Johnny Depp has revealed how his dramatic physical transformation into Ebenezer Scrooge helped shape his performance in Ebenezer, explaining that the character's prosthetics and elaborate Victorian wardrobe influenced far more than his appearance.

The 63-year-old actor takes on one of literature's most recognisable characters in director Ti West's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which arrived in cinemas on November 13, 2026.

Speaking during the film's London premiere, Depp explained that portraying Scrooge presented a particular challenge because so many acclaimed actors had already established their own interpretations of the character.

Rather than attempting to surpass those performances, he wanted to discover a different approach. The elaborate makeup and costumes became an important part of that process.

In footage of his red-carpet interview, Depp described how the prosthetic nose and chin immediately altered his expression and helped him begin inhabiting the character.

Once the costume was added, the transformation became physical. Depp compared Scrooge's clothing to "physical armor", explaining that wearing it made him instinctively withdraw into himself.

For the actor, those seemingly small changes demonstrated how much a performance depends on collaboration between the performer, makeup artists, costume designers and director.

How Johnny Depp's Scrooge transformation reflects the character's personality

The connection between Scrooge's appearance and his emotional isolation was a deliberate part of the production's creative approach.

According to behind-the-scenes material released by the studio, Depp approached the character as someone whose painful experiences had gradually encouraged him to withdraw from other people.

Rather than treating Scrooge simply as an unpleasant businessman obsessed with money, Depp considered what might have caused him to become so emotionally guarded.

That interpretation influenced the costume design. Assistant costume designer Jess Willcock-Stow explained that Depp wanted Scrooge's clothing to communicate his discomfort with the world around him.

Even the fit of the character's midnight-blue dressing gown was designed to reinforce that sense of restraint.

The result was a visual approach in which Scrooge's rigid appearance and restrictive clothing helped communicate his personality before he had spoken a word.

Depp also contributed to the character's physical behaviour during filming, allowing unexpected gestures and vocal mannerisms to develop as he became more comfortable with the role.

Why Ti West's Ebenezer takes a darker approach to A Christmas Carol

Depp's interpretation fits the direction chosen by Ti West, the filmmaker behind the horror trilogy X, Pearl and MaXXXine.

West has described being fascinated by the supernatural elements of Dickens' story since childhood. His adaptation brings those unsettling encounters to the forefront while retaining the central theme of personal redemption.

The film follows Scrooge through Victorian London as supernatural visitors force him to confront the consequences of his past decisions and consider whether he can change.

Its supporting cast includes Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit, Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley.

The production also places considerable emphasis on practical craftsmanship. Its elaborate Victorian London streets were constructed at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, while detailed costumes and prosthetic makeup helped create the film's supernatural characters.

For Depp, the physical transformation was therefore closely connected to the story's emotional premise: Scrooge begins as a man who has shut himself away from others, and his encounter with the spirits forces him to reconsider that isolation.

Ebenezer is now playing exclusively in cinemas, following its November 13 release. Further film details and the official trailer are available on the official movie website.