Most of us know the story of Scrooge by heart. A cold-hearted man, three ghosts, and one big change of heart. But Ebenezer, the new film from director Ti West, wants to show you the story in a way you have not seen before. Its tagline says it clearly: “The name you know, the story you don’t.” The film premiered in New York on November 1, and it reaches theatres on November 13, 2026.
When can you watch it?
Paramount Pictures is releasing the film in the UK and US on November 13. Australia and Brazil get it a day earlier, on November 12. The studio is treating it as a wide Christmas season release. If you are in India, please check local listings for the exact date.
What is the story about?
The film is based on Charles Dickens’s 1843 book A Christmas Carol, and it is set in early Victorian London. Johnny Depp plays Ebenezer Scrooge, a rich and miserly businessman who hates Christmas and has pushed everyone away. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. They force him to look at the choices he made, the people he hurt and the life he is heading toward.
That part is familiar. What changes is the mood. The film is described as a gothic dark fantasy, mixing supernatural scares with black comedy. Nathaniel Halpern wrote the screenplay.
Who is in the cast?
Depp leads the film, and this is said to be his return to Hollywood after about eight years. Rupert Grint plays Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s loyal employee. Andrea Riseborough plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Tramell Tillman plays the Ghost of Christmas Present. Ian McKellen plays Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s late business partner.
The cast also includes Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin as Scrooge’s nephew Fred, Arthur Conti as young Ebenezer, Ellie Bamber, Charlie Murphy, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes, plus Nicholas Day as a minister.
What does the trailer show?
Paramount released the first trailer at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, after Depp surprised fans by showing up dressed as Scrooge. The trailer leans heavily into Ti West’s love of eerie, spooky visuals. You see dark Victorian streets, strange visions, and a lot of dark humour.
One scene shows Scrooge in snow-covered streets, throwing snowballs at people as they pass. Another shows him hitting a couple with a snowball, laughing and saying “Merry Christmas.” It is a funny moment, but it also tells you how mean this Scrooge is meant to be. The trailer hints at a story that mixes psychological horror with comedy.
Should you take the kids?
Probably not without checking first. The film is described as horror-leaning, so it may be too scary for young children. The sources do not give an age rating, so check the rating in your area before you plan a family outing.
More entertainment to line up
If you plan to spend the month at the movies, there is plenty more to talk about. Rajinikanth’s big sequel is heading to streaming, and our article on Jailer 2 coming to OTT with 30 extra minutes covers the added scenes featuring Vijay Sethupathi.
And if you like small success stories, our piece on the Hanuman Ansh OTT release explains how this Rs 2 crore hit is heading to Sony LIV on November 27.
Is it worth the wait?
If you love Christmas stories, Ebenezer looks like an interesting change. It keeps the heart of Dickens’s story but swaps the cosy feeling for something darker and stranger. Fans of Ti West’s horror films may enjoy it, while others may find it too dark. Either way, it is one of the more unusual holiday releases this year.
Ebenezer hits theatres on November 13, 2026.