Johnny Depp Goes Full Scrooge in Surprise NYC Appearance for Ti West’s ‘EBENEZER’
Johnny Depp is getting into the holiday spirit by doing everything possible to ruin it. The actor made a surprise appearance at New York City's Bryant Park dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing a little early Christmas misery to unsuspecting New Yorkers ahead of Paramount Pictures' upcoming supernatural thriller EBENEZER.
The promotional appearance saw Depp fully embracing the famously miserable character, whose disdain for Christmas has made him one of literature's most recognizable figures. With holiday decorations already appearing throughout New York City, Scrooge apparently decided it was time to put an end to the festivities before they could begin.
During his visit to Bryant Park, Depp encountered a bell-ringing Santa charity worker and a holiday gift-wrapping station. Rather than spreading seasonal goodwill, the actor remained in character while tearing down garlands, kicking aside decorative nutcrackers and Christmas gnomes, and even toppling a Christmas tree.
Photos and footage from the surprise appearance offer an early look at Depp's interpretation of the iconic character, who will return to theaters in a darker reimagining of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Directed by Ti West, the filmmaker behind The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, EBENEZER approaches Dickens' enduring ghost story through a supernatural lens, with Depp portraying the wealthy and bitter businessman whose life is forever changed by a series of otherworldly encounters.
Set during one unforgettable Christmas Eve, the film follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he confronts his past, present, and future through a supernatural journey that will ultimately determine his fate.
While Dickens' original story has inspired countless adaptations across film and television, the involvement of West introduces an intriguing genre element. The director has established a reputation for atmospheric horror and character-driven storytelling, making his interpretation of the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come particularly interesting for horror audiences.
The film's PG-13 rating for frightening material also suggests that the supernatural elements will play a meaningful role in this adaptation, although the extent of its darker approach remains to be seen.
Joining Depp is an extensive ensemble that includes Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen.
Nathaniel Halpern wrote the screenplay, with Emma Watts producing. The film is presented by Paramount Pictures in association with Domain Entertainment and Black Label Media, and is a Wattsco/IN.2 production.
For Depp, EBENEZER offers another opportunity to inhabit an eccentric literary character, while West's involvement makes the project an unusual addition to the upcoming holiday movie season. The combination of a familiar Christmas narrative, a horror filmmaker behind the camera, and an ensemble cast gives the production a distinct identity among this year's seasonal releases.
The Bryant Park appearance also provides a glimpse at the film's promotional approach, leaning into Scrooge's notoriously unpleasant personality rather than the traditional warmth associated with Christmas advertising.
And with the holiday season approaching, Depp's version of Scrooge appears determined to make sure nobody gets too comfortable celebrating early.
EBENEZER arrives exclusively in theaters November 13, 2026, including Dolby Cinema, 4DX, D-BOX, and premium large-format screenings.
Check out the photos and footage from Johnny Depp's surprise appearance at Bryant Park, and let us know what you think of his transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge.
Tickets on sale now.
Comments