Johnny Depp set to make Hollywood return after 8 years

Hollywood actor Johnny Depp is returning to a major studio release with a Christmas film. And another upcoming project that brings his longtime co-star Penelope Cruz back into the picture. Depp plays Ebenezer Scrooge in “Ebenezer,” while he and Cruz are set to reunite in “Day Drinker.” 

The two projects have drawn attention to Depp’s return to prominent film roles after years of legal battles & a quieter period in Hollywood.

Depp is playing Scrooge in Paramount Pictures’ “Ebenezer.” Which is a new take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” directed by Ti West. The film is scheduled to open on 13 November. In its trailer, Depp appears in heavy makeup and grey hair as the miserly Scrooge. At one point, he looks towards the camera and says, “It’s good to be back.” Another version of the trailer features the line, “I’m not the man I was.” 

The film also stars Rupert Grint, Ian McKellen & Daisy Ridley. Depp appeared in full Scrooge costume at San Diego Comic Con this summer, where he was greeted by cheers from the crowd.

The studio is bringing Depp back to a major Hollywood release after an extended absence. His career had taken a hit during the legal disputes involving his former wife, Amber Heard. He also lost role in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise in 2018. And then had spent much of the following years working on independent films & projects outside the major studio system.  

His last major Hollywood film, meanwhile, was “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in 2018, where he played the villain Gellert Grindelwald.

Although he stayed away from big Hollywood projects, he continued acting in films such as “Minamata” and “Jeanne du Barry”.