Johnny Depp’s appearance at the world premiere of “Ebenezer” made quite an impression. His new look and some surprising details about his outfit sparked curiosity among online users and fueled discussions on social media.
The 63-year-old actor walked the red carpet at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London on November 9, 2026, during this event that precedes his return to major Hollywood productions. As photos from the night spread across the internet, varied reactions flooded in, ranging from admiration to astonishment.
Depp’s Film Projects in Europe Before Returning to Hollywood
Before reconnecting with Hollywood’s big productions, Johnny Depp turned to European cinema, particularly a French historical drama that took him to the court of Louis XV.
In “Jeanne du Barry” (2023), directed by Maïwenn, Depp portrays the French king, while Maïwenn plays Jeanne Vaubernier, who becomes his favorite.
The film tells the story of a woman from humble beginnings determined to escape poverty and secure a place in French high society. Her encounter with Louis XV, arranged at the court, sparks a romantic relationship that defies royal conventions.
According to the Cannes Film Festival, Jeanne ultimately becomes the king’s official favorite, much to the scandal of those who cannot bear to see a woman from a lower class achieve such status.
Johnny Depp then took on the role of director for “Modì, Trois jours sur l’aile de la folie” (2024), a European co-production focused on the Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani.
The story unfolds in war-tattered Paris, set in 1916, chronicling 72 tumultuous hours in the life of the artist as he contemplates abandoning his career and leaving the French capital.
However, his plans are thwarted by his artist friends, his muse, and an unexpected meeting with a collector who could change the course of his life.
While not playing the lead himself, Depp showed with this project that he intends to continue his cinematic journey outside the traditional routes of major American studios.
With “Ebenezer,” the actor takes a significant step forward. This Paramount production brings him back to the limelight in a major Hollywood film, bringing him to the London red carpet in November 2026. His appearance sparked significant media buzz, but not necessarily for reasons related to the film.
Depp’s New Look at the Premier of “Ebenezer”
On November 9, Johnny Depp graced the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square for the world premiere of “Ebenezer.”
The actor posed for photographers against a red backdrop adorned with greenery framing the scene.
For the occasion, he chose an entirely black ensemble with generous volumes and deliberate layering. A long coat draped over a very dark navy shirt and vest, complemented by loose-fitting black trousers.
A charcoal grey wide-brimmed hat topped his shoulder-length brown hair, left free around his face.
Johnny Depp also donned round sunglasses with tinted pink lenses. Silver rings and tattoos on his hands rounded out a rather unusual appearance.
Staying true to his affinity for unconventional red carpet attire, the actor surprised fans with another twist: his facial hair was far less abundant than they were used to.
In London, he sported a thin mustache and a small tuft of hair under his lower lip, while the rest of his face was carefully shaved, giving him a distinctly different look than he typically presents.
His sunglasses and hat remained familiar accessories, but this change in appearance wasn’t the only detail catching the crowd’s attention.
Photos taken from a distance revealed another unexpected element that nearly went unnoticed in close-up shots.
A side view allows a better look at Depp’s facial hair, with his cheeks and jaw mostly bare. Some internet users noted that this change made the 63-year-old actor difficult to recognize.
More familiar was his wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, but the change in his look was not the only factor that drew attention.
Wide-angle shots revealed an unexpected detail that had gone almost unnoticed in close-ups.
Depp’s ensemble and pink-tinted lenses gave him a distinct look at this premiere. While some spectators praised his style, others questioned why he had forsaken his usual beard.
In a full-body shot, Depp stood under the premiere’s banner, wearing an oversized black outfit. His return to a major Hollywood studio was significant, but his new look garnered mixed reactions on the internet.
Audience Reactions to Depp’s Premiere Look
The premiere photos elicited mixed reactions: some users admired Depp’s look, while others struggled to recognize him.
On Facebook, one user lamented the absence of his beard, writing, “Johnny needs to find his beard!” Another fan, while acknowledging the actor’s aging, still emphasized his charm: “He looks older now, but he’s still gorgeous.”
This close-up highlights Depp’s thin mustache and barely-sensed facial hair, which marks a significant deviation from his customary fuller beard. His new look sparked mixed responses online, with some users even having trouble recognizing him.
