That Ti West–directed Ebenezer Scrooge movie, “A Christmas Carol,” starring Johnny Depp and backed by Paramount? It’s really happening.
Ian McKellen and Tramell Tillman (”Severance”) have been added to the cast, which already includes Depp and Andrea Riseborough. Tillman will play the Ghost of Christmas Present. It is unknown whom McKellen will play. Still, McKellen, 86, isn’t slowing down — he’s also expected to return as Gandalf in Andy Serkis’ “The Hunt for Gollum.”
The script for West’s adaptation was written by Nathaniel Halpern, best known for his work on “Legion” and for creating and writing “Tales from the Loop.” West previously directed an episode of “Tales from the Loop” and has since worked with Halpern on a few projects currently in development.
Did I mention Robert Eggers has his own “Christmas Carol” adaptation in the works? That one is supposed to star Willem Dafoe. Ralph Ineson is also in talks to join Dafoe.
What’s the fascination with this story? Everyone knows its beginning, middle, and end. There’s no need for filmmakers like West and Eggers to waste their talents on this. One outlet estimates around 272 adaptations of the story (film and TV) have been told Let’s hope West’s version is not a straight-up retelling.
In case you’re wondering, West’s “A Christmas Carol” is expected to begin production early next year, with a November 13, 2026, theatrical release date stamped on the calendar.