'Ebenezer': Johnny Depp transforms into Scrooge in first trailer from 'A Christmas Carol' adaptation; surprises fans at Comic-Con

Johnny Depp sent fans a San Diego Comic-Con into a frenzy on Thursday, as he stepped into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge to promote his upcoming horror-fantasy film 'Ebenezer', adapted from Charles Dickens' famed A Christmas Carol.The actor, who has largely stayed away from major Hollywood studio projects in recent years, delighted fans with an in-character interaction at the convention.Dressed in a long overcoat, top hat and sporting Scrooge's trademark gruff behaviour, Depp emerged from a faux snow-covered storefront labelled "Scrooge and Marley". His unexpected appearance quickly drew a crowd, with fans cheering him on as he playfully berated the audience. "Do you have jobs? It seems as though you have so much spare time. Why are you here?" he was quoted saying to a member of the audience, drawing laughter from the crowd."I can only say you're all very, very strange people. Humbug," he said the character's iconic line, before retreating inside.Alongside the surprise appearance, Paramount Pictures officially unveiled the first trailer of 'Ebenezer', confirming that Depp will lead the film as Ebenezer Scrooge. The studio also released the film's first title poster and announced a November 13 theatrical release date."The name you know. The story you don't. @johnnydepp is Ebenezer Scrooge in #EbenezerMovie — only in theatres November 13," the studio wrote on their official handles.Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ti West, the film promises a darker, horror-infused reinterpretation of the 1843 classic novella. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the adaptation follows the lonely and miserly Scrooge as he is forced to confront the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come during a chilling supernatural journey that challenges his worldview.The film also boasts a star-studded supporting cast. Ian McKellen plays Jacob Marley, Andrea Riseborough portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman takes on the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present, Daisy Ridley appears as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, while Rupert Grint stars as Bob Cratchit.'Ebenezer' is set to arrive in theatres in the US on November 13, just ahead of Thanksgiving.