Depp Returns in Paramount's Ebenezer Christmas Film

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Ebenezer, a new A Christmas Carol adaptation starring Johnny Depp.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Film — General

Depp Returns in Paramount's Ebenezer Christmas Film

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Would you be willing to watch a film starring an actor with past abuse allegations?

Paramount Pictures released the trailer for Ebenezer, a new entry in the A Christmas Carol lore starring Johnny Depp. The film marks Depp's first major release since his ex-wife's abuse allegations and lengthy legal battles.

Why it matters

Depp had a near-decade-long absence from Hollywood after lengthy lawsuits damaged his reputation, and the film is a test of whether audiences and the industry are ready to forgive him. Depp was also removed as the villain in the Fantastic Beasts series during that period.

Depp's career absence from Hollywood lasted nearly a decade following his legal troubles. No box office projections or production budget figures were reported for Ebenezer.

The players

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is an American actor best known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands films, whose career was disrupted by a high-profile defamation litigation with his ex-wife.

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures is a major American film studio and the producer and distributor of Ebenezer, which shares a parent company with CNN and Warner Bros. through Skydance.

The details

In the trailer, Depp appears heavily made up and grey-haired, saying 'It's good to be back.' In a different cut, he says 'I'm not the man I was.' Over the past few years Depp busied himself with indie and self-produced films before this studio return.

Over the past few years: Depp worked on indie and self-produced films.
Near-decade: Depp was absent from Hollywood after legal troubles.

Industry Dynamics

Depp's return with Ebenezer follows his high-profile 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, which reshaped public perception of his career. The studio's decision to cast him reflects a bet that audiences and the film industry are ready to forgive him.

The trailer signals that Ebenezer is a studio release, but the source does not state a theatrical date or streaming platform. Readers should watch for official release details to learn where and when they can see the film.

The takeaway

Ebenezer is a test case for whether a major studio and audiences will welcome a previously sidelined star back into a high-profile role. Its reception may signal how the industry weighs reputation against box office appeal.