Sabrina Carpenter Leads Alice in Wonderland-Inspired Musical

Pop icon Sabrina Carpenter is set to headline her first major studio film, a musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The untitled project, backed by Universal Pictures, will be written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Hustlers and The Meddler.

This marks a significant milestone in Carpenter’s career as she transitions from a chart-topping pop star to a Hollywood leading lady. The film is expected to blend fantasy, music, and emotion — bringing Carroll’s imaginative world to life in a modern, musical format.

A Big Leap for Sabrina Carpenter

Carpenter, who has become one of the most successful young performers in the entertainment industry, is not only starring in the film but also producing it. She joins hands with veteran producer Marc Platt, known for La La Land and the Wicked movies, through his Marc Platt Productions. Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will also co-produce the film under Alloy Entertainment.

This project highlights Carpenter’s evolution from a former Disney Channel star into a creative powerhouse. Her growing involvement in film production demonstrates her commitment to shaping the type of stories she wants to tell — ones that combine music, imagination, and empowerment.

Lorene Scafaria Brings a Visionary Touch

The movie will be helmed by Lorene Scafaria, a writer-director praised for her storytelling depth and ability to portray complex female characters. Her 2019 film Hustlers, starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, became a critical and commercial success, earning over $100 million in North America.

Scafaria’s experience directing episodes of the award-winning series Succession and the HBO film I Love L.A. shows her range in handling both intimate drama and large-scale production. Her involvement ensures the project will balance spectacle with meaningful emotion — offering audiences a fresh and sophisticated take on Wonderland.

A Reimagined ‘Alice’ for a New Generation

Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, first published in 1865, remains one of the most influential fantasy stories of all time. Its themes of curiosity, imagination, and identity continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

The new Universal musical will reportedly reinterpret the classic tale for contemporary audiences, combining the novel’s dreamlike essence with Carpenter’s modern artistic energy. While plot details are still under wraps, insiders suggest that this won’t be a traditional retelling but a music-driven reimagining that infuses Wonderland’s eccentric spirit with today’s cultural sensibilities.

Carpenter’s involvement suggests that the film will likely feature original music and a narrative exploring self-discovery — ideas central to both Carroll’s novel and Carpenter’s songwriting.

From Disney Star to Global Pop Phenomenon

Before conquering the music charts, Sabrina Carpenter first gained fame for her role in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World. Over time, she transitioned into a full-fledged pop artist known for her distinctive voice, lyrical storytelling, and bold artistic choices.

Her latest studio album, Man’s Best Friend (2024), became a global success, earning six Grammy nominations — including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. The album’s mix of vulnerability and confidence solidified Carpenter’s position among the most influential voices in contemporary pop music.

Now, by stepping into a film that blends her musical identity with fantasy storytelling, Carpenter is extending her creative boundaries — much like predecessors Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, who have successfully bridged music and cinema.

A Long-Developing Passion Project

According to production sources, Carpenter first proposed the concept to Universal Pictures in 2024. The idea quickly gained interest, and Scafaria was later brought on board to develop the story and direct the feature.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Carpenter has been linked to an Alice in Wonderland project. In 2020, her company, At Last Productions, developed a musical version of Alice in Wonderland for Netflix, but that version was ultimately shelved. The Universal project now gives Carpenter a renewed opportunity to bring her creative vision for Wonderland to life — this time on a larger scale and with full studio support.

The Timeless Appeal of Wonderland

Since its publication, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has inspired generations of filmmakers, artists, and musicians. Iconic adaptations include Disney’s 1951 animated classic and Tim Burton’s 2010 live-action film, which starred Mia Wasikowska as Alice and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

Each version has reinterpreted the surreal tale of a young girl’s journey through a whimsical world of imagination. The upcoming Universal musical is expected to continue that tradition — but with a distinctly modern twist, infused with pop music and emotional depth.

What’s Next for the Project

The movie is currently in early development, with no official release date or casting announcements yet. However, industry insiders believe that production could begin in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on Carpenter’s music schedule and Universal’s production lineup.

Given Carpenter’s current momentum — both as a Grammy-nominated artist and a growing force in Hollywood — the project is already one of the most anticipated musical films in development.

Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming Alice in Wonderland-inspired musical represents a major turning point in her career. By combining her passion for music with a beloved literary classic, she is set to deliver a film that celebrates imagination, identity, and artistic freedom.