Johnny Depp’s Dark Scrooge Meets Ian McKellen’s Ghost In Haunting Christmas Carol Remake

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Johnny Depp is taking on a famous literary character, and the first preview of the movie, shown at CinemaCon 2026, gives a spooky and fresh interpretation of the well-known tale. It also offers a first glimpse of Ian McKellen’s performance in the film.

During a presentation on Thursday, Johnny Depp explained that the 1951 film version, with Alastair Sim, greatly inspired his performance, calling Sim unmatched in the role. However, Depp also emphasized his desire to create his own interpretation of Scrooge, building on the classic portrayal while adding his personal touch.

The scene begins with Scrooge walking down a snowy street, instantly showing how cold and unfriendly he is. He rudely rejects a cheerful “Merry Christmas” with a curt “bah humbug,” and even laughs when someone is hit by a snowball. His disapproval grows, as he refuses to give any money to the poor and insists on being left alone, slamming his door and shouting “humbug” again.

However, the story’s mood shifts dramatically when supernatural events begin. Scrooge is haunted by ghosts, starting with Jacob Marley, played by McKellen, who appears as a creepy and unsettling figure and foreshadows future events. This version of the ghost is visually darker and more fragile than previous depictions. When Scrooge resists, the ghosts don’t gently persuade him – they forcefully pull him along, suggesting a more intense and forceful approach to the ghostly encounters.

The movie then presents a series of increasingly unsettling scenes. We see Scrooge looking back at his past, including his childhood home, and another ghost reveals a horrifying sight by opening his coat to reveal a ribcage with a person trapped within. These images indicate the film is embracing horror more strongly than previous versions of the story.

The preview on Thursday also gave us a glimpse of some important supporting characters in the film. Daisy Ridley will play Scrooge’s niece, and Rupert Grint will appear in a role other than Mr. Cratchit. In one scene, Scrooge sternly tells Grint, “Don’t you dare,” when he tries to wish him a Merry Christmas.

This video follows the recent release of the first photos from the set, showing Johnny Depp as Scrooge. The images, published by the Daily Mail, reveal a striking transformation, with Depp looking almost unrecognisable in a blue coat, black cap, and with greyed sideburns and eyebrows. He’s pictured alongside Andrea Riseborough, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past.

This role signals a significant comeback for Johnny Depp, who has kept a lower profile professionally after his well-known legal issues with Amber Heard. It’s his first major film part since appearing in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is due out November 13, 2026.

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2026-04-16 23:06