Paramount Pictures is in final negotiations with Johnny Depp to star in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens‘ classic tale, titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, marking the actor’s first major studio film in years. Ti West, the acclaimed horror filmmaker behind the X trilogy, is set to direct the project from a script written by Nathaniel Halpern.
The studio has already scheduled the film for a November 13, 2026 theatrical release. Depp will take on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted miser whose transformation has captivated audiences for generations. Andrea Riseborough, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in To Leslie, has also signed on to star, though her character remains undisclosed.
According to Paramount, the project is described as “a thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London, following one man’s supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight for a second chance.” The description suggests West may be bringing his signature dark and atmospheric style to the beloved Christmas story.
Emma Watts is producing the film, with Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman serving as executive producers. The Depp-West package hit the Hollywood market during the summer, ahead of Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount. However, negotiations were temporarily paused during the transition as the new leadership evaluated incoming projects. The studio ultimately deemed the Depp-West pairing “too hot not to pick up.”
This project represents Depp’s return to major studio filmmaking since 2018’s “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” The actor has since appeared in several independent films and recently completed filming on the Lionsgate thriller Day Drinker opposite Penélope Cruz, which is also expected to be released in 2026.
The casting choice aligns perfectly with Depp’s established career trajectory. The role of Scrooge falls naturally within Depp’s wheelhouse after building a career creating bold and memorable characters, from Captain Jack Sparrow and the Mad Hatter to Ichabod Crane and Willy Wonka.
Interestingly, this announcement comes amid news that director Robert Eggers is developing his own adaptation of A Christmas Carol at Warner Bros., with Willem Dafoe circling the role of Scrooge. The Charles Dickens classic has seen numerous adaptations throughout cinema history, from the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim to 2009’s motion-capture rendition featuring Jim Carrey.
Production on the Paramount film is expected to begin in early 2026, bringing audiences a fresh take on the timeless tale of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas.
