Johnny Depp left fans stunned with a dramatic transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge during a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday.
The actor arrived unannounced at Collider’s ‘Directors on Directing’ panel, fully dressed as Charles Dickens’ iconic miser to promote his upcoming film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.
With a top hat, cane, striking grey facial hair and elaborate gothic makeup, Depp looked almost unrecognisable as he unveiled his dark interpretation of the beloved literary character.
Before the panel, Depp was also spotted outside the San Diego Convention Center while heading to the film’s immersive Scrooge and Marley activation in the Gaslamp Quarter. His appearance in character drew large crowds of fans hoping to see the star’s transformation up close.
In a video capturing one fan interaction, a person greeted him by saying, “Good day to you, Mr Scrooge.” Staying in character, Depp responded with Scrooge’s famous line, “What’s so pleasant about it?”
A trailer for the film was released shortly after Depp’s Comic-Con appearance.
Directed by Ti West, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol offers a gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic novella. The film follows Scrooge’s supernatural journey through his past, present and future as he faces his mistakes and searches for redemption.
The film marks Depp’s first major Hollywood studio release since Waiting for the Barbarians in 2019. 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.
Earlier this year, McKellen praised Depp while discussing their collaboration. He described his co-star as “effervescent, funny, irreverent, serious, all at the same time” and said their filming experience felt like “a love fest”.
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is scheduled to hit theatres on 13 November.
