Johnny Depp’s return to major-studio filmmaking just received the full Hall H treatment. The actor made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con to introduce the first trailer for Paramount Pictures’ “Ebenezer,” a conspicuous vote of confidence from a studio presenting him not merely as part of an ensemble, but as the face of a potential holiday event movie.
Depp first appeared at the convention’s “Ebenezer’s Office” activation before turning up in Hall H to unveil the footage. It represents another significant step in his attempted Hollywood comeback following years of controversy, highly publicized litigation, and his removal from major franchises. Whatever reservations the industry once had, Paramount is now placing Depp front and center in one of its prominent late-2026 theatrical releases.
READ MORE: ‘Ebenezer’ First Look + : Johnny Depp Is Scrooge In Ti West’s Dark Dickens Reimagining
Directed by Ti West, “Ebenezer” casts Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge in a new interpretation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Paramount has offered few story details beyond the pointed marketing line, “The name you know, the story you don’t,” suggesting that West and screenwriter Nathaniel Halpern have taken more than a purely traditional approach to the familiar material.
West arrives at the project after completing his “X” trilogy with “Pearl” and “MaXXXine.” While “Ebenezer” marks a move into larger-scale studio filmmaking, Dickens’ tale of ghosts, buried guilt, and psychological reckoning hardly feels incompatible with the director’s fascination with obsession, mortality, and damaged people confronting the consequences of their choices.
Halpern’s television credits include “Tales From The Loop,” “Legion,” and “The Killing,” a résumé steeped in psychologically charged drama and unconventional genre storytelling.
The sizable supporting cast includes Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen.
Emma Watts produces the film, with West, David Reid, Adam Bohling, Stephen Deuters, Jason Forman, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary serving as executive producers. The project is presented by Paramount in association with Domain Entertainment and produced by Wattsco and IN.2 Films.
Paramount may not have officially presented at Comic-Con, but its stealth “Ebenezer” reveal placed Depp firmly back in the spotlight. After years of scandal, severed studio ties, and bruising public court battles, it looks like Depp, for better or worse, has finally completed his return from Hollywood exile. This surprise Hall H appearance certainly makes it look that way. “Ebenezer” opens November 13, 2026. Watch the trailer below.
Born in Chile, raised in Canada, now living in Brooklyn, NY, Rodrigo Perez is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Playlist, which he launched in 2007. He has worked in entertainment journalism since 2000, including at MTV, and has written for SPIN, IndieWire, Pitchfork, Complex, Magnet, MuchMusic, and various music, film, and entertainment publications over the past two decades.
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
- Rodrigo Perez