Under a video posted on Facebook, Depp’s shoes became another talking point. “Johnny is wearing heeled shoes,” one user suggested, while another curiously asked, “Heeled shoes?”
Comments then turned back to his appearance, with some struggling to identify the actor. “Goodness, he doesn’t even look like Johnny,” a user remarked.
Another amused admirer compared his outfits to those of a family man from another generation: “I love Johnny Depp. He always looks like he’s wearing his father’s clothes. Lol [sic].”
Depp stood with his hands clasped before him, dressed in an oversized black coat and baggy trousers. His unconventional style prompted much discussion, with some observers finding his clothing choices rather humorous.
His signature accessories did not escape comment either. Another user expressed a desire to see the actor return to his former appearance: “I wish Johnny would take off his hat and grow back his beard and mustache 😍.”
A sharper critique followed: “Johnny suddenly doesn’t look like himself anymore. He looks more feminine overnight. It’s strange [sic].”
Discussions eventually shifted back to his chunky-soled shoes. One amused observer quipped: “Check out those wedge soles! Lol.”
But amidst this online frenzy, the premiere held deeper significance for Johnny Depp. The actor was preparing to unveil a character that had fascinated him since childhood.
Upon closer inspection, Depp’s chunky shoes featured thick soles and white seams that stood out against the black design. These unusual shoes sparked further speculation on the internet, adding another point of discussion to his premiere appearance.
Why Playing Ebenezer Scrooge Was Personal for Depp
In “Ebenezer,” Johnny Depp portrays Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy and bitter businessman at the center of Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol.”
The story, adapted numerous times for the screen, details how Scrooge is visited by mysterious spirits who confront him with pivotal moments from his past, his present life, and the future that awaits him. These supernatural appearances force him to reevaluate his behavior and how he treats others.
Under director Ti West’s vision, this classic tale takes a darker, gothic turn. The filmmaker presents a chilling retelling that diverges from traditional Christmas imagery.
For Johnny Depp, however, his connection to this character is deep-seated. In an interview with WSVN’s “Deco Drive,” the actor shared that Scrooge has fascinated him since childhood.
“Ebenezer Scrooge is a character that has intrigued me since I was a little kid,” he declared. He also recalled the impactful performance by Alastair Sim—an impression that still resonates with him decades later.
In the 1951 film “Scrooge,” also known as “A Christmas Carol,” Sim portrayed Scrooge as a miserly businessman who considered Christmas a waste of time until three spirits made him aware of the consequences of his actions.
In a scene from the 1951 adaptation, Sim’s Scrooge recoils in horror at his own gravestone. This film became a significant reference for Depp, who initially hesitated to embody a character he had admired for decades.
Profoundly influenced by Alastair Sim’s performance, Johnny Depp hesitated initially to take on such an iconic role. Still, he saw this as an opportunity to dive back into Dickens’ work and explore a new side of Scrooge.
The actor also wanted to commend director Ti West’s vision, especially his approach to blending humor and anxiety in this darker retelling of the well-known tale.
Depp Discusses His Approach to the Role of Scrooge
During a screening on November 1 in New York, Depp revealed to People his character began to take shape as soon as he put on his costume.
“Ebenezer sort of arrived in a bizarre way,” he said, describing the wardrobe as the character’s “armor.” Depp also sought to explore the reasons behind Scrooge’s bitterness, rather than simply portraying him as a grumpy old man.
“So yeah, with Ebenezer, it’s not just a guy who needs a chiropractor. He’s a guy trying to make himself unseen to the world,” he explained.
His interest extended to Ebenezer’s troubled past and how it shaped his behavior. “I mostly wanted to understand why he was like that,” Depp stated.
Alongside Johnny Depp, the cast 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. Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, and Charlie Murphy also feature in the cast.
Just days before its theatrical release set for November 13, Johnny Depp had already offered the audience a first glimpse into his portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Depp poses beside a poster showcasing his transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge during a screening organized on November 1 in New York. This event allowed fans a first look at his darker interpretation of the character ahead of the film’s theatrical release.
Depp Surprised Fans at Comic-Con in Full Scrooge Costume
In July 2026, Johnny Depp surprised everyone by making an unexpected appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego to promote “Ebenezer.” According to Variety, the event took place outside a store named “Scrooge and Marley” in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.
