Johnny Depp surprised thousands of fans at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday by stepping onto the convention floor completely transformed into Ebenezer Scrooge, the iconic central character from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The appearance served as a major promotional event for his upcoming film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, which is scheduled for release later this year.
Wearing a tall black top hat, a thick Victorian-style overcoat and carrying a walking cane, Depp was almost impossible to recognize beneath heavy makeup that included bushy eyebrows, greying facial hair and long sideburns. The elaborate costume reflected the darker interpretation of Scrooge featured in the new adaptation.
Staying in Character Throughout the Event
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Rather than simply posing for photographs, Depp fully embraced the role during his Comic-Con appearance. Set pieces recreated a snowy Victorian setting, with the actor appearing behind a frosted window before emerging from a winter-themed doorway as attendees gathered around to watch.
He also interacted with convention-goers dressed as some of the characters that helped define his career, including Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka. Remaining in character as Scrooge, Depp exchanged playful remarks with the cosplayers, adding an unexpected theatrical element to the promotion.
New Trailer Debuts for Ebenezer
The Comic-Con appearance coincided with the release of the first trailer for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. Directed by Ti West, the film presents a darker reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story and features Depp in the lead role as the famously bitter miser whose life changes after supernatural encounters on Christmas Eve.
The cast also includes Andrea Riseborough, Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley, Rupert Grint and Sam Claflin, with the film set to arrive in theaters on November 13.
A High-Profile Return to Studio Filmmaking
The Comic-Con event marks another significant milestone in Depp’s return to major studio productions. Ebenezer is his first large-scale studio release in several years following an extended period during which he largely worked on independent and international projects.
His surprise appearance quickly became one of the convention’s standout moments, drawing widespread attention across entertainment media and social platforms as fans reacted to both his striking physical transformation and his commitment to performing as Scrooge throughout the event.
With the trailer now released and the film’s promotional campaign underway, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is expected to remain a prominent topic leading up to its November theatrical debut.
