Johnny Depp’s Ebenezer comeback has opened at No. 1 at both the domestic and international box offices, despite a sharp divide between critics and audiences.
The film took $19 million in the domestic market and a further $23 million overseas during its opening weekend. Its reported $38 million budget means the film has already matched that figure in box-office takings.
Audience reaction has been considerably more positive than the critical response. Ebenezer currently holds a 54% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with an 89% Popcornmeter rating, while CinemaScore has given it an A-.
The contrasting verdicts have fuelled debate over the film’s role in Depp’s return to the big screen, with several analytical pieces suggesting it may also function as a public-relations vehicle for the actor.
A Wall Street Journal feature described the film as an ideal platform for Depp, although the publication’s review criticised its tone. It said Depp was “ridiculously blustery and loud as Ebenezer, as if trying to get laughs.”
Vanity Fair also drew parallels between the character and Depp, describing the film’s treatment of his reputation as “Christmas-washing”.
Despite the criticism, the strong audience scores and first-place box-office performance have given Depp’s comeback a successful opening weekend in cinemas around the world.
