Ian McKellen ‘Fell in Love With’ Johnny Depp on ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ Set: ‘He’s in Spankingly Good Form’

Veteran British actor Sir Ian McKellen expressed his profound admiration for Johnny Depp after collaborating on the upcoming film "Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol," stating he "fell in love with" his co-star during the production. McKellen made these heartfelt comments to Variety on Wednesday evening while attending the New York premiere of "The Christophers," describing Depp as being in "spankingly good form" and praising his multifaceted personality as effervescent, funny, irreverent, and serious all at once. The actor characterized their working relationship as a "bit of a love fest," highlighting the positive and collaborative atmosphere on set. This public endorsement from the esteemed Shakespearean actor and star of "The Lord of the Rings" franchise comes at a significant moment for Depp, who has recently returned to major film roles following his high-profile legal battles. McKellen's comments serve as a powerful vote of confidence from within the industry, emphasizing Depp's professional demeanor and artistic vitality during their work together. The production of "Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol" marks one of Depp's first major film projects since the conclusion of his defamation trial against Amber Heard in 2022. The film itself represents a fresh interpretation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, with Depp taking on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. McKellen's glowing assessment suggests a rejuvenated performance from Depp, potentially signaling a career resurgence for the actor known for his roles in "Pirates of the Caribbean" and numerous Tim Burton collaborations. Industry observers will be watching closely to see if this positive collaboration translates into critical and commercial success for the holiday film, which now carries the added weight of McKellen's enthusiastic personal endorsement.