Johnny Depp may be getting into the Christmas spirit, but judging by his latest appearance in New York, he would much rather cancel the festivities altogether. The 63-year-old actor was spotted at Bryant Park on Monday, 2 November, dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge for a promotional stunt for his upcoming film Ebenezer.
Complete with an old-fashioned overcoat, top hat, and a face that looked permanently offended by Christmas cheer, Depp brought Charles Dickens' famously miserable miser to life. However, while the performance was meant to promote the festive film, it was the internet that ended up having a field day.
One Reddit user summed up their reaction with a particularly savage remark: 'it's giving broke and needs a job'. Not exactly the warm Christmas welcome Scrooge might have been hoping for.
Johnny Depp Takes His Scrooge Act to the Streets
Depp did not simply turn up in costume and pose for a few photographs. He went all in on the character's hatred of Christmas, treating Bryant Park's festive atmosphere as though it were a personal inconvenience.
In footage circulating online, the actor was seen throwing Christmas cookies onto the ground, confronting a man dressed as Santa Claus, and interrupting carolers singing 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas.' At one point, he reportedly told the singers to 'shut up' before continuing his miserable little performance.
But the festive destruction did not stop there. Depp also knocked ornaments off Christmas trees, popped balloons with his cane, and eventually toppled a Christmas tree. For anyone who loves Christmas, it was practically a seasonal horror story. For anyone familiar with Scrooge, however, it was probably the most believable performance of the year.
The Internet Has Its Own Verdict on Depp's Comeback
While some viewers appreciated the commitment to the role, others were more interested in what Depp's appearance meant for his career. The Reddit comment calling the actor someone who looked like he was 'broke and needs a job' quickly became a memorable reaction to the promotional appearance.
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The remark was particularly biting given that Ebenezer marks Depp's return to a major Hollywood studio production after years of career turbulence. Following his highly-publicised legal battle with former wife Amber Heard, Depp's professional life became a frequent subject of public debate.
In 2022, a US jury found Heard liable for defaming Depp in an opinion piece, while also ruling that Depp was liable for one defamatory statement made by his lawyer, Adam Waldman, in Heard's countersuit. The former couple reached a settlement in December that year.
Now, with a major Christmas film on the horizon, the actor is once again stepping into the spotlight. And apparently, not everyone is ready to give him a standing ovation just yet.
A Christmas Carol Gets a Hollywood Makeover
Depp stars in Ebenezer, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, directed by Ti West. The story follows the miserly Scrooge, whose miserable existence is interrupted by a series of supernatural visitors on Christmas Eve. They take him through his past, present, and possible future in an attempt to make him reconsider his rather unpleasant outlook on life.
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Sam Claflin as Fred, and Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the film's New York screening on 1 November, Depp discussed his approach to playing the notoriously miserable character. He described Scrooge as someone 'trying to make himself invisible to the world,' explaining that he wanted to understand the experiences that had shaped the character's bitterness.
Depp also revealed that the costume helped him get into the role, with the transformation involving extensive prosthetic makeup and period clothing. The actor had already given fans a preview of his Scrooge transformation at San Diego Comic-Con in July, where he appeared in character and questioned the audience about why they had so much free time.
With the film scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 13 November, Depp's promotional campaign is certainly making sure people know Scrooge is back. Perhaps the ghosts should visit Bryant Park next.
