Johnny Depp Returns in His First Big Role Since the Amber Heard Trial — Not as Jack Sparrow

Johnny Depp is heading back to a big Hollywood studio movie, just not the one a lot of people were expecting. No Jack Sparrow. Instead, he’s taking on Ebenezer Scrooge in a new spin on Dickens called 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,' aiming for a November 13, 2026 release. Not gonna lie, that’s a curveball — but thematically, it fits.

So what is this 'Ebenezer' thing?

It’s a fresh take on Dickens’ classic, set in Victorian London and leaning into the ghost story side of it. The pitch is simple: one man gets dragged through his past, present, and future to see if he can earn a second chance. Depp plays Scrooge. Think redemption arc, but with chains and specters.

Worth flagging: this is Depp’s first major Hollywood studio film since 2018’s 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,' where he played Gellert Grindelwald. It’s been a minute.

The long road back

Depp’s last several years were, to put it mildly, rough — a messy split from Amber Heard, abuse allegations, lawsuits on lawsuits. He spent years trying to repair his reputation, then won his 2022 defamation trial in Virginia. The jury awarded him $10.35 million; Heard got $2 million on a smaller claim. After that verdict, the professional offers started showing up again.

Dior never left

Case in point: Dior renewed him as the face of its Sauvage fragrance in a reported $20 million deal not long after the trial. That move was a signal — if a global brand is back on board, studios tend to follow.

Why Scrooge makes sense

Industry folks seem pretty bullish on this particular role for him. One showbiz source told RadarOnline.com:

"Most people’s memories are short. If you handle things correctly and have the talent, you can make a comeback. Johnny managed it spectacularly well – he kept a low profile after the settlement, focused on passion projects and family. He’s a gifted actor, and Ebenezer is the perfect part for him, especially with its themes of redemption."

Depp is splitting his time between Madrid and London these days, and insiders say he’s now positioned to push back into mainstream Hollywood with some urgency. Scrooge as a comeback lead? On the nose, sure — but it tracks.

What else he’s got cooking

He’s also set to star opposite Penelope Cruz in the thriller 'Day Drinker.' No release date yet on that one.

• Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol — Depp as Scrooge, releases November 13, 2026
• First major studio movie for Depp since 2018’s 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald'
• Post-2022 trial: jury awarded Depp $10.35M; Heard received $2M on a smaller claim
• Dior brought him back as the face of Sauvage in a reported $20M deal
• Also in the works: 'Day Drinker' with Penelope Cruz (date TBA)

If you were holding out for Pirates 6 news, this isn’t that. But a big studio ghost story built around redemption — with Depp front and center — is a very Hollywood way to mark a return. Now we see if the movie hits that date and if the performance matches the narrative everyone’s clearly hoping for.