Johnny Depp Shocks Comic-Con as Scrooge in San Diego

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter took an unexpected turn toward Victorian London on Wednesday when Johnny Depp emerged in full costume as Ebenezer Scrooge, surprising thousands of Comic-Con attendees during an unannounced street performance.

The actor, best known for his swashbuckling turn as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, appeared in the heart of the convention district dressed in a long frock coat, scarf, and top hat, clutching a ledger and a vintage lantern. Depp was mobbed by fans as he walked the streets, staying in character as Charles Dickens’ infamous miser, occasionally grumbling about “humbugs” and recoiling at the sight of gleeful cosplayers.

The stunt appears to be tied to an unannounced project, though no official details about a film, television adaptation, or stage production have been confirmed. Representatives for Depp have not issued a statement, and the actor’s publicist declined to comment on whether the appearance was promotional or purely for fun.

Comic-Con, which runs through Sunday, has long been a venue for surprise celebrity appearances, but Depp’s transformation into Scrooge in late July - six months before Christmas - caught even seasoned attendees off guard. Photos and videos posted to social media show Depp interacting with fans, signing autographs, and even posing for selfies while remaining in character.

“I thought it was a cosplayer at first, but then I recognized the eyes,” said Maria Torres, a San Diego resident who had traveled downtown for the convention. “He was fully committed. This wasn’t just waving at people. He was Ebenezer Scrooge, and he was not happy to be surrounded by all these happy people.”

Depp’s choice of character raises immediate questions. Scrooge has been portrayed by everyone from Alastair Sim to Michael Caine and Bill Murray, but a modern iteration - particularly one with Depp’s signature eccentricity - could offer a fresh take on the redemption arc. The actor has not appeared in a major studio release since 2023’s Jeanne du Barry, and his return to character-driven public performance suggests he may be testing material or building buzz for a larger announcement.

The spontaneity of the event also highlights Depp’s continued draw as a crowd-pleaser, despite a turbulent few years in the public eye. Fans lining the streets appeared genuinely delighted, and many filmed the encounter with their phones, turning the scene into an instant viral moment.

“He came out of nowhere - just walked down Fifth Avenue like it was 1843,” said Kevin Park, a Comic-Con volunteer who was handing out maps. “I’ve seen big stars here, but I’ve never seen one walk right into the middle of the street, in costume, and just start acting. No security cordon, no announcement. Just Johnny Depp being Scrooge.”

Beyond the spectacle, the appearance may hint at a larger project lurking behind the scenes. Hollywood studios often use Comic-Con to generate buzz, and surprise stunts have become a staple of the event. Depp’s turn as Scrooge could be part of a limited series, a holiday film, or even an experimental live-streamed performance. Without a title, genre, or runtime attached to any known project, speculation remains rampant.

The setting itself - sunny Southern California in summer, surrounded by superheroes and zombies - provided a surreal contrast. Depp’s dour, winter-clad figure cut through crowds of cosplayers dressed as Marvel characters, anime heroes, and sci-fi warriors. A few attendees reportedly joined in, following him and shouting lines from Dickens in exaggerated Cockney accents.

Local police were present but did not intervene, as the event appeared to have been coordinated with city officials. No street closures were reported, and the performance lasted about 45 minutes before Depp disappeared into a side alley, leaving the crowd buzzing.

Comic-Con organizers have not yet commented on whether the stunt was officially part of the convention’s programming.

For now, the appearance stands as a curious, unscripted moment in an event full of carefully managed premieres and press junkets. It also serves as a reminder that Depp remains one of the few actors capable of drawing a spontaneous crowd simply by stepping onto a sidewalk in costume.

Whether Thursday’s performance was a teaser for something bigger, or simply a one-off piece of street theater, it has already added an unexpected chapter to this year’s Comic-Con story - one written on the pavement, with a top hat and a scowl.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter