Johnny Depp Attends the 'Ebenezer' Global Premiere in a Look That Has People Talking — Photos

Johnny Depp's appearance at the "Ebenezer" global premiere caught many by surprise, with his changed look and unexpected outfit details sparking curiosity online.

The 63-year-old actor stepped out in London on November 9, 2026, ahead of his return to major Hollywood studio filmmaking. As photos circulated, reactions ranged from admiration to disbelief.

Depp's European Film Projects Before His Hollywood Return

Before returning to a major Hollywood studio production, Depp took on projects in European cinema, including a French historical drama that placed him inside the court of King Louis XV.

In "Jeanne du Barry" (2023), directed by Maïwenn, Depp portrayed the French monarch opposite the filmmaker, who played Jeanne Vaubernier.

The story follows a working-class woman determined to escape poverty and rise through French society. Her relationship with Louis XV begins after an arranged meeting at court and develops into a romance that challenges the expectations of the royal household.

According to the Cannes Film Festival, Jeanne eventually becomes the king's official favorite, provoking outrage among those unwilling to accept a woman from her background.

He subsequently moved behind the camera for "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness" (2024), a European co-production centered on Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani.

Set in war-torn Paris in 1916, the film follows the artist through a chaotic 72-hour period as he considers abandoning his career and leaving the city.

His plans are complicated by fellow artists, his muse, and an encounter with a collector who could change his future.

The San Sebastián International Film Festival identifies the United Kingdom, Hungary, and Italy as the film's production countries. Its original languages are English and Italian.

Although Depp directed the film rather than starring as its central character, the project demonstrated his continued involvement in filmmaking outside the major American studio system.

That changed with "Ebenezer," a Paramount production that brought him back to a leading studio role and, in November 2026, onto a London red carpet that drew attention for reasons beyond the movie.

Depp's Changed Appearance Draws Attention at the 'Ebenezer' Premiere

On November 9, Depp attended the global premiere of "Ebenezer" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, England.

The actor posed for photographers against a red backdrop featuring the film's title, with greenery surrounding portions of the premiere display.

He wore an oversized black ensemble that combined several layers. A long black coat covered a dark navy-blue shirt and vest, while loose black trousers completed the outfit.

A wide-brimmed charcoal-gray hat sat above his shoulder-length brown hair, which fell loosely around his face.

Depp also wore round sunglasses with pink-tinted lenses. Silver rings and tattoos visible on his hands added further detail to the look.

The clothing reflected his preference for unconventional red-carpet outfits, but his facial hair looked noticeably different from the fuller beard and mustache familiar to many fans.

At the premiere, Depp appeared with a thin mustache and a small patch of hair beneath his lower lip. The rest of his face was more exposed, giving him a different appearance from the one some viewers expected.

His sunglasses and hat remained familiar features, but his reduced facial hair was not the only change that prompted discussion.

Full-length photographs revealed another unexpected detail, one that was easy to miss in closer shots.

Viewers Had Plenty to Say About Depp's Premiere Look

The premiere photos prompted mixed reactions, with some netizens admiring Depp's appearance while others struggled to recognize his familiar look.

On Facebook, one netizen missed his fuller facial hair, writing, "Johnny needs his facial hair back ! 😭" Another admirer acknowledged the actor's age but still praised his appearance: "Now he looks old but still stunning."

The conversation continued beneath a Facebook reel, where his footwear became another talking point.

One person suggested, "Johnny wearing elevator shoes", while a second voice echoed the speculation with a question: "Elevator shoes?"

Attention then shifted back to his face. A surprised observer wrote, "Goodness. Doesn't even look like Johnny."

One fan affectionately compared his clothing to an older relative's wardrobe, saying, "I adore Johnny Depp He always looks like he's in his father's suits. lol [sic]."

His signature accessories also drew criticism. Someone else wished for a return to his previous style: "I wish Johnny would lose the hat and grow his beard and moustache again 😍."

A more critical reaction followed, with another individual observing, "Johnny doesnt look like himself at all anymore all of a sudden boom he looks more feminine its odd [sic]."

The discussion eventually returned to his thick-soled footwear. One amused spectator remarked, "Look at those platforms lol."

Beyond the online discussion, the premiere marked an important moment for the actor as he prepared to introduce audiences to his interpretation of a character who had fascinated him since childhood.

Why Playing Ebenezer Scrooge Was Personal for Depp

In "Ebenezer," Depp portrays Ebenezer Scrooge, the bitter businessman at the center of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

The familiar story follows Scrooge as supernatural visitors confront him with scenes from his past, present, and possible future, challenging his treatment of others.

Director Ti West brings a darker, gothic approach to the material, placing the well-known character in a more unsettling interpretation of the Christmas tale.

