Paramount Pictures has dropped the official trailer for Ebenezer, its upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella starring Johnny Depp in the title role.
The film, which arrives in cinemas on 13 November, marks the Pirates of the Caribbean star's first major Hollywood role since his high-profile trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022.
© Getty Images for Paramount PictuJohnny is no stranger to executing dramatic physical transformations for his roles, famously using prosthetics, wigs and make-up to inhabit characters in Alice in Wonderland and Edward Scissorhands.
The actor once again undergoes a striking change as he steps into the shoes of the notorious miser Ebenezer Scrooge, sporting curly grey hair and a prosthetic nose as his character is haunted by spirits from his history.
Johnny unveiled the look during a surprise appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego on Thursday, where the trailer debuted.
Johnny's high-profile trial
Following mutual allegations of domestic abuse, a jury found both Johnny and Amber guilty of defamation.
© Getty ImagesJohnny was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages from his ex-wife, while Amber was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.
The trial caused short-term consequences for Johnny's career. Notably, he was slated to play villain Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore but left the project in 2020 and was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSince the trial, Johnny has appeared in the independent French drama Jeanne Du Barry, and directed the indie biopic Modi: Three Days On The Wing Of Madness, about the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. He's also set to star in the upcoming action-thriller Day Drinker, alongside Madelyn Cline and Penélope Cruz.
Who stars in Ebenezer?
The film boasts a seriously stacked cast, including Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and Oscar nominee Andrea Riseborough.
Other cast members include Sam Claflin (Lazarus), Daisy Ridley (Star Wars sequel trilogy), Arthur Conti (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice), Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley) and Ellie Bamber (The Serpent).
Multi-Olivier award winner Sir Ian McKellen and Emmy winner Tramell Tillman (Severance) are also attached to the film.
What is Ebenezer about?
The story follows a bitter, elderly miser visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, followed by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. These specters force him to confront how his selfish actions have affected those in his life. Ultimately, Scrooge is relieved to discover that he still has the opportunity to redeem himself.
© Getty Images for Paramount PictuThe upcoming version, set in Dickens' London, follows one man's supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight for a second chance, according to a synopsis from Deadline.
When will the film be released?
The film is scheduled for release on 13 November, 2026.
