Johnny Depp film ‘Ebenezer’ gets actor first No. 1 opening in 8 years
Johnny Depp ascends to box-office lead with Ebenezer, his first studio release in eight years, debuting to about $19 million domestically and $42 million worldwide after international availability. Produced for about $38 million, the Dickens-inspired film opened in 3,535 theaters and drew a notably female, older audience, with audiences largely inclined to recommend it, despite cooler critical reception. The outing fuels questions about Depp’s career comeback, as his next project Day Drinker is slated for a March release. The weekend overall was slower, with other new releases underperforming and the top five signaling modest momentum ahead of a high-profile next title. By weekend’s end, industry analysts anticipated a stronger slate as the Hunger Games sequel looms next.
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Ebenezer opened in 3,535 theaters and achieved roughly $19 million in domestic box office, with $23 million earned internationally, totaling about $42 million for the global debut. The production budget was reported at $38 million.
Audience demographics skewed female (about 52%) and 25-plus (approximately 81%), with around 65% of ticket buyers saying they would definitely recommend the film to friends; about 47% of under-12 viewers indicated they would tell others to see it immediately.
Critics were warmer than some viewers, contributing to a Rotten Tomatoes score around 52%; Ti West directed the film, which also features Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin and Daisy Ridley.
Depp had previously stated he had no further need for Hollywood, and six years after his exit from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, this release raises questions about a potential career resurgence, with his next film Day Drinker planned for a March release from Lionsgate.
Other films opening during the weekend included Ghost Soldier and How to Rob a Bank, each with about $5.2 million domestic; The Cat in the Hat earned $11.4 million in its second weekend, while Godzilla Minus Zero dropped significantly after its opening.
Overall domestic ticket sales totaled around $86 million for the weekend; industry watchers expect a boost next weekend with the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.