Johnny Depp is back in a studio movie for the first time in years. His paycheck for the comeback is a lot smaller than fans might expect.

The actor was reportedly paid $5 million up front to star as Ebenezer Scrooge in "Ebenezer," a new take on the Charles Dickens holiday story.

That is a big step down for a star who once pulled in about $20 million a movie. Some of his biggest roles brought in far more once profits were counted.

Betting on the back end

Depp did not walk away with a small deal, though. Insiders say his contract pays bonuses if the film turns into a hit at the box office.

The studio kept the budget modest too. The movie cost roughly $37 million to $38 million to make.

A long road back

"Ebenezer" marks his first studio film in about eight years. His last big Hollywood role came in "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" in 2018.

The years since were filled with headlines about his personal life and a string of court fights.

Opening this week

Ti West directed the gothic retelling. Ian McKellen and Rupert Grint are also in the cast.

The film opens in theaters on November 13. Early tracking points to a modest first weekend.