Johnny Depp takes swipe at Trump's tariffs in surprise Comic-Con appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Johnny Depp made an unexpected and dramatic splash at San Diego Comic-Con, surprising convention-goers with an unannounced appearance to promote his upcoming film, 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol'.
Stepping out in full character, the actor stunned the audience in Hall H during a director's panel, instantly stealing the spotlight. Staying true to Ebenezer Scrooge's grumpy persona, Depp drew laughs after making a joke that appeared to reference President Donald Trump's tariffs, saying, "Putting tariffs on the gate."
The surprise appearance marked a high-profile return to major studio press for the actor, setting a buzzy tone for his dark reimagining of the classic holiday tale. It also gave fans their first major look at Depp's take on the iconic Charles Dickens character.
Johnny Depp jokes about Trump's tariffs while staying in character as Scrooge
Taking the stage fully transformed, Depp arrived dressed as the notorious holiday miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Wearing a weathered Victorian overcoat, a dusty top hat, ragged facial hair, and a stern expression, he immediately captured the crowd's attention.
Rather than dropping character, Depp playfully scolded the cheering audience, telling them to get away from his property in classic Scrooge fashion. Depp then started pulling garlands off the surrounding gate, declaring, "These are poison! Keep these away from children.”
Another performer protested, "We just wanted to bring a little Christmas cheer!"
The actor then appeared to take a swipe at Trump's tariff policies, joking, "That's on my property, which means that I own it. And you're paying tax on it being there. 'Cause everybody has to pay all that stuff. Putting tariffs on the gate."
The remark drew laughs from the audience as Depp remained fully committed to Scrooge's cantankerous personality throughout the performance.
'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' gives Johnny Depp a gothic new role
In 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol', director Ti West gives Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novel a darker, more gothic makeover. Depp stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, the bitter old man who hates Christmas and pushes everyone away until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Unlike traditional versions of the story, West's film adds horror elements and psychological suspense while keeping Scrooge's emotional journey and redemption at the heart of the story.
The film also marks Depp's return to a major Hollywood feature following his widely publicized legal battles. If there is one thing Depp rarely misses, it is playing unforgettable oddballs. From the swaggering Captain Jack Sparrow and the gentle Edward Scissorhands to the eccentric Willy Wonka and the brooding detective in 'Sleepy Hollow', Depp has a knack for making quirky characters his own.
This time, he trades pirates and chocolate for Christmas grump Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who wants nothing to do with the holiday until a trio of ghosts crashes his life, forces him to face his past, and completely turns his world upside down.
