Claflin Reveals Johnny Depp’s Unexpected Reaction to Seeing Him Again After 15 Years
A reunion at the read-through
Claflin first worked with Depp on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. At the film’s read-through in Hawaii, he sat between Depp and Penélope Cruz and says he was nervous enough to keep his eyes on the script.
For Ebenezer, Claflin saw Depp again at a read-through after roughly 15 or 16 years. Depp noticed him, reached across Ian McKellen to shake his hand and greeted him. Claflin said the moment made him feel that he belonged.
Playfulness on the set
Claflin said Depp brought a playful energy to Ebenezer, though he initially thought the performance felt less like Jack Sparrow and more concentrated. He then recalled Depp having considerable fun with a prop dead goose during filming.
The unpredictability did not affect Claflin negatively, he said. Instead, Depp’s approach added joy to the set. Claflin praised him for not taking things too seriously and said filmmaking should be enjoyable.
Claflin’s Ebenezer role
Directed by Ti West, Ebenezer is a new version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas story, with Depp playing the miserly Scrooge. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future visit him in an effort to change his life.
The film also features Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Robert Strange, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint and Daisy Ridley. Claflin plays Fred, Scrooge’s nephew.
Characters he would invite
Asked which of his past characters he would choose for dinner, Claflin named Finnick, whom he described as kind, open, loving and fun. He said the character would have plenty to discuss after winning the Hunger Games and experiencing so much.
Claflin said he would avoid sharing an evening with Oswald Mosley from Peaky Blinders. He joked that Mosley might have plenty to say, but Claflin might not get a word in.
Key points
- Depp recognized Claflin at the Ebenezer read-through after about 15 or 16 years apart.
- Claflin said Depp’s greeting made him feel he belonged on the set.
- Depp’s playful handling of a dead goose prop brought extra joy to filming, Claflin said.
- Claflin plays Fred in Ti West’s Ebenezer, starring Depp as Scrooge.