Johnny Depp shared that he is already thinking of ways to make the iconic curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge his own.
The actor – who is set to make a big return to Hollywood via Ti West’s iteration of the Charles Dickens classictitled “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol” — made it clear he wasn’t saying “bah, humbug” to character prep before production. In fact, he told Entertainment tonight on Tuesday that he was looking to take “a different angle on Scrooge,” since so many people have already tackled the character before.
Still, he noted that there was an earlier portrayal of Scrooge that inspired him — Alastair Sims’ take on the “A Christmas Carol” protagonist, who he portrayed in the 1951 British film “Scrooge.”
“It’s one of my favorite movies of all time. His performance is perfection,” Depp told the channel at the Beverly Hills premiere of his second directorial effort, “Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.”
Word of Depp’s new role broke back in October, where it was confirmed that Depp, West and Andrea Riseborough were attached to the new holiday project. Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen was also announced as an actor as of Tuesday, however, their respective roles have yet to be revealed
As we previously reported, Nathaniel Halpern wrote the script, while Emma Watts is producing and Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman are executive producing.
“A thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London, following one man’s supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight for a second chance,” reads the official log line.
Paramount is said to be eyeing a November 13, 2026 release date.
“Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness” screens in select theaters starting November 7 and available on demand December 12.
