, present and future as he confronts his mistakes in search of redemption.

The film marks Depp's first major Hollywood studio release since 2019's Waiting for the Barbarians. The cast also includes Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley and Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit.

Speaking about working with Depp earlier this year, McKellen praised his co-star, describing him as "effervescent, funny, irreverent, serious, all at the same time," and said filming together felt like "a love fest."

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is scheduled to open in theaters on Nov. 13.