Johnny Depp's 2005 Children's Classic Cracks Netflix Top 10

Freddie Highmore leads the film as Charlie, while Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee and David Kelly round out the cast. Depp approaches Wonka with an unusual mixture of childish energy, theatrical mannerisms and unsettling eccentricity. The movie became a substantial theatrical success, earning more than $475 million worldwide following its 2005 release. Its continued presence across streaming services shows how the story has retained a place in popular culture.

The renewed attention arrives at an interesting moment for Depp, with another eccentric literary character now preparing to enter his filmography.

Johnny Depp steps into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge

Johnny Depp is returning to the big screen as Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer, a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The project is directed by Ti West, making it a significant departure from the Burton collaborations that shaped several memorable chapters of Depp’s career. The film is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026.

At San Diego Comic-Con in July, Depp surprised attendees by appearing in full Scrooge costume outside the convention. Wearing a Victorian overcoat and top hat, he stayed in character while addressing fans gathered around the promotional activation. The appearance quickly became one of the event’s memorable celebrity moments.

The timing gives Depp another chance to embrace a larger-than-life character rooted in classic literature. His appearance as Scrooge also arrives as audiences rediscover one of his most recognizable family roles through Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.