Johnny Depp made a striking and unexpected appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, drawing significant attention for his drastically altered look as Ebenezer Scrooge. The 63-year-old actor, twice honored by People Magazine as Sexiest Man Alive in 2003 and 2009, was promoting the upcoming film "Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol," scheduled for release on November 13.
Depp emerged from a mock storefront erected in the Gaslamp district, which was decorated with fake snow to evoke a Victorian Christmas setting. Dressed in period attire, including a long blue overcoat and black top hat, he maintained a gruff demeanor consistent with the Charles Dickens character. Carolers sang holiday songs as Depp, in character, responded to a fan's greeting of "Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge" with "What's so good about it?"
During his appearance, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor questioned the presence of onlookers before ultimately delivering Scrooge's famous exclamation, "Humbug!" before retreating behind the storefront door. He later appeared on Collider's Directors on Directing panel, still in costume, carrying a candle and using a cane.
Depp's transformation included a grey wig and thick sideburns, making him appear worlds away from his typical red carpet presence. A source told the Daily Mail that Depp received an "incredible reception" from the Comic-Con crowd, with some fans reportedly dressed as his famous characters.
"Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol" is directed by Ti West, known for his work on "X," "Pearl," and "MaXXXine." The film's cast also features Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen. McKellen described working with Depp as "effervescent, funny, irreverent, serious - all at the same time," and noted a "wonderful feeling on the set."
Rupert Grint also commented on collaborating with Depp, stating that while the story is familiar, the adaptation feels "very different" and "very faithful" while bearing Ti West's signature. "Johnny's amazing. He's doing some really interesting things," Grint added.
Depp has been gradually re-entering the public eye and film industry following his 2022 defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. In 2023, he starred in the historical drama "Jeanne de Barry," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. He also directed and produced the 2024 biographical film "Modi, Three Days On The Wing Of Madness." His upcoming projects include the action thriller "Day Drinker," slated for a 2027 release, in which he will star alongside Penelope Cruz and Madelyn Cline.
