Johnny Depp is getting another shot at Hollywood, but his return may not be the box office event some expected.
The actor is stepping into the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Ti West’s upcoming Christmas adaptation, and early reactions suggest audiences are far less divided about him than they were during his highly publicised legal battle with Amber Heard.
Mark O’Meara, who owns two cinemas in Fairfax, Virginia, said moviegoers have shown a mix of excitement and indifference.
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“Some people can’t wait. They love Johnny Depp. And others are just like, ‘Meh,'” he said. “I don’t think it’s a polarizing thing.”
That could be encouraging news for Paramount. Ebenezer, arriving November 13, is tracking a modest $20 million domestic opening, with another $20 million expected internationally.
Still, audience research suggests Depp hasn’t lost his star power.
“Audiences don’t care. He’s still one of the biggest movie stars on the planet,” said Kevin Goetz, founder and CEO of Screen Engine/ASI.
Despite Hollywood keeping its distance after the controversies surrounding his personal life, Depp has maintained a loyal international following, landed a major Dior deal and continued working on independent projects.
His return could also reopen the door to Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney is reportedly assessing the potential backlash before considering another instalment, while Depp has expressed interest in returning.
But Ebenezer has another challenge: audiences have seen Scrooge countless times before.
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As one cinema executive puts it, the film’s success will depend on whether this version feels worth watching.
