It seems Johnny Depp is on the verge of a significant comeback, reportedly in final discussions to star as the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming film, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. He would join a distinguished line of actors who have taken on the role, including Bill Murray, Michael Caine, and Jim Carrey.
Sources indicate that this new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel is slated for a November 13, 2026 release. Acclaimed horror director Ti West, known for films like Maxxxine and Pearl, is attached to direct. Academy Award-nominated actress Andrea Riseborough, recognized for her work in 2022’s To Leslie, is also expected to co-star.
Interestingly, Depp isn’t the only actor potentially stepping into Scrooge’s shoes. Robert Eggers, director of Nosferatu, is developing his own A Christmas Carol adaptation for Warner Bros., with Willem Dafoe, widely praised for his performance in Nosferatu, rumored for that film’s titular role.
If the deal for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is finalized, it would mark Johnny Depp’s return to a major studio production since his 2018 appearance in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The actor has been gradually re-emerging in the industry. He is currently collaborating with Ridley Scott on a new graphic novel where he’s creating the character of Hyde, and he’s also set to star opposite Penélope Cruz in Lionsgate’s 2026 action thriller, Day Drinker.
Adding to his potential resurgence, there are whispers that Depp might reprise his beloved role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed discussions with Depp about his return, and it appears the actor is open to the idea.
This potential career revival follows a challenging period for Depp. In 2018, he lost a libel case against The Sun newspaper in the UK regarding allegations of violence towards his former wife, Amber Heard. However, the subsequent year, Depp won a defamation lawsuit against Heard regarding an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post, a publication he argued led to Disney ceasing their collaboration with him.