Johnny Depp is preparing for a strong Hollywood comeback through “A Christmas Carol” | art

It seems that American star Johnny Depp is preparing for a strong return to the spotlight in Hollywood, by performing the starring role in the new version of the famous classic film “A Christmas Carol”, based on the novel by British writer Charles Dickens, which will be produced by Paramount Pictures, directed by Ty West.

According to reports by Variety and Nexus Point News, the 62-year-old star is currently in final negotiations to portray the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in the film, which will be titled “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,” marking his first appearance in a major production since Fantastic Beasts: Murders. Grindelwald” (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald) in 2018.

Johnny Depp returns to the limelight

This project marks a major cinematic comeback for Depp after years of professional decline that followed accusations of abuse and domestic violence leveled against him by his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

These accusations, which were contained in an article by Heard published in the Washington Post in 2018 – without explicitly mentioning his name – were enough to unleash a media storm that led to his exclusion from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Fantastic Beasts” series, and transformed him into one of the most controversial stars in the series. Hollywood.

The controversy later worsened with the public defamation trial in 2022, which was followed moment by moment by the media around the world, and witnessed a wide division among the audience, drawing a new chapter in the star’s relationship with the audience and the film industry.

Since then, Depp began to gradually rebuild his artistic image through smaller projects and limited artistic roles, until this offer came from “Paramount”, which is seen as an opportunity to restore his position in cinema.

West and a new version of Dickens

For his part, American director Ty West, who made a name for himself through the recent horror trilogy “X,” “Pearl,” and “MaXXXine,” is leading this project, in which it is not yet known whether he will retain the warm, classic spirit of the novel or present a darker treatment in line with his well-known visual style.

Sources close to the production said that the film is still in the artistic development stage, but its version is likely to blend the traditional “Dickensian” character with the elements of psychological mystery that distinguish West’s films.

Paramount hopes that the film will be released in November next year, during the Christmas season, targeting the global box office as one of the most prominent works of 2026.

Riseborough alongside Depp

British actress Andrea Riseborough, who is known for her complex roles and bold stances, will participate in the tournament, and she sparked widespread controversy in the 2023 awards season after being nominated for an Oscar for her film “To Leslie.”

Its promotional campaign was then accused of violating the Academy’s rules after an unprecedented campaign of support from celebrities on social media, which prompted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to open an official investigation that concluded that the campaign had used “alarming methods”, but did not ultimately cancel the nomination.

It seems that bringing together two controversial actors – Depp and Riseborough – in one work will make the film the focus of double media attention even before filming begins.

A new reading of “A Christmas Carol”

Not many details have yet been revealed about Ty West’s artistic vision, but the choice of a director specializing in horror for a work inspired by one of the most spiritual and warm stories in British literature suggests a new dark tone.

Perhaps West seeks to highlight the dark psychological side of Scrooge’s personality before his transformation, in a more profound treatment of the themes of guilt, atonement, and salvation.

Dickens’s original novel, published in 1843, has repeatedly been considered one of the most quoted stories in cinema, theater and television, as it has been reproduced in more than 30 different versions, between dramatic, graphic and musical, but the new version with Johnny Depp may be the most daring and strange to date.

A new step towards public reconciliation

For Johnny Depp, playing the character of Ebenezer Scrooge – a sullen old man who discovers the meaning of forgiveness after confronting the ghosts of his past – carries a special symbolism.

The role allows him to embody the journey of internal transformation, remorse and purification, which may in some way reflect his personal experience off screen.

With this project, Depp hopes to take a new step towards reconciling the audience and critics and regain his status as a first-class star after years of absence from major productions, at a time when Hollywood seems more willing to give him a second chance.