Johnny Depp Surprises Comic-Con as Ebenezer Scrooge for Ti West's Holiday Film

Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday in full character as Ebenezer Scrooge. The actor was promoting his upcoming starring role in Ti West's film "Ebenezer" for Paramount Pictures.

Depp roamed the streets of San Diego's Gaslamp district, fully transformed with makeup, a black coat, and a top hat. He engaged with a large crowd for nearly half an hour, performing a silly skit in character.

What did Johnny Depp do at Comic-Con?

Arriving in the afternoon, Depp immediately began interacting with fans who had gathered. In character as the curmudgeonly Scrooge, he croaked at the crowd, "Have you no jobs? It seems as though you have so much spare time. I work." When one person shouted, "Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge," Depp retorted, "What's so pleasant about it?"

He also spent time ribbing fans who were cosplaying as his more famous characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow and the Mad Hatter.

When does 'Ebenezer' come out?

Paramount describes it as a different take on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," with the official synopsis noting, "The name you know, the story you don't."

Depp has called playing the classic role "an extraordinary privilege" and a tale he has "been obsessed with since I was a little child."

Who else is in the cast?

The film features a notable ensemble. Rupert Grint plays Bob Cratchit, Andrea Riseborough is the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Sam Claflin is Nephew Fred. Daisy Ridley stars as Emily Cratchit, with Arthur Conti as young Ebenezer and Ellie Bamber as Isabel Fezziwig. Tramell Tillman and Ian McKellen round out the cast as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Jacob Marley, respectively.

This project marks one of Depp's biggest studio roles following his work on "Day Drinker" at Lionsgate. Paramount debuted a first look at the film at CinemaCon earlier this year.