A famous actor, once voted ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ on two occasions, surprised fans with an unexpected appearance at San Diego Comic-Con this week, looking quite different than usual.
Johnny Depp, age 63, surprised fans by dressing up as Ebenezer Scrooge to advertise his new film, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. The movie will be released in theaters on November 13th.
On Thursday, a temporary shop decorated with artificial snow popped up in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
After a group of carolers finished singing classic Christmas tunes, Johnny Depp appeared through a doorway to greet a sizable crowd that had assembled on the modest stage.
The actor dressed in clothing from the Victorian era, wearing a long blue overcoat and a black top hat.
Even though fans showed the actor a lot of love during a special moment, he stayed in character and kept a grumpy attitude, according to a video from Deadline.
I always say a simple greeting can set the tone for an entire interaction! Recently, I observed something fascinating – someone cheerfully wished a man a ‘Good day,’ and his response was surprisingly grumpy: ‘What’s so good about it?’ It really highlighted how much our own outlook influences how we receive even the kindest gestures.
In another video, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor was seen asking why people were standing outside the store.
Despite the recognition, fans responded with even more enthusiastic support and affection for the celebrity.
Oh my god, did you see that? It was just for a split second, but Johnny gave this little smirk – it was like he knew we were all watching! Then, instantly, he was back in the role, practically dragging himself backwards through the door, muttering all angrily to himself. It was incredible, honestly. He just becomes the character, it’s breathtaking!
Just before closing the door, he quickly looked out at the people watching.
He then yelled out Scrooge’s famous line, ‘Humbug!’ and disappeared behind the closed wooden door.
Johnny Depp remained in character as he walked onto the stage for Collider’s Directors on Directing panel at Comic-Con.
The actor walked across the stage, carrying a candle and wearing a heavier coat. He moved naturally, using a light-colored cane to help portray his character.
Johnny Depp, previously named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2003 and 2009, looked very different with a wig and noticeable gray sideburns.
Daily Mail reached out to reps of Depp for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Ti West, the director behind films like X, Pearl, and MaXXXine, also directed Ebenezer, a modern take on A Christmas Carol.
The film will also star Rupert Grint, known from the Harry Potter series, alongside Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Tramell Tillman, and the legendary Ian McKellen.
The movie is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel.
In April, McKellen shared memories of working with Depp on the upcoming Christmas fantasy movie.
According to Variety, the actor described him as being in excellent spirits. He said the person was lively, humorous, playfully disrespectful, and thoughtful, all at once.
The actor described the experience as incredibly warm and affectionate, saying he developed a close connection with his co-star. He praised the co-star’s kindness and generosity towards other performers, noting that everyone on set felt happy and positive.
In a February interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Grint spoke about his involvement in West’s project and how much he enjoyed working with Johnny Depp, describing him as ‘amazing’.
This story is well-known and has been adapted many times before, but this version feels remarkably fresh and unique.
He said it felt true to the original, but with a clear influence from Ti, and praised Johnny’s creative contributions, calling them really interesting.
As a longtime fan, it’s been wonderful to see Johnny Depp gradually returning to acting and public life after everything that happened with the trial against Amber Heard last year. It feels good to see him back where he belongs, on screen!
After a widely followed court case, Heard was required to pay Depp $10 million to cover losses and an additional $350,000 as punishment.
She was also awarded $2 million in compensatory damages for her countersuit against the actor.
As a lifestyle observer, I have to say Johnny Depp made a splash with his performance in the historical drama Jeanne de Barry last year. It actually premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and it was a really exciting moment for everyone there.
The next year, he directed and produced the 2024 biopic, Modi, Three Days On The Wing Of Madness.
In addition to playing Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol, Johnny Depp will star in the action thriller Day Drinker, scheduled for release in 2027.
He joins other cast members such as Penelope Cruz and Madelyn Cline.
Last year, Lionsgate released the first images of Johnny Depp portraying his character in the film, showing him with silver hair, a full gray beard, and blue contact lenses.
2026-07-24 07:04