Sabrina Carpenter to Star in “Alice in Wonderland” Musical

Sabrina Carpenter is gearing up to make a major leap from the music world into big-screen cinema. According to sources, she will both star in and produce a new musical adaptation inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, backed by Universal Pictures.

From Pop Stardom to Studio Spotlight

This marks Carpenter’s first leading role in a major-studio theatrical release, after focusing for years on her burgeoning music career and selective acting roles.

The announcement came hot on the heels of her earning six Grammy nominations for her latest album, Man’s Best Friend.

A Creative Team Behind the Rabbit Hole

The film will be written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, known for her work on the crime drama Hustlers and episodes of the HBO series Succession. Moreover, her appointment signals that the project aims to blend the musical format with bold storytelling.

Producing alongside Carpenter are industry heavy-hitters: Marc Platt (whose credits include major film musicals) through Marc Platt Productions, and Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton.

What We Know (and What We Don’t)

Very few plot details have been revealed. The film is described as “inspired by” Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, rather than a direct remake of the Disney classic or the Tim Burton versions. It’s likely the narrative will take fresh, musical-driven liberties rather than a straightforward adaptation.

Carpenter reportedly first pitched the concept to Universal in 2024. At that point, the project had been in the works under her banner and now has evolved into a full studio musical. No release date or official title has been announced yet, but insiders expect production to ramp up in the coming months.

Why This Matters for Carpenter and Hollywood

For Sabrina Carpenter, this is a clear career pivot. Additionally, having achieved major success in music and built a solid acting resume in smaller projects, the move to lead a major studio musical puts her in the company of artists who have bridged music and film in high-profile ways. The commitment to produce as well shows her increasing creative ambition and business acumen.

From an industry perspective, the film taps into the trend of adapting beloved literature into large-scale musicals — a format that, when executed well, can become cultural events. With Carpenter’s fanbase, the musical pedigree of the team, and the recognisable source material, the project has both commercial and artistic potential.

Risks and Opportunities Ahead

The upside is clear: if the film hits, Carpenter could emerge as a serious multi-talented star, and the studio gets a built-in audience. On the flip side, musicals are riskier in today’s market, and revisiting Alice in Wonderland demands a fresh vision to avoid feeling redundant. Carpenter’s dual role means her performance, production decisions, and public reception all influence the outcome.

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