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Johnny Depp has returned to Hollywood’s box office spotlight with his latest film, Ebenezer. Director Ti West’s gothic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is attracting attention during its opening weekend.
The film marks Depp’s return to a major Hollywood studio production. Paramount invested $38 million in production and another $50 million in marketing.
The release also represents the first major project approved by Paramount’s new leadership following last year’s Skydance merger.
The film initially faced concerns after earning $1.5 million from Thursday previews.
That figure trailed the preview earnings of several comparable releases. Red One collected $3.7 million, including $1 million from Sunday early screenings. Meanwhile, The Lost City earned $2.5 million.
Box office analyst Luiz Fernando said strong audience reactions would be essential for weekend ticket sales. He initially projected an opening between $17 million and $22 million.
However, Friday’s performance offered a more encouraging picture. Ebenezer earned $7.1 million, including its preview collections.
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According to Deadline, the film is now projected to open above $20 million domestically. It also claimed the top position at the domestic box office on Friday.
The result pushed Godzilla Minus Zero from the leading position. It also gave Depp his first domestic box office No. 1 since Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018.
Paramount expects the film to generate another $20 million from 63 international markets.
These include Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom.
A domestic opening near $20 million would put the film close to the opening performances of Depp’s earlier releases.
His 2015 crime drama Black Mass opened with $22.6 million. Meanwhile, Public Enemies earned $25.2 million during its 2009 opening weekend.
Critical reactions to Ebenezer have been divided. Rotten Tomatoes initially reported an approval rating of 52%.
A later listing cited in the report placed the score at 53%, based on 116 reviews. The film also received a 46 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating mixed or average reviews.
However, audience reactions have been more encouraging.
CinemaScore audiences gave the film an average grade of A-. PostTrak surveys recorded 4.5 out of five stars. Around 63% of surveyed viewers said they would definitely recommend it.
The film has also received criticism from several reviewers. IndieWire critic David Ehrlich awarded it a C- and criticised Depp’s performance.
Other critics questioned the film’s treatment of Dickens’ social justice themes. They particularly criticised its portrayal of Scrooge’s attitude towards poverty and charitable figures.
Depp leads an ensemble cast featuring several established actors.
Rupert Grint plays Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s employee. The supporting cast also includes Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley and Sam Claflin.
Tramell Tillman appears as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
The film opened on Friday, November 13, giving its supernatural story an additional Friday the 13th connection. It is showing in more than 3,500 North American theatres.
The opening weekend could provide an early indication of the film’s commercial potential. However, its performance over the coming weeks will be equally important.
Variety reported that Depp received a $5 million salary for the film. Cinema operators also suggested that its box office performance would reflect the film itself, rather than simply the actor’s popularity.
TheWrap reported that strong word of mouth could help the movie remain in cinemas through December.
If Ebenezer maintains its momentum during Thanksgiving and the holiday season, it could influence Hollywood’s view of Depp’s return to major studio productions.
For now, its opening performance offers an encouraging start despite mixed critical reviews.
