Johnny Depp’s Dramatic Transformation as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol First Look

Key Points

• Johnny Depp debuts an unrecognizable look as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
• The film is directed by Ti West, known for X and Pearl, promising a darker spin on the classic tale.
• Depp stars alongside Andrea Riseborough, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, and Tramell Tillman.
• This marks Depp’s first major Hollywood studio film since 2019, following his career shift to smaller projects.
• Paramount Pictures will release the film on November 13, 2026, ahead of the holiday season.

A Striking First Look

Johnny Depp has undergone a dramatic transformation for his role as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. First-look photos from the London set reveal the 62-year-old actor nearly unrecognizable in full costume and prosthetics, signaling a bold return to big-budget filmmaking.

The Costume and Characterization

Depp’s Scrooge is depicted in a heavy blue-and-black coat layered over pajamas, with long gray-streaked hair spilling from a nightcap. Aged makeup completes the look, presenting the bitter miser in haunting detail. The transformation is not subtle—it’s a complete embodiment of Charles Dickens’ iconic character.

Supporting Cast and Haunting Visuals

Depp filmed scenes opposite Andrea Riseborough, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past. Riseborough’s spectral appearance—white body makeup, pale contact lenses, and a flowing gown—adds to the film’s eerie tone.

The ensemble cast includes Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, and Tramell Tillman, rounding out one of the most impressive lineups for a holiday release in recent years.

Ti West’s Distinctive Direction

The film is helmed by Ti West, the horror auteur behind X and Pearl. His involvement suggests a darker, more unsettling interpretation of Dickens’ timeless story, blending gothic atmosphere with psychological depth.

Depp’s Return to Studio Filmmaking

A Christmas Carol marks Depp’s first major Hollywood studio project since 2019’s Waiting for the Barbarians and 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. In recent years, he shifted toward smaller-scale films such as Jeanne du Barry and Modi.

Following his highly publicized 2022 defamation trial with Amber Heard, Depp largely stepped away from mainstream Hollywood. This project represents a significant comeback, reintroducing him to the studio system.

What Happens Next?

Paramount Pictures will release A Christmas Carol in theaters on November 13, 2026, positioning it as a potential holiday season standout. With Depp’s striking transformation, Ti West’s distinctive vision, and a star-studded cast, the film is expected to generate major buzz leading into awards season.