After a lengthy hiatus from the Hollywood spotlight, Johnny Depp is officially back on the big screen in Ebenezer, a fresh take on Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. The film, directed by Ti West, has finally screened for critics, and the first wave of reactions is in—and it's a mixed bag.
Depp, who hasn't headlined a major studio production since 2018's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, steps into the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. His return has been highly anticipated, especially after his very public legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. The actor even teased his comeback with a surprise in-character appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, generating buzz for what could be a career-defining role.
Critics Praise Depp's Magnetic Performance
Several critics are celebrating Depp's performance as a highlight of the film. UK Film Critic Phil Roberts wrote, "Johnny Depp is magnetic throughout Scrooge's soft redemption arc leading to a finale that delivers more emotional resonance than its predecessors." Tom Chatalbash of FilmSpeak called Ebenezer a "wickedly fun holiday treat and strong comeback vehicle for its star," adding that "Depp is a fiendish delight as Scrooge."
These glowing remarks suggest that Depp still has the charisma and screen presence that made him a household name. For fans of his earlier work, this might be the performance they've been waiting for.
Not All Reactions Are Kind
However, not every critic is on board. Ren Vieira was blunt, saying, "nothing's distinct or unique about this version," and dismissed it as "just Depp doing cooky Scrooge, nothing more than his old tricks." MaryAnn Johanson went further, calling the film "utterly superfluous," while Robert Ortiz criticized it for being "forgettable and just boring, especially if you've seen a Christmas Carol before."
These mixed reviews highlight a divide: some see Depp's performance as a triumphant return, while others feel it's a rehash of his familiar quirks. The film's reception could hinge on whether audiences are looking for nostalgia or something fresh.
What's Next for Johnny Depp?
Regardless of the critical reception, Depp's comeback train is just getting started. Following Ebenezer, he's set to star in Day Drinker, an action thriller directed by Marc Webb, due out on March 26, 2027. The film also stars Madelyn Cline, Penélope Cruz, and Manu Ríos, and could be another chance for Depp to solidify his return to Hollywood.
Depp has also been in the news for his potential return as Captain Jack Sparrow, with reports suggesting he's set terms for reprising the role. Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise will be watching closely. For more on that, check out our update on Depp's Sparrow return.
As Ebenezer hits theaters on November 13, 2026, audiences will have the final say. Whether it's a holiday classic or a forgettable retread, Depp's performance is sure to be a talking point. For more on Depp's recent projects, including his Oscar-winning animated film, see our Rango streaming news.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest on Johnny Depp and his Hollywood resurgence.
