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Ebenezer First Reactions: Critics Split on Johnny Depp’s Dark Christmas Carol – But Praise His Scrooge
Updated · First published 10 Nov 2026
The first reactions to Ebenezer, Johnny Depp’s dark new version of A Christmas Carol, are in – and critics are split. Most agree on one thing: Depp makes a strong Scrooge.
Directed by horror film-maker Ti West, the film opens in UK and US cinemas on Friday, 13 November. It is Depp’s first Hollywood studio film in eight years, with Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin and Daisy Ridley alongside him.
What are critics saying about Ebenezer?
| Verdict | What critics said |
|---|---|
| Positive | A darker, more sincere take with real heart; Depp’s best performance in years; faithful to Dickens, beautiful to look at, with a moving ending |
| Mixed | Gorgeous gothic style and solid acting, but the story feels well-worn and adds little new |
| Negative | Some called it superfluous or a misfire, sparing only the production design and score |
The most consistent praise goes to Depp’s performance and the film’s look. The big question dividing early viewers is whether the world needs another Christmas Carol – and whether this one has anything fresh to say.
Who is in the cast of Ebenezer?
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Johnny Depp | Ebenezer Scrooge |
| Arthur Conti | Young Ebenezer |
| Ian McKellen | Jacob Marley |
| Rupert Grint | Bob Cratchit |
| Andrea Riseborough | Ghost of Christmas Past |
| Tramell Tillman | Ghost of Christmas Present |
| Sam Claflin | Fred, Scrooge’s nephew |
| Daisy Ridley | Emily Cratchit |
| Ellie Bamber | Isabel Fezziwig |
What is the film about?
Set in early Victorian London, the story follows the miserly Scrooge as he is dragged through visions of his past, present and future on a supernatural journey towards redemption. Paramount’s tagline promises: “The name you know, the story you don’t.”
Photo: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock. Video: Paramount Pictures / YouTube.
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