San Diego Comic-Con 2026 opened on July 23 with two major moments that grabbed attention across pop culture. Actor Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance in full costume as Ebenezer Scrooge to promote his upcoming film “Ebenezer,” while K-pop group ENHYPEN joined the cast of the “Twilight” franchise for a panel about vampire storytelling.
Johnny Depp appears as Scrooge
Johnny Depp shocked fans at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 23, by showing up dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge.The 63-year-old actor wore a black coat, top hat, and heavy old-age makeup that made him hard to recognize.
Depp appeared outside a shop called “Scrooge and Marley” in San Diego’s Gaslamp district around 2:30 PM.Christmas carolers performed first to set the mood on a warm 80-degree afternoon.Then Depp walked out and spoke to the crowd in character.
“Do you have jobs? It seems as though you have so much spare time. Why are you here?” he asked the crowd.When someone shouted “Good day to you, Mr. Scrooge,” he replied, “What’s so pleasant about it?”He also called out “I can only say you’re all very, very strange people. Humbug!” before walking back inside.
The actor spent nearly 30 minutes interacting with the crowd, including some playful moments with fans dressed as his famous characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and the Mad Hatter.
Depp crashes Hall H panel
Later that day, Depp made an even bigger surprise at the convention’s main venue, Hall H. He appeared unannounced at the end of Collider’s “Directors on Directing” panel, which had nothing to do with his movie.
The lights in the room suddenly went out. Words appeared on the screen saying “Johnny Depp is Ebenezer.”Depp then walked onto the stage, still in costume, carrying a candle.
“Have you all no lives?” he asked the crowd.He threw candy onto the floor and told everyone to “have at it.”As he walked off stage, the sound of chains and a voice calling Scrooge’s name could be heard. He said “Oh, not again. Jacob Marley” before leaving to applause.
The movie “Ebenezer”
“Ebenezer” is a gothic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic story “A Christmas Carol.”The film is directed by Ti West, known for horror movies like “Pearl” and “MaXXXine.”
The movie features a strong cast. Rupert Grint plays Bob Cratchit, Daisy Ridley plays Emily Cratchit, Andrea Riseborough plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ian McKellen plays Jacob Marley.
The first trailer for the film was shown after Depp’s panel appearance and was also released online the same day.The trailer highlights Depp’s history of transforming for roles, with text reading: “He brought us Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands and the Mad Hatter. This Thanksgiving, the master of misfits returns.”
“Ebenezer” is set for release on November 13, 2026.It marks Depp’s first major Hollywood studio film in eight years.
ENHYPEN meets Twilight cast
On the same day, K-pop group ENHYPEN took part in a panel called “Bite Me: Calling All Vampires.”They were joined by Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first “Twilight” film, and actors Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene, who played Carlisle and Alice Cullen in the franchise.
The panel discussed vampire storytelling and how it continues to appeal to audiences across different types of entertainment.ENHYPEN members Jungwon, Sunoo, and Ni-Ki spoke during the event.
This meeting brought together two very different fan bases—K-pop followers and “Twilight” fans—in one of the convention’s biggest crossover moments.ENHYPEN had been announced for the panel earlier in July, with all seven members expected to attend.
Comic-Con continues through the weekend
The four-day convention runs through Sunday, July 26, at the San Diego Convention Center.More than 120,000 people are expected to attend.
Comic-Con began in 1970 with just a few hundred science fiction and comic book fans. The first event featured an appearance from Marvel creator Jack Kirby.
The convention has grown to include cosplay contests, autograph booths, obstacle courses, concerts, and panels on everything from video games to movie poster art and fencing.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria confirmed on Wednesday that the convention will stay in San Diego through 2030. He said the decision “reflects our shared commitment to the fans, creators, businesses and workers who make Comic-Con unlike anything else in the world.”
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Marvel and other highlights
Marvel Studios is set to return to Hall H on Saturday, July 25, to promote “Avengers: Doomsday,” which releases in December.The studio did not attend last year’s Comic-Con.
Other notable moments at this year’s event include the “Ramayana” team bringing Indian cinema to the convention stage and the “Spaceballs” sequel generating excitement.
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