Johnny Depp in Talks for ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ Directed by Ti West

Johnny Depp is reportedly in final negotiations to star in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, Paramount Pictures’ upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday story. Directed by Ti West, known for his work on Pearl and Maxxxine, the film is scripted by Nathaniel Halpern, who has previously contributed to shows such as Tales From the Loop and Legion. Actress Andrea Riseborough, recognized for Oblivion and To Leslie, is expected to join Depp as the co-lead.

According to Variety, if the deal is finalized, the film is slated for release on November 13, 2026. The production is led by Emma Watts, with Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman serving as executive producers.

The role of Ebenezer Scrooge would mark Depp’s first major studio project since his departure from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, following a high-profile libel case. In recent years, Depp has primarily focused on independent films, including Minamata, Jeanne du Barry, and the upcoming Day Drinker. He has also ventured into directing, with projects such as The Brave and the forthcoming Mod: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, featuring Riccardo Scamarcio, Stephen Graham, and Al Pacino, scheduled to premiere in the U.S. on November 7.

In the Paramount adaptation, Depp is expected to portray Ebenezer Scrooge, the iconic miserly businessman of nineteenth-century London who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Dickens’ story has inspired countless adaptations over the years, including the comedic Scrooged, the family-friendly A Muppet Christmas Carol, and the Jim Carrey-led A Christmas Carol.

The project reflects a renewed interest in Dickens’ classic tale, with director Robert Eggers simultaneously developing another version at Warner Bros., reportedly featuring Willem Dafoe in the role of Scrooge. Depp’s involvement in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol positions him for a significant return to mainstream Hollywood cinema, blending his distinct acting style with a story beloved across generations.

With Ti West at the helm and a strong supporting cast, the film promises a fresh take on the classic, merging period authenticity with modern cinematic sensibilities. Fans and industry observers alike are closely watching Depp’s potential return to a major studio, eager to see his interpretation of one of literature’s most enduring characters.