Ebenezer : Johnny Depp Leads a Dark Christmas Carol

A New York special screening of Ebenezer took place at The Whitby Hotel on Sunday, November 1, 2026, ahead of the film's theatrical rollout. The supplied event information identifies Johnny Depp, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, director Ti West and Catherine George among the attendees. The gathering provided a timely showcase for Paramount Pictures' new interpretation of A Christmas Carol, although independently published details about the screening programme and any remarks made on the night remain limited. It should not be confused with the separately advertised London global premiere on November 9.

For Johnny Depp, the title role represents a conspicuous return to a leading part in a major Hollywood studio release. Rather than presenting Ebenezer Scrooge simply as a comic miser, the promotional campaign foregrounds his haunted conscience and the frightening consequences of a life spent rejecting other people. The film arrives during the holiday season, but its imagery belongs as much to the gothic ghost story as to the traditional family Christmas movie. That combination is central to the creative identity of the project. The New York setting contrasted with earlier fan events.

A Christmas Carol Reimagined as a Supernatural Journey

Directed by Ti West from a screenplay by Nathaniel Halpern, Ebenezer draws on the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Its story follows a wealthy, embittered businessman in Victorian London who is confronted with visions of his past, present and future. The encounters force him to examine his cruelty, his lost relationships and the possibility that he might still change. Paramount's campaign encapsulates its approach with the line, “The name you know, the story you don't.”

An Ensemble Cast of Spirits, Family and Lost Love

Johnny Depp portrays Ebenezer Scrooge, while Arthur Conti plays his younger self. Rupert Grint appears as the long-suffering clerk Bob Cratchit, Andrea Riseborough portrays Christmas Past, and Tramell Tillman plays Christmas Present. Ian McKellen takes the role of Jacob Marley, Scrooge's deceased business partner whose warning sets the supernatural ordeal in motion. Sam Claflin plays Scrooge's nephew Fred, Daisy Ridley is credited by Paramount as Clara, and Ellie Bamber plays Belle, a figure associated with Scrooge's lost romantic hopes. The ensemble also includes Henry Lloyd-Hughes and Charlie Murphy. Paramount currently credits Daisy Ridley as Clara, correcting conflicting early reports.

Ti West's Horror Background Shapes the Film's Identity

Ti West is closely associated with contemporary horror, including the X film series. His involvement immediately distinguishes Ebenezer from many more sentimental screen versions of the Dickens story. Promotional footage highlights shadowy supernatural encounters, threatening visions and the physical transformation of Johnny Depp into an aged, severe Scrooge. These images suggest an emphasis on dread and psychological reckoning, although the full balance of humor, horror and tenderness cannot be judged before the film's public release.

The production is led by producer Emma Watts, with Paramount Pictures distributing. The official credits name Nathaniel Halpern as screenwriter and identify Wattsco and IN.2 Films in the production presentation. The British Board of Film Classification lists a running time of 115 minutes and 56 seconds, conventionally rounded to 116 minutes, and notes moderate horror, threat and violence. That classification reinforces the impression of a darker seasonal film without establishing that it abandons the source's central message of generosity and renewal.

From Victorian Locations to Comic-Con Spectacle

Production activity was reported in London and Dublin during 2026, with location work also associated with the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. These historic locations offer an evocative physical backdrop for Dickensian London. Chatham’s preserved architecture has made it a filming location for period productions.

The promotional campaign made an especially theatrical impression at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, where Johnny Depp appeared in Scrooge costume and makeup to introduce footage. Rather than relying solely on conventional interviews, the appearance turned the character himself into the attraction. Paramount later released a new trailer on October 1, emphasizing the film's unsettling spirits and elaborate visual treatment. The campaign thus moved from a live, in-character fan encounter to a broader autumn marketing push.

Release Dates, French Title and What Comes Next

Paramount's United States website confirms November 13, 2026, as the theatrical release date, matching the United Kingdom date recorded by the BBFC. Australian promotional materials list November 12. In France, Paramount Pictures France advertises the film as Scrooge with a November 11 release, an important local distinction for readers looking for screenings. The film's release calendar therefore varies by territory, and the French title should not be mistaken for a different production.

A London premiere is advertised for November 9 at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, but remains forthcoming as of November 2. The central question is whether this adaptation can make Scrooge's familiar transformation feel newly urgent. Its positioning between Halloween-season horror publicity and the Christmas cinema calendar is particularly unusual for a story so closely associated with festive tradition.

Discover the official red carpet videos :

Itw Ti West

Itw Johnny Depp

Itw Andrea Riseborough

Itw Tramell Tillman

Event Recap: New York Screening, London Premiere and Cinema Releases

Ebenezer New York Special Screening
Where : New York City, The Whitby Hotel
When : Sunday, November 1, 2026.
What : Special screening associated with Johnny Depp, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Ti West and Catherine George,

Synopsis :
A thrilling ghost story set in Dickensian London, following the supernatural journey of a man confronting his past, present, and future as he fights for a second chance at redemption.

Ebenezer
Directed by Ti West
Written by Nathaniel Halpern
Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Produced by Emma Watts
Starring  Johnny Depp, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Tramell Tillman, Ian McKellen
Cinematography : Checco Varese
Edited by Ti West, David Kashevaroff
Music by Tyler Bates
Production companies : Wattsco, IN.2 Film
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : November 13, 2026 (United States)
Running time : 116 minutes

Photos : Getty images for Paramount Pictures