Sabrina Carpenter is trading the concert stage for the silver screen in a major new venture. The Grammy-nominated pop sensation will star in and produce an untitled musical feature at Universal Pictures inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
A Dream Project Years in the Making
The project represents a significant milestone for Carpenter, marking her first leading role in a major studio feature. Acclaimed writer-director Lorene Scafaria, known for her work on the hit thriller “Hustlers” and HBO’s “Succession,” will helm the film and pen the screenplay.
Sources close to the production reveal that Carpenter initially pitched the concept to Universal in 2024, with Scafaria joining the creative team as the project developed. The timing couldn’t be better for the 25-year-old artist, who recently received six Grammy nominations for her seventh studio album “Man’s Best Friend,” including nods for album of the year, record of the year, and song of the year.
From Pop Star to Movie Star
While Carpenter has dabbled in acting before—appearing in Netflix’s “Tall Girl” films and the critically acclaimed drama “The Hate U Give”—she has primarily focused on her music career in recent years. This musical will mark her first feature film role since achieving massive commercial success and Grammy recognition with her 2024 album “Short n’ Sweet.”
The new project will leverage Carpenter’s musical talents alongside her acting abilities, creating what could be a perfect vehicle for showcasing her multifaceted artistry. Carpenter will produce through her production company alongside industry veteran Marc Platt via his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions. Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will also produce through Alloy Entertainment.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Tale
Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” now in the public domain, has inspired countless adaptations since its 1865 publication. The literary classic has generated over 50 film and television interpretations—some estimates place the number closer to 80 when including various media formats. These range from early silent films dating back to 1903 to modern blockbusters like Disney’s 1951 animated classic and Tim Burton’s 2010 live-action reimagining.
Each generation has brought its own perspective to Carroll’s whimsical, surreal story of a young girl’s adventures down the rabbit hole. With Carpenter’s contemporary pop sensibility and Scafaria’s proven track record for creating compelling female-driven narratives, this new musical promises a fresh interpretation for modern audiences.
Scafaria’s Proven Track Record
Lorene Scafaria brings impressive credentials to the director’s chair. Her 2019 film “Hustlers,” starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, earned over $100 million at the North American box office and received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp writing and direction. She’s also directed episodes of prestige television including “Succession” and HBO’s “I Love L.A.,” and helmed feature comedies “The Meddler” and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.” Her upcoming A24 thriller “Jonty,” starring Jesse Plemons and Cole Escola, further demonstrates her versatility as a filmmaker.
A Second Chance at Wonderland
Interestingly, this isn’t Carpenter’s first attempt at bringing a musical version of “Alice in Wonderland” to life. Netflix previously acquired a feature pitch for an “Alice in Wonderland” musical from Carpenter’s At Last Productions banner back in 2020, before her meteoric rise as one of pop music’s biggest global stars. That project never materialized, making this Universal production something of a second chance to realize her creative vision.
Universal’s Ryan Jones, senior vice president of production development, and Jacqueline Garell, director of production development, will oversee the project for the studio. Katie McNicol will supervise for Marc Platt Productions.
As streaming platforms and studios continue seeking fresh content that appeals to younger demographics, a musical starring one of today’s hottest pop stars seems like a strategic bet. With Carpenter’s massive fanbase, Scafaria’s directorial prowess, and the enduring appeal of Carroll’s fantastical world, this new take on “Alice in Wonderland” could become a major event film when it eventually reaches theaters.
