Johnny Depp’s Controversial New Role Sparks Outrage Among Critics

Johnny Depp, being named for the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a titular Paramount production slated for release on November 26, has revealed prevailing raw public sentiments stemming from his multimillion-dollar court victory against ex-wife Amber Heard.

The news was released by major outlets on October 23 and greeted with dissent from fans sympathetic to Heard on social media. 

One person in particular, seeing Depp’s return to acting as vindication that defamatory “allegations” seldom ruin men’s lives, expressed hopes that the movie would flop.

On the other hand, the opposing sect – those in support of the Depp – cannot wait to see the production.

The film is slated to hit the cinema circuit in November 2026

Johnny Depp at a film festival wearing a brown jacket, black hat, and sunglasses amid new movie role backlash.

Image credits: Carlos Alvarez/Getty

In an exclusive, entertainment commentator, Deadline, described Paramount’s choice as “bold.”

It noted that the film empire was in final negotiations for the movie that will be named Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.

The outlet reported that horror film director Ti West was on board alongside producer Emma Watts, with the release date being set for November 13, 2026.

Johnny Depp first sued in the UK and lost the case

Johnny Depp in character for new movie role facing backlash, dressed in a dark suit holding a glass, serious expression.

Image credits: johnnydepp

The news triggered the likes of Jayda on X, who described Depp’s return to screen as “disgusting” and went on to slam the fact that he “still has a career after all he has done.”

This anti-Depp sentiment comes nearly a decade after he separated from Heard, and the ensuing hard feelings escalated to a sensational court battle in Virginia in 2022.

Depp was suing for the second time. 

Scene from a movie featuring puppets and a man at a dinner table, referencing Johnny Depp movie role backlash and critics.

Image credits: Disney+

The first was when he sued The Sun in the United Kingdom in June 2018 for reporting Heard’s claims that he was a wife-beater. The island country ruled that the outlet’s allegations were substantially true and Depp lost the case.

The second time, on American soil, Depp won, and Heard was ordered to pay $10 million

Animated character resembling Johnny Depp in a new movie role facing backlash and branded shameful by critics.

Image credits: Disney+

In the same year, Heard wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post, doubling down on her claims, and this time Depp sued her directly for $50 million.

The jury on home turf would side with Depp this time around, and order Heard to pay her ex-husband $10 million.

The two settled out of court with Depp agreeing to accept $1 million and donated it to charity.

According to a 2022 NBC article, the figure did not come out of Heard’s own pocket; her insurance paid for it.

Some fans are calling Depp’s return to the big screen disgusting

Close-up of an animated character’s face from Johnny Depp’s new movie role facing backlash by critics for its portrayal.

Image credits: Disney+

Despite the widespread glee at the trial’s result, Heard has followers like Jayda, who still believe Depp was in the wrong.

“I hope this movie flops when it comes out,” the latter wrote in response to the news.

“I don’t want to hear anything about ‘allegations ruining men’s lives’” when Depp is still getting work, even though he [misuses women],” her post concluded.

But not everyone feels this way

Johnny Depp wearing a hat and pinstripe suit with a woman in an embellished dress at a film event.

Image credits: Jason Merritt/Getty

“We don’t need another adaptation of this movie and we most certainly don’t need this version… men really can do the most heinous things and still have a career,” wrote another netizen by the name of Courtney.

But these were just a few of the reactions. In response to other posts, netizens showed anticipation for the charismatic Pirates of the Caribbean icon.

Johnny Depp in a suit and hat standing next to a framed painting, related to Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash.

Image credits: johnnydepp

“He will be as great as Scrooge,” wrote one of his supporters. “I bet his epiphany at the end is superb,” they speculated of the Charles Dickens character who, at some point in the plot, turns away from his miserly ways to embrace generosity.

“He’s a great actor and he will love the character and its transformation,” they predicted.

Jerry Bruckheimer has indicated that Depp could reprise his role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean reboot

The news comes in the wake of a circulating AI-generated trailer of Pirates of the Caribbean’s sixth instalment depicting Keanu Reeves as Captain Jack Sparrow.

As Bored Panda reported on August 21, the film series’s producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, confirmed number six in the works, but not Reeves’ participation.

Naturally, the conversation steered to the possibility of Depp reprising the role despite the fact that it would be a reboot, and Bruckheimer responded ambiguously.

Comment criticizing Johnny Depp’s new movie role, calling it shameful and not supposed to be hot, sparking backlash.

“It’s two different movies,” Bruckheimer told Entertainment Weekly in 2024, and noted that it would be unlikely to feature any of its old cast.

“It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, he would be in it,” Bruckheimer said of Depp.

Netizens see the announcement as the sign of “another Pirates”

Screenshot of a social media comment reacting to Johnny Depp’s new movie role amid controversy and backlash from critics.

Screenshot of a social media comment about Johnny Depp’s new movie role facing backlash from critics.

Comment from Shakana Darlene Borders reacting to backlash over Johnny Depp’s new movie role, mentioning his name.

Text comment from Jemma Game reacting humorously, related to Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash and criticism online.

Comment from Holly Best Storm expressing excitement for another Pirates movie, related to Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash.

Comment on social media saying Jim Carrey would have fit better, related to Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash.

Comment by Lisa Peterson questioning why Christmas carol remakes continue after the Muppets' success, discussing Johnny Depp movie backlash.

Comment by Kyleigh Burgess saying nooo it needs to be Jim Carrey, criticizing Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash

Comment about The Muppets Christmas Carol, showing social media reactions to Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash and criticism.

Comment from Scott A. Taylor criticizing Johnny Depp’s new movie role, highlighting backlash and branding it shameful by critics.

Screenshot of a social media comment criticizing Johnny Depp’s new movie role, calling it shameful and facing backlash.

Comment by Eric Delpra praising Johnny Depp’s talent amid backlash over his new movie role.

Screenshot of a social media comment reacting humorously to Johnny Depp’s new movie role facing backlash from critics.

Comment by Quinlan Lopez requesting a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, related to Johnny Depp’s new movie role backlash.

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