Entertainment · Film · 3 hrs ago
Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ Gets Mixed First Reactions Ahead of Release
Johnny Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in a new film based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Directed by Ti West, it follows the miser’s journey toward redemption after three spirits visit him in Victorian London.
The film is Depp’s first major Hollywood feature in several years, after his public legal battles and a period with few acting roles.
Early reactions from people who saw press screenings are mostly positive, with praise for Depp’s performance and the film’s gothic style.
Some viewers say it feels familiar, forgettable or does little that is new.
The film opens in theaters worldwide on Nov.
13, and full critics’ reviews are due Nov.
12.
After “Ebenezer,” Depp is set to star in the supernatural thriller “Day Drinker” in 2027.
Early reactions to Johnny Depp’s film Ebenezer are largely positive, with critics praising his performance and director Ti West’s gothic style.
The film is a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with Depp playing Ebenezer Scrooge.
Some critics called it a strong comeback vehicle for Depp, while others said the film was forgettable and did little that was new.
Paramount plans to release the film in theaters globally on Nov. 13, 2026.
The film had its world premiere in New York City on Nov. 1, and its London premiere took place on Monday night.
- Who
- Johnny Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, with Ti West directing.
- What
- Ebenezer is a gothic, black-comedy adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
- When
- It is scheduled to open in theaters globally on Nov. 13, 2026.
- Where
- The film had its world premiere at the Whitby Hotel in New York City and its London premiere in Leicester Square.
- Why
- The film marks Depp’s first mainstream Hollywood feature since the fallout from his divorce and subsequent legal battles.
Supportive critics
Critical reviewers
Performance
Supportive critics
Supportive critics praised Depp as magnetic, lively and captivating.
Critical reviewers
Some reviewers said he was repeating old tricks or merely looked and acted the part.
Originality
Supportive critics
Supportive critics said the film adds fresh layers and has a distinctive gothic style.
Critical reviewers
Critical reviewers said it was not distinct or new, and one called it forgettable and boring.
Ebenezer held its world premiere at the Whitby Hotel in New York City.
The film had its London premiere in Leicester Square.
First reactions from press screenings were reported, with critics offering mixed assessments.
Full critics reviews are due to be published.
The film is scheduled to open in theaters globally.
- Lead actor
- Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge
- Director
- Ti West
- Source story
- Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol
- World premiere
- Whitby Hotel, New York City, on Nov. 1
- Theatrical release
- Nov. 13, 2026, globally
2 sources
What people are saying
wickedly fun holiday treat and strong comeback vehicle for its star
#Ebenezer is a pleasant surprise
I’m a sucker for A Christmas Carol & #Ebenezer hits all the beats right, but nothing’s distinct or unique about this version
Utterly superfluous
Posts on X
#Ebenezer may not reinvent A Christmas Carol, but it’s a faithful, atmospheric, and beautifully shot adaptation anchored by a phenomenal lead performance. Johnny Depp is the perfect Scroorge, up there with Alaistair Sim and Michael Caine. Ti West leans into his horror roots with