Johnny Depp returns to Hollywood spotlight with ‘Ebenezer’ premiere

Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in the new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, directed by Ti West and featuring a cast including Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, and Sir Ian McKellan. The film, which cost nearly $40 million to produce, premiered in London on November 9th, receiving generally positive early reactions.

The actor previously sued Heard in 2019 over a 2018 Washington Post op-ed she wrote about domestic violence. Heard subsequently countersued, alleging a smear campaign by Depp. The jury in 2022 largely found in Depp’s favor, awarding him over $10 million in damages, while also awarding Heard $2 million in damages for defamation by Depp’s lawyer. Both parties reached settlements in 2022, with Depp’s representatives stating a $1 million payment from Heard was made and donated to charity.

Prior to this, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun’s publisher in 2020, where a judge ruled that the paper’s description of him as a “wife beater” was substantially true. Following this, Depp’s presence in the American film industry diminished, with his most recent credit before “Ebenezer” being the 2023 French drama “Jeanne du Barry.”

During the London premiere, Depp was asked by the Associated Press about his return to Hollywood. “I don’t know, what’s the difference between a Hollywood film and a French film?” he responded. He added, “What’s the difference between a Hollywood film and an English film? The difference is this: it was a bit of a vacation. Which was fine.”

Several co-stars, including Tillman, Sam Claflin, and Ellie Bamber, were also present at the premiere, alongside celebrities such as Minnie Driver, Jedward, and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. Rupert Grint was photographed with his arm around Depp.

Reviews have been mixed, with some critics praising West’s direction and Depp’s performance. Film critic Phil Roberts described Depp as “magnetic,” while Tom Chatalbash called the film a “wickedly fun holiday treat.” However, others found it less remarkable, with Ren Vieira criticizing Depp for relying on familiar acting tropes.

“Ebenezer” is scheduled for release in cinemas on November 13th.