Since Charles Divkens first published A Christmas Carol in 1843, it has become one of the world’s most beloved holiday stories. It has been adapted for stage, radio, television and film many times since 1844. Ebenezer, to be released November 13, 2026, describes itself as “the name you know, the story you don’t”.
With Johnny Depp playing the title role, following in the footsteps of Alaistair Sim, Sir Patrik Stewart, Sir Michael Caine, Quincy J. Magoo, George C.. Scott, Jim Carrey, and Bill Murray. Guy Pearce, and many others.
The 2026 version
Watch the trailer, and decide for yourself.
Cast and Crew
In addition to Johnny Depp, well known for his roles as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and as Edward Scissorhands, SCIFI.radio fans.will recognize Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films) as Bob Crachit. Daisy Ridley (Rey from Star Wars VII” The Force Awakens (2015)) as nephew Fred’s wife. Fred himself will be played by George Clafin (Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games). Sir Ian McKellan (Magneto in X-Men and Gandalf in Lord of the Rings) will be the ghost of Jacon Marley. Emmy-winner Trammel Tillman (Damage Control chief Bill Metzger in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)) will take on the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present. English actress Andrea Riseborough (Tom Cruise’s co-star in the sci-fi thriller Oblivion (2013) will play the Ghost of Christmas Past.
So we have plenty of familiar faces in a familiar story. Most of us have either read the novella so many times, or seen multiple adaptations of the film, that we can recite large sections of A Christmas Carol by heart. If this is “the name we know and the story we don’t” how is it different from the many versions that have come before? This new version of our favorite Victorian ghost story was directed by horror film director Ti West, who previously directed The Roost (2004), The House of the Devil (2011), The Innkeepers (2011), and Valley of Violence (2016). He is sure to bring a different sensibility to the beloved Christmas tale. Nathaniel Halpern provides the screenplay, mostly known for suspense thrillers for television. Ebenezer is his first feature film.
COVID is unfortunately making a resurgence. By November, it will be cold and flu season. If you do go to the theater to see Ebenezer on the big screen, consider wearing a mask, and getting your vaccines in order is probably wise as well.
The 1901 version
Scrooge, or, Marley’s Ghost is a 1901 British silent trick film directed by Walter R. Booth, featuring the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Daniel Smith) confronted by Jacob Marley’s ghost and given visions of Christmas past, present, and future. It is the earliest film adaptation of Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. The original film was eleven minutes long. This five minute clip is all that survives.
From the 1970 version
From the 1962 version, an animated for television version starring Mr. Magoo.
Susan Macdonald is the author of the children's book "R is for Renaissance Faire", as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in "Alternative Truths", "Swords and Sorceress #30", Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, "Cat Tails" "Under Western Stars", and "Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid". Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio's web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows. Her nonfiction book THEY ENDURED will be published by B Cubed Press in 2025 or 2026.
