What happens when a horror auteur reshapes Dickens with Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley and Rupert Grint at his side? With a rival version looming, which Christmas spirit will claim the night?
Paramount is mounting a fresh, fantasy-tinged take on Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol with Ti West in the director’s chair. Johnny Depp steps into Ebenezer Scrooge, joined by Daisy Ridley, Rupert Grint, and a roster that includes Sam Claflin, Charlie Murphy, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen. The horror filmmaker’s sensibility hints at a sharper edge to Dickens, with Germany slated for a November 13, 2026 release. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. has a competing version in the works from Robert Eggers.
A fresh twist on a holiday classic
When it comes to the timeless appeal of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, few stories hold such a cherished place in our shared cultural imagination. Now, a new adaptation titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is on the way, promising to give the beloved tale a bold twist. Starring Rupert Grint, Johnny Depp, and Daisy Ridley, this upcoming Paramount Pictures project is set to reawaken the holiday spirit with an unexpected, fantastical edge.
An ensemble cast breathing life into Dickens
The casting alone is enough to spark excitement. Johnny Depp will take on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge, a character often synonymous with Christmas redemption. Joining him are Daisy Ridley, known for her captivating presence on screen, and Rupert Grint, a name many fans have followed since his Harry Potter days. The lineup also features Sam Claflin, Charlie Murphy, Ellie Bamber, and the legendary Sir Ian McKellen, all lending their talents to this ambitious retelling.
Ti West and the fantasy twist
The real surprise comes from the man behind the camera. Ti West, celebrated for his mastery of horror, is directing this adaptation. Known for unsettling films like The House of the Devil, West’s influence may nudge this Christmas story into darker, more imaginative territory. Imagine the traditionally heartwarming tale framed with eerie fantasy elements, with ghostly visitations that linger long after the credits. This may not be the Dickens adaptation viewers are used to, yet it could be the fresh take many have been waiting for.
Mark your calendars
Fans will not have to wait forever to experience this reimagined classic. Paramount has set the release for November 13, 2026, timed to capture the festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that director Robert Eggers is developing another A Christmas Carol for Warner Bros., signaling a revival of interest in the 1843 novella and inviting comparisons between two distinct visions.
A timeless tale with new possibilities
The holiday season always rekindles our love for stories of hope and transformation, and Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol looks set to amplify that with its unique artistic direction and powerhouse cast. Whether it charms audiences or challenges expectations, one thing is clear, Dickens’ tale remains as relevant, adaptable, and captivating as ever.