Johnny Depp Makes Surprise Appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge at San Diego Comic-Con

Bundled in Victorian garb and scowling at strangers, Johnny Depp gave fans a first live glimpse of the character driving his big-screen comeback.

Fans and Comic-Con attendees in San Diego were in for a treat earlier this week when Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance — but not as himself.

The actor and producer was nearly unrecognizable in full costume as Ebenezer Scrooge, the role he plays in his upcoming film "Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol."

In clips circulating on social media, Depp is seen peering through the window of a small set piece on Fifth Street in the Gaslamp Quarter, scowling at passersby in full character before stepping out, much to their delight.

The transformation was complete: a wild, unkempt gray wig paired with bushy mutton chop sideburns, an old navy double-breasted long coat with a black velvet collar, a black cravat tied high at the neck, and black fingerless gloves.

The Oscar-nominated star rounded out the Victorian ensemble with dark trousers, black leather boots, a tall black top hat with a subtle sheen, and a wooden cane topped with a rounded knob, which he leaned on as faux snow drifted around the set.

Footage shows Depp engaging directly with his audience, muttering to himself at times in a nod to his Charles Dickens character. In a clip shared by Deadline, an onlooker off-camera can be heard shouting, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge!"

Depp paused to shoot the onlooker a withering glare, drawing laughs. "Never say that again," he said. Elsewhere, another bystander called out, "Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge!"

"What's so pleasant about it?" Depp shot back, fully embodying his miserly alter ego.

The appearance took place on Thursday, July 23, to promote the fall release of the Ti West-directed film, which hits theaters on November 13. Paramount Pictures first announced the project in October 2025.

The movie offers a gothic reimagining of the Dickens classic, originally published in December 1843 and the source of dozens of film and television adaptations over the decades.

Depp will share the screen with a star-studded ensemble that includes Ian McKellen, Sam Claflin, Andrea Riseborough, Rupert Grint, and Tramell Tillman.

The "Pirates of the Caribbean" alum wasn't officially booked for any panels at SDCC, according to The Hollywood Reporter, making the street performance an unscripted bonus for attendees.

In another viral clip, Depp is seen yanking Christmas garlands off the fence surrounding his "home."

"These are poison!" he barked. "Keep these away from children." A performer nearby responded, "We just wanted to bring a little Christmas cheer!" Depp then slipped in a quip that appeared to reference President Trump's sweeping tariffs.

"That's on my property, which means that I own it," he said. "And you're paying tax on it being there. 'Cause everybody has to pay all that stuff. Putting tariffs on the gate."

Depp later showed up in full costume at Collider's "Directors on Directing" panel. "Ebenezer: The Christmas Carol" will mark his first major Hollywood studio movie since 2019's "Waiting for the Barbarians."

In the years since losing a court case tied to his contentious split from ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp has largely stayed out of the Hollywood spotlight. He has, however, continued working on indie and international productions while also pursuing music.