Sabrina Carpenter to Star in a Musical Adaptation of Alice in Wonderland

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is primed to take center stage in her debut major studio film, a musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s cherished novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The project, currently untitled, is under the auspices of Universal Pictures and will be both penned and directed by Lorene Scafaria, known for her work on Hustlers and The Meddler.

This venture marks a pivotal moment for Carpenter, as she transitions from a celebrated pop artist to a leading figure in Hollywood. The film aims to merge elements of fantasy, emotion, and music, breathing new life into Carroll’s whimsical universe in a contemporary musical format.

A Transformative Opportunity for Sabrina Carpenter

Carpenter, recognized as one of the preeminent young talents in the entertainment landscape, not only takes on the role of lead actress but also steps into the role of producer. Collaborating with seasoned producer Marc Platt, famed for La La Land and Wicked, she will work through his Marc Platt Productions. Additionally, Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will produce the film alongside Alloy Entertainment.

This project underscores Carpenter’s growth from a Disney star to a creative force taking charge of her own narrative. Her hands-on approach in film production signifies her striving to curate stories that emphasize music, imagination, and empowerment.

Visionary Direction from Lorene Scafaria

This film will be helmed by Lorene Scafaria, a director and writer celebrated for her deep storytelling and ability to portray multifaceted female characters. Her 2019 film, Hustlers, which starred Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, ended up being both critically and commercially successful, grossing over $100 million in North America.

Having directed episodes of the acclaimed series Succession and HBO’s I Love L.A., Scafaria's diverse expertise positions her to blend grand spectacle with profound emotion, promising audiences a fresh but sophisticated interpretation of Wonderland.

A Contemporary Reimagining of ‘Alice’

Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, first published in 1865, stands as one of the most impactful fantasy narratives ever crafted. Its themes of curiosity, imagination, and identity remain relevant to audiences of all ages today.

The upcoming Universal musical intends to creatively reinterpret this classic for a modern audience, fusing the novel’s dreamlike qualities with Carpenter’s artistic flair. While specific plot details are yet to be disclosed, insiders suggest that this adaptation will not be a traditional retelling but will instead be a music-centric reimagining, merging Wonderland’s eccentric nature with today’s cultural dynamics.

With Carpenter’s involvement, audiences can expect that the film will feature fresh music and narratives centered on self-identity, themes prevalent both in Carroll’s tales and Carpenter’s songwriting.

From Disney Fame to Global Musical Icon

Before dominating music charts, Sabrina Carpenter garnered fame for her role in the Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World series. She then evolved into a fully-fledged pop artist, distinguished by her unique vocals, lyrical depth, and bold artistic decisions.

Her recent album, Man’s Best Friend (2024), soared to global acclaim, netting six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. The collection's blend of authenticity and bravado solidifies her as a leading voice in modern pop music.

By stepping into a film uniting her musical identity with the allure of fantasy storytelling, Carpenter explores new creative avenues, much like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, both of whom have successfully fused music and cinema.

A Passion Project Years in the Making

Reports indicate Carpenter first presented the idea to Universal Pictures in 2024, which quickly garnered excitement. Lorene Scafaria was later approached to develop and direct the story.

Interestingly, this isn’t Carpenter’s first connection to an Alice in Wonderland project. In 2020, her company, At Last Productions, conceptualized a musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for Netflix, which ultimately did not unfold. Now, the Universal project presents a renewed opportunity for Carpenter to realize her creative vision on a grand scale with substantial studio backing.

The Enduring Allure of Wonderland

Since its release, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has kindled the creativity of countless filmmakers, artists, and musicians. Notable adaptations have included Disney’s classic 1951 animated feature and Tim Burton’s live-action rendition in 2010 featuring Mia Wasikowska as Alice and Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

Every rendition has sought to reinterpret the surreal adventure of a young girl navigating a whimsical realm. The upcoming Universal musical aims to follow that legacy while infusing a modern touch, powered by pop music and emotional resonance.

Anticipating Future Developments

The project is still in its early development, with no set release dates or casting news as of yet. However, insiders speculate production could commence in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on Carpenter’s music commitments and Universal’s production schedule.

As Carpenter continues to rise, both as a Grammy-nominated artist and an emerging Hollywood force, this project is already among the most awaited musical films in the pipeline.

Sabrina Carpenter’s forthcoming musical, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, marks a crucial turning point in her career, combining her passion for music with a cherished literary classic to create a film that embraces imagination, identity, and artistic discovery.