Johnny Depp’s 'Ebenezer' Opens to Mixed Reviews and Modest Box Office Projections

Key points

• The film 'Ebenezer,' a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' opened in theaters on November 13, 2026, after preview screenings on Thursday.
• Johnny Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, with a cast including Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, and Daisy Ridley.
• Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film at 54% based on 56 reviews, with critics divided on its quality and Depp’s performance.
• Paramount Pictures produced the film for a reported $38 million budget, with Depp earning a $5 million salary plus box office bonuses.
• Box Office Theory projects a $22 million opening weekend and over $100 million in total US revenue, while Variety notes a modest $20 million domestic debut expectation.

Background

This release marks Depp’s first major studio film since his 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, which ended in his favor but followed his 2020 loss in a UK libel case against The Sun. Previous archive coverage noted that 'Ebenezer' premiered in London on November 9, 2026, with early reactions praising Depp’s performance but debating the film’s originality. The film is viewed as a high-stakes test of Depp’s star power and industry rehabilitation after years away from mainstream projects.

How outlets are covering it

Critics are split on 'Ebenezer.' Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter and Danny Leigh of the Financial Times praised Depp’s performance and Ti West’s direction, calling the film 'family-friendly' and 'safety first.' Helen O’Hara of Empire Magazine noted Depp’s effective use of prosthetics. Conversely, David Ehrlich of IndieWire called the film 'unengaging' and criticized the casting, while Brandon Yu of The New York Times described it as 'bland in imagination.' The Guardian’s review called it a 'perfectly serviceable' adaptation that sticks closely to the source material, noting a new prologue featuring Jacob Marley. BBC analysis highlighted the film’s marketing strategy, which emphasized Depp’s 'comeback,' with some critics calling it 'tasteless' while others noted it leverages his enduring fan base. Variety reported that Depp’s $5 million salary and the film’s modest budget reflect Paramount’s cautious approach, while industry experts like Kevin Goetz of Screen Engine/ASI argued that audiences remain interested in Depp, ranking him among the top 10 actors likely to draw cinema-goers.

Why it matters

The reception of 'Ebenezer' serves as a barometer for Johnny Depp’s standing in Hollywood and with audiences after his 2022 legal battles. A successful box office run could signal a full industry rehabilitation and potentially lead to larger projects, such as a new 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film, which producer Jerry Bruckheimer has indicated is being relaunched with Depp. Conversely, a poor performance could reinforce the perception that his career is stalled. The film’s mixed reviews and modest projections highlight the ongoing debate about whether Depp’s star power has survived his personal controversies or if the industry is still cautious about his involvement.

What to watch

Box office performance over the next few weeks will determine the film’s commercial success and its impact on Depp’s career trajectory. Paramount may use the results to decide on future projects, including the potential 'Pirates of the Caribbean' sequel. Depp is also set to appear in 'Day Drinker,' a supernatural thriller co-starring Penélope Cruz, scheduled for release in March 2027. The film’s long-term performance will be monitored to assess whether Depp’s comeback is sustainable or if it remains a one-off success.