New Movie Starring Johnny Depp: Ebenezer

On November 13, Ebenezer, a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' famous A Christmas Carol, hits theaters. Johnny Depp plays the lead role, marking his return to major Hollywood productions after an eight-year break.

Here's what makes the new film interesting, who's behind it, and why this familiar Christmas story takes a much darker turn this time.

Johnny Depp's First Major Hollywood Film in Eight Years

Johnny Depp last appeared in a major Hollywood studio production back in 2018, when he played Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

After that, the actor's career became overshadowed by numerous controversies and legal battles with his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Depp lost his role in the next Fantastic Beasts installment and largely disappeared from major Hollywood projects for several years.

However, he didn't stop acting altogether. For example, in 2023, he portrayed French King Louis XV in the historical drama Jeanne du Barry. Still, Ebenezer marks his return to major studio filmmaking after eight years.

Who Directed Ebenezer?

The film is directed by Ti West, a familiar name among horror fans. He is best known for the trilogy X (2022), Pearl (2022), and MaXXXine (2024), starring Mia Goth.

West is known for his attention to atmosphere, visual style, and psychological tension. That's why his involvement in an adaptation of a classic Christmas story might seem a little unexpected.

However, the director has explained that he was particularly fascinated by the supernatural elements of A Christmas Carol as a child. In this new adaptation, he decided to focus more on terrifying ghosts and the dark atmosphere of Victorian London.

As a result, Ebenezer feels closer to gothic fantasy with horror elements than a traditional family Christmas tale.

What Is Ebenezer About?

The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy, greedy, and deeply unpleasant businessman who hates Christmas, looks down on the poor, and cares about little besides his own money.

On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him about the terrible fate awaiting him after death. Soon, three more spirits appear: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

They show Scrooge different moments from his life and the consequences of his decisions. Now he must figure out whether he can still change before it's too late.

Alongside Depp, the cast includes Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, and Andrea Riseborough.

What Is the Film Based On?

Ebenezer is based on Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Carol, first published in 1843.

Interestingly, Dickens was partly inspired to write the story by the harsh working conditions faced by children in Victorian England. Through Scrooge's journey, he wanted to remind readers about compassion, generosity, and responsibility toward others.

The book became an immediate success: its first print run of 6,000 copies sold out in just a few days.

Over nearly two centuries, the story has been adapted for the screen dozens of times. For example, the comedy Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, was released in 1988, while Jim Carrey portrayed Scrooge in Robert Zemeckis' animated film A Christmas Carol in 2009.

Now it's Johnny Depp's turn to offer his own interpretation of one of the most famous characters in Christmas literature.

Enjoy a Great Movie with Ninja Sushi!

Ebenezer is a great choice for anyone who enjoys unusual takes on familiar stories and doesn't mind a darker atmosphere. And if you prefer watching movies at home, pick your favorite film, order your favorite rolls from Ninja Sushi, and enjoy a relaxing evening in good company!