Johnny Depp appeared in character as Ebenezer Scrooge at San Diego Comic-Con this week to debut the trailer for his upcoming film, “Ebenezer” [1].
The surprise appearance marks a significant return to the convention circuit for the three-time Oscar nominee [2]. By utilizing the high-profile Hall H stage, the production aims to maximize visibility for the project during one of the largest pop-culture gatherings in the U.S. [3].
Depp entered the stage fully immersed in his role as the miserly protagonist. “I’m here as Ebenezer Scrooge to show you the trailer,” Depp said [3]. The appearance was his first time at the event since 2018 [1].
During the presentation, the actor shifted from the scripted persona of Scrooge to address the crowd. “It’s good to be back,” Depp said [2]. He also used the platform to make light of current political and economic tensions, specifically referencing trade policies. “We’re seeing a lot of jokes about tariffs, that’s funny,” Depp said [4].
The event took place in July 2026 [3]. The trailer reveal served as the centerpiece of the appearance, introducing audiences to the visual style, and tone of the new adaptation. Attendees in Hall H reacted to both the cinematic footage and the actor's unexpected presence on stage [6].
Depp's choice to appear in costume underscores the promotional strategy for “Ebenezer,” blending character performance with traditional marketing. The actor's return to the San Diego stage follows a long absence from the venue, signaling a renewed effort to engage directly with fanbases in a live setting [1].
““I’m here as Ebenezer Scrooge to show you the trailer.””
Depp's return to San Diego Comic-Con after an eight-year hiatus suggests a strategic move to rebuild his public profile through high-visibility, fan-centric events. By debuting the 'Ebenezer' trailer in Hall H, the production is leveraging the event's capacity for viral momentum to generate early interest in the film's release.
