The Ebenezer box office debut has returned Johnny Depp to the top of the North American theatrical rankings. Paramount’s gothic adaptation of A Christmas Carol earned approximately $19 million during its opening weekend, according to Sunday estimates.
Although securing first place represents an encouraging start, the production still faces considerable financial challenges. Its theatrical performance throughout the approaching Christmas season could become particularly important.
Ebenezer box office: opening weekend figures and budget
Following its November 13, 2026 release, Ebenezer secured first place across the United States and Canada. The film achieved this position despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
Sunday estimates and an AFP report published by The Express Tribune outline the key opening figures.
- North American opening weekend: Approximately $19 million.
- Thursday previews: $1.5 million.
- Domestic theater count: 3,535 locations.
- International opening projection: $20 million across 63 markets.
- Estimated production budget: $38 million.
- Estimated marketing expenditure: $50 million.
- North American box office position: First place.
Importantly, the international figure represents Paramount’s pre-weekend expectations rather than confirmed ticket sales.
Ebenezer also displaced Godzilla Minus Zero from first place. The Japanese production recently attracted attention following its record-breaking IMAX opening.
Can the Ebenezer box office benefit from the Christmas season?
Opening in November gives Paramount several weeks to attract audiences before Christmas. Furthermore, its connection to a familiar festive story could remain relevant throughout the holiday period.
However, profitability remains uncertain. Combined production and marketing expenses reportedly amount to approximately $88 million.
Additionally, studios do not receive the entirety of theatrical ticket revenue. Therefore, comparing worldwide grosses directly with production expenses would provide an incomplete financial picture.
Audience reactions could become another important factor in the film’s commercial trajectory. Critics have delivered mixed assessments, with a 53% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Meanwhile, its Metacritic score stands at 46 out of 100. Audience feedback has been more favorable, including a good CinemaScore grade and 4.5 stars out of five on PostTrak.
These responses could help sustain interest through recommendations during the coming weeks. Nevertheless, its subsequent weekend earnings will offer a clearer indication of its staying power.
Johnny Depp returns to the top after eight years
Beyond Paramount’s financial expectations, Ebenezer represents a significant moment in Johnny Depp’s Hollywood career.
According to CinemaBlend, the production marks his first major Hollywood leading role since 2018. It also returns him to the top of the box office after eight years.
Securing first place establishes an initial commercial milestone for the actor’s latest theatrical project. However, its longer-term success cannot be determined from opening weekend figures alone.
Other November releases will also compete for audience attention. This year’s theatrical market has already seen notable performances, including the 2026 Resident Evil box office record.
A gothic interpretation of A Christmas Carol
Also titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, the film approaches Charles Dickens’ classic through a gothic perspective. Ti West directs the adaptation from a screenplay written by Nathaniel Halpern.
Set in Victorian London, its story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser confronted by supernatural visions. These experiences take him through the past, present and future, offering an opportunity for redemption.
Johnny Depp portrays Scrooge alongside Ian McKellen as Jacob Marley and Rupert Grint as Bob Cratchit.
Andrea Riseborough and Tramell Tillman portray the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, respectively. Sam Claflin plays Scrooge’s nephew, Fred.
Daisy Ridley also appears in the production, while Arthur Conti portrays a younger Ebenezer.
Distributed by Paramount, the PG-13 film opened in American and British theaters on November 13, 2026.
For now, the Ebenezer box office debut has secured a theatrical victory for Depp and Paramount. Whether that opening develops into sustained commercial success remains a question for the holiday season.
Creator of the website, Pokemon trainer by nature. Trying to report on everything related to the world of video games, series and movies. Yu-Gi-Oh is my weakness, collecting cards since the dawn of time.