For Depp, however, the attraction began long before this production. Speaking with WSVN's "Deco Drive", the actor reflected on the connection he developed with Scrooge as a child.

"Ebenezer Scrooge was a character that I had been fascinated by since I was a very young boy," Depp said. He also recalled being captivated by Alastair Sim's portrayal of Scrooge, a performance that remained important to him decades later.

Sim portrayed the character in the 1951 film "Scrooge," also released as "A Christmas Carol," as a miserly businessman who considered Christmas a waste of time until three spirits confronted him with the consequences of his behavior.

Depp's admiration for Sim's portrayal initially made him hesitant to revisit such a familiar character. However, the opportunity encouraged him to explore Dickens' writing and find a different approach to Scrooge.

He also praised director West's creative vision, particularly his ability to balance humor with fear in the darker adaptation.

Depp Explains His Approach to Playing Scrooge

At a November 1 screening in New York City, Depp told People that his character began taking shape when he stepped into costume.

"Ebenezer just sort of arrived in a weird way," he said, describing the wardrobe as a character's "suit of armor." Depp also wanted to explore the reasons behind Scrooge's bitterness rather than simply portray him as an unpleasant old man.

"So yeah, with Ebenezer, it's not like some guy who needs a chiropractor. This is a guy who's trying to make himself invisible to the world," he explained.

His interest extended to Ebenezer's troubled past and how it shaped his behavior. "I was more interested in finding out why he was how he was," Depp added.

The film 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. The cast also includes Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, Arthur Conti, Ellie Bamber, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, and Charlie Murphy.

Before the film's scheduled November 13 theatrical release, Depp had already given the public a glimpse of his performance.

Depp Surprised Comic-Con Fans in Full Scrooge Costume

In July 2026, Depp made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con to promote "Ebenezer." According to Variety, the event took place outside a shop called "Scrooge and Marley" in San Diego's Gaslamp district.

Fans began gathering shortly after noon, while Christmas carolers performed seasonal songs despite the summer heat.

Around 2:30 p.m., Depp emerged wearing a long black coat, a tall top hat, and Scrooge's character makeup. With gray hair framing his face and a cane in hand, he addressed the crowd in character.

"Have you no jobs?" Depp asked in a video shared by the outlet on X. "It seems as though you have so much spare time. I work." When an onlooker called out, "Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge," the actor replied, "What's so pleasant about it?"

What Makes 'Ebenezer' a Significant Project for Depp

Although Depp continued working on European productions, "Ebenezer" marks his first major Hollywood studio film since 2019's "Waiting for the Barbarians," according to People.

A source speaking to People described the project as especially meaningful to the actor. The insider said the opportunity "felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The source also discussed Depp's enthusiasm for taking on the role and returning to a major production. "He's been very excited to film Ebenezer. It's a very special project for him," the insider said.

According to the same outlet, Depp enjoyed filming on location and remained focused on his work.

His surprise appearance at Comic-Con was another highlight. A second source said the actor enjoyed interacting with the crowd and appreciated returning to character-driven acting, an important part of his creative identity.

The insider also described him as "happy" and "entering a new chapter."

That renewed enthusiasm comes after a turbulent period in Depp's personal and professional life, including a highly publicized legal battle with his former wife, Amber Heard.

The Defamation Trial and Settlement

Depp and Heard began living together around 2012 and married on February 3, 2015, according to a 2020 UK court judgment.

They separated in May 2016, when Heard filed for divorce and obtained a temporary restraining order after accusing Depp of physical abuse. He denied the allegations.

The former couple settled their divorce in August 2016, shortly before a scheduled hearing concerning the restraining order. According to the Associated Press, they acknowledged their troubled relationship in a joint statement.

"Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love," they said. "Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm."

Years later, the former spouses faced each other in a six-week defamation trial in Virginia in 2022. Jurors found that Heard had defamed Depp, awarding him $10.35 million. They also found that Depp had defamed Heard, awarding her $2 million.

Heard appealed the verdict against her before the two reached a separate settlement in December 2022. In an Instagram statement reported by Reuters, Heard said the decision was "not an act of concession."

"It's important for me to say that I never chose this," she wrote, maintaining that she had defended her account of events despite the personal consequences.

Heard also criticized the backlash she faced on social media and expressed a loss of faith in the American legal system. She contrasted her experience in the United States with what she considered a fairer legal process in the United Kingdom.

Johnny Depp's attorneys, Ben Chew and Camille Vasquez, welcomed the resolution, saying Heard's insurers would pay $1 million, which the actor pledged to donate to charity.

Nearly four years after the defamation case concluded, Depp returned to a major Hollywood studio premiere in London. While "Ebenezer" marked a significant moment in his career, it was his changed appearance and striking platform shoes that drew much of the attention online.