Johnny Depp Returns as Scrooge in First ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ Trailer; Paramount Unveils Dark Comedy Reimagining

Paramount Pictures has officially unveiled the first trailer for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, offering audiences a bold new take on Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic. Blending supernatural thrills, dark comedy, and fantasy, the upcoming film reimagines the story of Ebenezer Scrooge with Johnny Depp stepping into the iconic role, marking one of his most anticipated projects of the year.

The newly released trailer introduces viewers to a darker and grumpier version of Dickens' beloved tale. Set against the haunting backdrop of Victorian London, the film follows the infamous miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks on a chilling supernatural journey through his past, present, and future. Haunted by ghostly encounters and forced to confront the consequences of a lifetime of selfishness, Scrooge is given one final opportunity to seek redemption before it's too late.

Johnny Depp headlines an impressive British ensemble cast that includes Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman, and legendary actor Ian McKellen, who portrays the ghost of Jacob Marley. The star-studded lineup has already generated significant buzz, with fans eager to see the fresh interpretation of one of literature's most enduring stories.

The trailer paints Scrooge as exactly what readers have long known him to be—a stingy, penny-pinching, cantankerous old man whose bitterness has left him isolated from the joy of Christmas. However, the film promises to take audiences beyond the familiar narrative. Its tagline, "The name you know, the story you don't," hints at a unique retelling that expands on Dickens' classic while adding elements of psychological horror, fantasy, and dark humor.

Behind the camera is acclaimed filmmaker Ti West, known for his distinctive approach to horror and suspense. Directing from a screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern, West appears to have infused the classic Christmas ghost story with his signature atmospheric style. The trailer features eerie visuals, haunting spirits, gothic production design, and moments of biting comedy, suggesting this won't be a traditional holiday adaptation but rather an inventive genre-bending experience.

The film is based on Charles Dickens' iconic 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, one of the most adapted literary works in history. While countless versions have graced the big and small screen over the decades, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol aims to stand apart by embracing a darker tone while preserving the emotional core of Scrooge's journey toward compassion and redemption.

Following the trailer's release, movie lovers quickly took to social media to share their excitement. Many praised Johnny Depp's striking transformation into Scrooge, while others expressed curiosity about Ti West's fresh creative vision. The combination of an acclaimed director, an all-star cast, and a beloved literary classic has already positioned the film as one of the most talked-about holiday releases of 2026.

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 13, 2026. With its mix of supernatural mystery, festive atmosphere, dark comedy, and emotional storytelling, the film is shaping up to offer audiences a memorable new twist on a story that has captivated readers and viewers for generations.