By early afternoon, fans had gathered while Christmas carolers sang traditional tunes in the summer heat.
By 2:30 PM, Johnny Depp took the stage as Scrooge, dressed in a long black coat and top hat, his face adorned with character makeup. With gray hair framing his features and a cane in hand, he addressed the audience without breaking character.
“Don’t you have a job?” Depp asked in a video shared by Variety. “Looks like you have plenty of time on your hands. I’m working. ” When a spectator greeted him with “Good day, Mr. Scrooge,” the actor replied, “What’s so nice about that?”
Why “Ebenezer” is an Important Project for Depp
Although Johnny Depp has continued working through several European productions, “Ebenezer” marks his first major Hollywood film since “Waiting for the Barbarians” (2019), according to People.
A source close to People emphasized how important this project is for the actor. This source described this opportunity as “a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
The source also highlighted Johnny Depp’s excitement about portraying Scrooge and returning to a large Hollywood production. “He was really excited to film Ebenezer. This is a project that means a great deal to him,” they shared.
Johnny Depp appeared in full Scrooge costume at the Comic-Con in San Diego on July 23, 2026, wearing a top hat and dark cloak, with a candle in hand. His appearance provided participants with a glimpse of the character months before the film’s release in theaters.
According to People, Johnny Depp particularly enjoyed shooting in natural settings and became fully invested in his role.
His surprise appearance at Comic-Con also marked a memorable moment. A second source noted that the actor greatly enjoyed interacting with fans and was thrilled to return to a character-driven acting style—a crucial aspect of his artistic journey.
This source described him as “happy” and “ready to open a new chapter in his life.”
This renewed enthusiasm comes after several tumultuous years—both personally and professionally—marked by a highly publicized legal battle with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Johnny Depp greets fans outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in Virginia on May 26, 2022. His defamation trial against Amber Heard garnered significant media attention before the jury delivered its verdict in June.
Heard appealed the verdict rendered against her before they eventually reached a settlement in December 2022. In an Instagram statement reported by Reuters, Heard stated that this decision was “not an act of concession.”
Amber Heard stands in a Fairfax County courtroom on May 16, 2022, while Johnny Depp is seated in the foreground. The ex-spouses were involved in a defamation trial that lasted six weeks, following years of public disputes over allegations of domestic violence.
The former couple settled their divorce in August 2016, just before a hearing regarding the restraining order. According to the Associated Press, they acknowledged that their relationship was troubled in a joint statement.
“Our relationship was characterized by intense and sometimes tumultuous passion, but love always remained at the heart of our story,” they said. “Neither of us has made false accusations in the hopes of gaining a financial advantage. Neither of us ever intended to inflict physical or emotional pain on the other.”
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard pose together at the premiere of “Black Mass” in Toronto on September 14, 2015. They had married earlier that year, but their separation in May 2016 led to numerous legal disputes.
A few years later, the two former spouses found themselves in court for a highly publicized defamation trial that lasted six weeks in 2022. Following the proceedings, the jury concluded that Amber Heard defamed Johnny Depp and awarded him $10.35 million in damages. They also determined that Depp defamed his ex-wife on one count presented and awarded her $2 million.
Johnny Depp waves to fans outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in Virginia on May 26, 2022. His defamation trial against Amber Heard made significant headlines leading up to the jury’s verdict delivered in June.
Heard appealed the verdict against her, and before long, the two came to a friendly settlement in December 2022. In an Instagram statement, she remarked that this decision was “not an act of concession.”
“It’s important for me to state that I never chose this,” she wrote, asserting that she defended her version of events despite personal consequences.
Heard also condemned the wave of hostility she faced on social media, expressing her deep distrust of the American judicial system. She contrasted her experiences in the U.S. with what she perceived to be more just proceedings in the U.K.
Johnny Depp’s attorneys, Ben Chew and Camille Vasquez, welcomed the settlement. They clarified that Amber Heard’s insurers would pay $1 million, which the actor pledged to donate to charity.
Nearly four years after his defamation trial concluded, Johnny Depp found himself back on the red carpet for a grand Hollywood premiere in London. While “Ebenezer” signified a key moment in his career, it was ultimately his new appearance and chunky wedge shoes that captured the lion’s share of online attention.
