Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ Premieres as High-Stakes Hollywood Comeback Amid Divided Reviews
Johnny Depp’s first major Hollywood film since 2022, 'Ebenezer,' opens November 13. Directed by Ti West, the gothic adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' has received mixed early reviews. Critics praise Depp’s performance but debate the film’s originality. The release serves as a test of Depp’s star power following his 2022 legal battles.
Key points
- ‘Ebenezer’ opens in theaters on November 13, 2026, with a global release across 63 markets.
- The film was produced by Paramount Pictures with a budget of approximately $38 million and marketing costs of $50 million.
- Johnny Depp was paid $5 million for the role, with bonuses tied to box office performance.
- Early reactions are mixed: critics praise Depp’s performance and Ti West’s gothic style, but some find the adaptation unoriginal.
- The film is viewed as a high-stakes test of Depp’s commercial viability after his 2022 legal battles with Amber Heard.
Background
Johnny Depp has been largely absent from mainstream Hollywood since 2020, following a libel case against The Sun and a 2022 defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. In 2022, a jury found in Depp’s favor, awarding him over $10 million in damages, though it also found his lawyer had defamed Heard. Depp’s recent credits include the 2023 French drama 'Jeanne du Barry' and the 2024 biopic 'Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness.'
How outlets are covering it
The Independent and The Hollywood Reporter emphasize the film as a 'comeback vehicle' for Depp, noting positive early reactions to his performance. Variety highlights the financial stakes, reporting Depp’s $5 million salary and Paramount’s cautious $38 million budget. Critics are divided: Phil Roberts and Tom Chatalbash praise the film as a 'bold spin' and 'wickedly fun treat,' while Ren Vieira and Lewis Powell criticize it as 'forgettable' and 'chaotic.'
Why it matters
‘Ebenezer’ tests whether audiences and studios have moved past Depp’s 2022 legal battles. A successful box office performance could signal his return to major franchises, including a potential 'Pirates of the Caribbean' reboot, while a failure could further marginalize him in Hollywood.
What to watch
Full critical reviews are scheduled for November 12, 2026. Box office results will be tracked in the coming weeks. Depp is set to star in Lionsgate’s 2027 action thriller 'Day Drinker,' co-starring Penélope Cruz.
- Johnny Depp mounts controversial mainstream comeback with Ebenezer as first reactions drop The Independent
- Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ Comeback: A Smaller $5 Million Salary, Optimistic Theater Owners and More Variety
- Johnny Depp Reflects on Returning to Hollywood After 8 Years Out of the Spotlight People.com
- Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’: First Reactions The Hollywood Reporter
- 'Ebenezer' Red Carpet London Premiere Photos: Johnny Depp, Rupert Grint, Tramell Tillman, Jedward & More Deadline
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