Johnny Depp to return to big screen with an adaption of A Christmas Carol

Johnny Depp is all set to mark his return to the big screen with a bang, as the actor is all set to star in a new film adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novella Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. Depp is set to portray the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge in the upcoming film, directed by Ti West, best known for his work on Pearl, X, and MaXXXine. Produced by Paramount Pictures, the movie is slated for a theatrical release on November 13, 2026.

This new version of the classic promises a fresh take on the holiday tale, and Depp's portrayal of Scrooge will surely bring a unique depth to the character. Alongside him, the film also stars Andrea Riseborough in an undisclosed role, with more actors expected to join soon.

West is known for his horror films, and Ebeneza: A Christmas Carol will see him switching genres for a fresher audience and a fresher narrative. This adaptation will join a growing list of recent retellings of A Christmas Carol, including Robert Eggers' upcoming version starring Willem Dafoe, highlighting the enduring appeal of Dickens' story.

More details about Ebeneza: A Christmas Carol are awaited for now.

Johnny Depp's recent stints on screen

"Modigliani - Three Days On The Wing Of Madness" UK Premiere - VIP Arrivals - Source: Getty

After a long hiatus from Hollywood and intense media scrutiny, Johnny Depp returned to the big screen with Jeanne du Barry, a French historical drama in which he starred alongside Maïwenn, who also directed, produced, and co-wrote the film. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie received a mixed critical reception.

Depp's next project was Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness, which was a biographical drama film that narrated the story of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Depp directed the film from a screenplay by Jerzy and Mary Kromolowski, and did not have any acting credits on it.

The actor has not been seen in any big projects since Minamata in 2020. Following that, Day Drinker and Ebeneza: A Christmas Carol will be his first big projects in years. He has also been in talks to work on the next Pirates of the Caribbean film, as franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer has opened up on offering Depp a role, which he may accept. Speaking to EW, Bruckheimer said,

“If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it. It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know… We are still working on a screenplay. We want to make it. We just got to get the right screenplay. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’re close.”

Among upcoming films, apart from Ebeneza: A Christmas Carol, Johnny Depp also has Day Drinker on his slate, an action thriller directed by Marc Webb that stars Depp alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline.