Johnny Depp Leads Star-Studded Cast in Dickens Classic
A fresh take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is on the way, with Johnny Depp in the lead and a cast featuring big names from Star Wars and Harry Potter. Find out who’s joining the much-anticipated film.
Paramount is gearing up for a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, with Johnny Depp stepping into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge. The production, titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, has drawn in a line-up of familiar faces, including Daisy Ridley, best known for her stint in Star Wars, and Rupert Grint, who made his mark in the Harry Potter series. Sam Claflin, recognised for his role in Me Before You, is also on board. The film is set to hit cinemas in November next year, with Ti West, who directed Pearl, at the helm and Nathaniel Halpern penning the script.
Alongside Depp, Ridley, Grint, and Claflin, the cast features Charlie Murphy, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Andrea Riseborough, Ian McKellen, and Tramell Tillman. This project marks Depp’s first major studio gig in quite a while, signalling a significant return to the mainstream for the actor.
Depp’s Comeback After Time Out of the Spotlight
After a lengthy absence following his high-profile legal battles, Depp is making a return to the big stage. While he did headline Jeanne du Barry in 2023, which drew mixed reactions, this Dickens adaptation is his first major Hollywood outing in years. The industry had largely kept its distance, but this new role could be a turning point for the actor.
Though Depp isn’t usually linked with festive films, his work in Edward Scissorhands and Corpse Bride has become a staple for the season. A Christmas release for his comeback seems fitting, and insiders reckon this could be the start of a new chapter for him. As one source put it,
Johnny sees this movie as the first step in a complete return to movie star status, If he books another big film to shoot in 2026 after he wraps this one, then he really is back in Hollywood’s good graces. But if he doesn’t, that’s going to mean that the comeback experiment failed.
Big Names Join Dickens Adaptation
With a story as well-loved as A Christmas Carol, it’s no surprise the cast is packed with talent. The film brings together actors from some of the world’s biggest franchises, promising a fresh spin on the classic. With Ti West directing, there’s plenty of buzz about what this team will deliver.
The film is set for release on 13 November 2026, and punters are already keen to see how this new version shapes up. Whether it’ll put Depp firmly back in the limelight remains to be seen, but the anticipation is building.