Johnny Depp film ‘Ebenezer’ gets actor first No. 1 opening in 8 years

Detailed summary

Three years after Depp said that he had “no further need for Hollywood,” “Ebenezer,” a Paramount Pictures release, opened in first place with about $19 million in ticket sales,

Johnny Depp is back at the top of the box office with his first studio movie in eight years, and since fallout from a contentious libel trial against ex-wife Amber Heard left his future in Hollywood in jeopardy.

But six years after he was asked to leave the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, and three years after Depp said that he had “no further need for Hollywood,” “Ebenezer,” a Paramount Pictures release, opened in first place with about $19 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates on Sunday. Paramount released it in 3,535 theaters.

While it might be a far cry from the heights of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, which twice opened over $100 million, or even the $62 million opening of “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in 2018, it is a solid start for the film, which cost a reported $38 million to produce. Internationally, it made $23 million from 63 markets, adding up to a $42 million global debut.

Outside of his franchise fare, Depp more often had openings in the $20 million range (as with “Black Mass” and “Public Enemies”).

The audience for “Ebenezer” was about 52% female and 81% over the age of 25, according to PostTrak exit polls. About 65% of ticket buyers said they would “definitely” recommend the film to friends. Less than half, or 47%, of the “kid” demographic (ages 12 and under) said they would tell their friends they “must see it right away.”

The Charles Dickens-inspired tale is rated PG-13 and directed by Ti West, who is best known for the horror franchise X. Critics were not as warm as audiences about the film. It’s currently sitting at 52% on Rotten Tomatoes. Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin and Daisy Ridley also star.

The question still remains as to whether this marks a major comeback for Depp, but time might tell. In exit polls, 51% of moviegoers cited Depp as their reason for attending the film. Depp’s next film, a revenge thriller called “Day Drinker,” is set for a March release from Lionsgate.

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