24 July,2026 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. Pic via X
The first trailer for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is finally here, offering audiences a haunting new take on Charles Dickens' timeless classic. Unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con, the preview introduces Johnny Depp as the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge, promising a darker, more atmospheric retelling of one of literature's most enduring stories. The film is set to release in Indian cinemas in November 2026.
The trailer opens with Scrooge as a bitter, isolated man whose life has been consumed by greed and resentment. However, as Christmas Eve unfolds, mysterious supernatural visitors force him to confront the choices that have defined his past, present and future. Blending eerie visuals with emotional storytelling, the film teases a fresh interpretation of the beloved tale while retaining its central themes of redemption, hope and second chances.
Johnny Depp takes on the legendary role with his signature screen presence, transforming Scrooge into a character who appears both intimidating and deeply conflicted. The trailer hints at an emotional journey as the ageing miser is confronted by haunting visions that challenge everything he believes about himself and the life he has led.
The film is directed by Ti West, known for his distinctive approach to horror and psychological storytelling. His vision gives the classic Christmas story a gothic atmosphere, with haunting production design, shadowy visuals and an unsettling tone that sets it apart from previous adaptations. While the familiar story remains at its core, the trailer suggests audiences can expect a more cinematic and emotionally layered retelling.
Joining Depp is an ensemble cast that includes Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Charlie Murphy, Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen. The screenplay has been penned by Nathaniel Halpern and is based on Charles Dickens' celebrated novella A Christmas Carol.
With its first trailer, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol promises a visually rich adaptation that blends classic storytelling with a darker cinematic style. Backed by Paramount Pictures, the film will release in cinemas across India in November 2026, bringing one of the world's most beloved Christmas stories back to the big screen in an entirely new avatar.
