Johnny Depp remained in character throughout Paramount's elaborate Victorian holiday experience, giving Comic-Con fans one of the convention's most memorable moments.
Johnny Depp surprised San Diego Comic-Con attendees on Thursday with a fully in-character appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge to promote Ebenezer, director Ti West's reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story.
Rather than introducing the film with a traditional presentation alone, Paramount Pictures transformed part of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter into an elaborate Victorian Christmas village. Complete with costumed performers, period decorations, and holiday music, the immersive experience quickly became one of Comic-Con's busiest off-site attractions.
After more than an hour of anticipation, Depp emerged dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge, complete with an elaborate Victorian costume, makeup, and facial prosthetics.
Remaining in character throughout the appearance, Depp immediately delighted fans when someone in the crowd called out, "Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge."
"What's so good about it?" Depp replied, delivering one of Scrooge's signature lines to loud cheers from the audience.
The presentation began with Victorian-era carolers performing Christmas classics before Depp first appeared in an upstairs window overlooking the crowd. Moments later, he stepped into the street to greet fans gathered throughout the activation while never breaking character.
At one point, another performer dressed in Dickensian attire challenged Scrooge about paying fair wages, drawing only irritated grumbles from the legendary miser. Fans repeatedly shouted, "We love you," while Depp stayed firmly in character before ending the appearance with Scrooge's unmistakable farewell, "Humbug."
The appearance marked another memorable return to San Diego Comic-Con for Depp, who has previously surprised audiences during studio presentations and promotional events. Beyond Comic-Con, Depp has also become known for making unexpected appearances as Captain Jack Sparrow at children's hospitals and even aboard Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, remaining in character to surprise unsuspecting guests.
Although the Gaslamp activation served as the centerpiece of Paramount's promotion, Depp later joined the studio's Hall H presentation, where attendees also received a first look at the film's official trailer.
Ebenezer reimagines Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic through the lens of director Ti West, best known for X, Pearl, and MaXXXine. Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Sam Claflin, and Sacha Baron Cohen.
The project represents Depp's first collaboration with West and marks another major studio role for the actor following his return to Hollywood productions.
Paramount's elaborate activation demonstrated how Comic-Con experiences continue to extend beyond Hall H, transforming downtown San Diego into immersive destinations that allow fans to step directly into the worlds of upcoming films. For many attendees, Depp's surprise appearance quickly became one of the convention's defining moments.
Ebenezer opens exclusively in theaters on Nov. 13, 2026.
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