‘Ebenezer’ Test Screening Results Indicate Johnny Depp’s Comeback Is Gaining Momentum

Hollywood comebacks can be unpredictable, and few actors have faced as much scrutiny as Johnny Depp. After his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp has focused on smaller international projects, leaving his return to major studio films uncertain.

However, that uncertainty seems to have diminished following a recent test screening for his upcoming film ‘Ebenezer,’ directed by Ti West. This reimagining of ‘A Christmas Carol’ provides an origin story for Charles Dickens’ iconic miser. According to Puck, the screening occurred on August 11 in Paramus, New Jersey, with Paramount studio heads Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg reportedly thrilled by the audience’s positive reactions.

The feedback from the screening has been strong, with ‘Ebenezer’ scoring an impressive 80 out of 100. This score is significantly above the industry average of 72, indicating that around 80% of viewers rated the film as either excellent or very good.

Depp’s individual performance score surpassed the film’s overall rating, achieving a notable 86. As reported by World of Reel, this score is considered very high for any actor, especially compared to the typical lead character norm of 67. Such a significant difference usually reflects genuine audience enthusiasm rather than just a favorable film reception.

What stands out about these numbers is the apparent disregard test audiences have for Depp’s controversial past. According to The A.V. Club’s coverage of the same Puck report, viewers testing ‘Ebenezer’ seem unconcerned with the details of his legal disputes with Heard, despite a UK judge ruling in 2020 that Heard’s claim of Depp being a “wife beater” was “substantially true,” a finding that contrasts with the outcome of his separate US defamation trial.

This disconnect between Depp’s public image and audience reactions aligns with other industry indicators suggesting renewed interest in the actor. World of Reel noted that Depp’s Q Score, which measures public familiarity and appeal, has risen to 27, up from 24 in 2023, indicating an upward trend in his marketability even before the test results for ‘Ebenezer’ were released.

Paramount’s decision to back Depp for this project is noteworthy, especially given the hesitance of other major studios to collaborate with him following the controversies. The studio’s confidence seems to be paying off, particularly with the film’s modest $40 million budget, which sets a relatively low bar for box office success.

Beyond ‘Ebenezer,’ these positive test results have sparked renewed discussions about Depp’s career trajectory. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has already mentioned the possibility of bringing Depp back for a sixth ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film, while longtime collaborator Tim Burton has expressed interest in working with the actor again.

Directed by Ti West and written by Nathaniel Halpern, ‘Ebenezer’ also features Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, and Andrea Riseborough, among others. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on November 13, strategically timed for the Thanksgiving season to capitalize on the momentum generated by these early test screenings.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!