Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,” starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer says he is in talks with Depp about returning as Captain Jack Sparrow.
DR reports that the trailer for the new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella spends much of its time on Depp himself. On screen text lists Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands and the Mad Hatter, before announcing that the master of misfits returns this November. The film is produced by Paramount Pictures and directed by Ti West.
Jacob Ludvigsen, film editor at Soundvenue, told DR that the comeback will be tested when the film opens. He described the trailer as the closest thing yet to Depp being back after the scandal surrounding his 2022 case against his former wife, Amber Heard. Ludvigsen also noted that West is a relatively new director with growing standing in the industry.
According to Variety, “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol” is Depp’s first major Hollywood studio role since the 2022 defamation trial. The outlet describes a horror tinged version of the story, with Depp heavily transformed by prosthetics. Paramount’s official trailers list a November 2026 cinema release.
Yahoo Entertainment reports that the first footage was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where Depp introduced it in character. DR notes that Depp lost several film roles after allegations of violence against Heard. In 2020 he lost a case against The Sun, and Warner Bros. wrote him out of the Grindelwald role in “Fantastic Beasts,” which Mads Mikkelsen took over.
Talks about a sixth Pirates film
The 2022 trial in the United States was televised and ended in Depp’s favor. It concluded with a settlement under which Heard paid him 1 million dollars in defamation damages. Depp has since worked mostly outside major Hollywood studio productions.
Bruckheimer, who produced all five “Pirates of the Caribbean” films between 2003 and 2017, spoke about a sixth installment at Disney’s D23 event last weekend. As reported by Deadline, he said conversations with Depp are underway and a screenplay is being written. Deadline and WDW News Today both stress that no deal, director or release date has been confirmed.
Depp has previously said he would not play Jack Sparrow again. Ludvigsen told DR he cannot imagine Depp turning down the role if the film is made. He also compared the situation to Will Smith’s career after the 2022 Oscars incident, pointing to a greater willingness in the industry to let scandalized men return.
DR adds that Depp also stars in the thriller “Day Drinker,” due next year. Per Yahoo Entertainment, Lionsgate has set the film for U.S. cinemas on March 26, 2027, with Penélope Cruz co-starring.
