First look: Sir Ian McKellen in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol

Newly released pictures from the film offer a first glimpse of the Bolton School old boy as Jacob Marley, the ghostly former business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Sir Ian joins a star-studded cast led by Johnny Depp, who takes on the role of Scrooge in director Ti West’s darker interpretation of the beloved story.

The newly unveiled still shows the veteran actor transformed into Marley, giving audiences their clearest look yet at his role in the film ahead of its November release.

The fantasy adaptation brings together an ensemble cast that includes Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Ellie Bamber, Charlie Murphy and Severance star Tramell Tillman.

While previous publicity focused largely on Depp’s transformation into the infamous miser, the latest images shine a spotlight on Sir Ian’s portrayal of the character whose supernatural visit sets Scrooge’s redemption story in motion.

According to reports, Ebenezer will lean further into the unsettling elements of Dickens’ tale.

Sir Ian McKellen has enjoyed an incredible career. (Image: NQ)

West, best known for horror films including the X trilogy, has spoken of his desire to make the story’s spirits feel genuinely frightening rather than simply festive.

Sir Ian’s role as Marley places him at the heart of that supernatural vision.

In the recently released trailer, Scrooge is seen desperately trying to escape the apparitions that haunt him, including the ghost of his former business associate.

The 87-year-old actor attended Bolton School before embarking on a career that would see him become one of Britain’s most celebrated performers.

Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings. (Image: Royal Mail)

McKellen, who is best known for roles including Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as Magneto in the X-Men franchise, has often spoken warmly about his links to the town.

He will reprise the latter of those roles in Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to release in cinemas on December 18.

His latest screen appearance in Ebenezer comes alongside Depp, with the pair featuring in what has been described as a dark fantasy retelling of Dickens’ 1843 novella.

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol is due to arrive in cinemas on November 13.