Johnny Depp Surprises Comic-Con Attendees as Ebenezer Scrooge

Comic-Con season always brings its share of surprises, but few this year matched the excitement of a full costume reveal from one of Hollywood’s most transformative stars. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has become a hub for studios showcasing immersive experiences, and this year, the crowd gathered outside a particular storefront had no idea who was about to make an entrance.

The buzz began to build around a shop called Scrooge and Marley, linked to a new film adaptation set to hit theaters later this year. Fans lingering nearby anticipated perhaps a costumed actor or two, but they were in for a shock when the film’s actual lead appeared in full character.

That’s exactly what occurred when Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, stepping into the spotlight fully transformed as Ebenezer Scrooge to promote his upcoming film ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’. The 63-year-old actor donned a long black suit and cape, complemented by a black top hat and cane, holding a candle as he roamed the stage to a cheering crowd.

Wearing a top hat and walking with a cane, Depp was nearly unrecognizable, further enhanced by ultra-gray facial hair. His apparent facial prosthetics, graying sideburns, and scowling expression completed the old miser look, and he remained fully in character throughout, barely cracking a smile for the crowd.

Someone off camera couldn’t resist testing him, calling out a cheerful greeting toward the actor. Depp, without missing a beat and fully committed to the bit, snapped back in true Scrooge fashion, grumbling that there was nothing pleasant about it at all.

The film itself has been generating steady interest since cast and crew were first spotted filming overseas earlier this year. Directed by Ti West, ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ is a gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, following Scrooge’s supernatural journey through his past, present, and future as he confronts his mistakes in search of redemption. The cast also features Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley, and Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit.

For Depp, this role carries extra significance beyond the makeup chair. The film marks Depp’s first major Hollywood studio release since 2019’s ‘Waiting for the Barbarians’, following his withdrawal from larger budget films after his defamation case with ex-wife Amber Heard. Since then, he has been busy with smaller international projects, but nothing on this scale.

The film is set to release on Nov. 13, 2026, giving fans a few more months to speculate about just how dramatically he disappears into the role. Given how convincingly he executed the transformation in front of a live Comic-Con audience, expectations for the finished film are already soaring.

Are you convinced Depp was born to play Scrooge, or does this reinvention still have something to prove once the film actually hits theaters?