Hollywood icon Johnny Depp is reportedly preparing for a significant return to the silver screen, several years after his high-profile legal battle with ex-wife, actress Amber Heard. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Pictures, under David Ellison’s direction, is in advanced talks to acquire a new cinematic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, A Christmas Carol.
Depp is slated to take on the iconic lead role, with acclaimed filmmaker Ti West, known for his work on X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, set to direct this fresh take titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. Paramount has penciled in a release date for November 13, 2026.
Joining Depp in the cast is Andrea Riseborough. The script is being penned by Nathaniel Halpern, with Emma Watts serving as producer. Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman will be executive producers. The studio describes the film as a “thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London, following one man’s supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight for a second chance.”
This project marks a pivotal moment for Depp, whose career faced significant challenges following his highly publicized defamation trial in 2022. The legal proceedings generated widespread media attention and notably led to his departure from Warner Bros.’s Fantastic Beasts franchise in 2020. Despite various industry offers, Depp has been very selective with his roles. He recently finished filming Lionsgate’s Day Drinker, where he stars alongside Penélope Cruz, with that film expected to debut next year.