Sabrina Carpenter Takes a Big Leap into Wonderland, Starring and Producing a New Musical Film

Get ready for a new twist on a classic tale! Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is set to not only star in but also produce an upcoming musical movie adaptation of Lewis Carroll's iconic "Alice in Wonderland" for Universal Pictures.

TL;DR

• Sabrina Carpenter will lead and produce a new musical film inspired by "Alice in Wonderland" for Universal Pictures.
• Lorene Scafaria ("Hustlers," "Succession") will write and direct, with "Wicked" producer Marc Platt also on board.
• This marks Carpenter's first major studio lead role and significant creative control in a passion project.

Stepping Through the Looking Glass: Sabrina Carpenter's Grand New Adventure

Imagine falling down a rabbit hole, but instead of landing in a nonsensical world, you tumble straight into a major Hollywood production where you're not just the star, but also a driving creative force. That's precisely the exciting journey Sabrina Carpenter is embarking on, as she prepares to lead and produce an untitled musical film inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved 1865 novel, "Alice in Wonderland." This isn't just another acting gig for the "Espresso" singer; it's a significant career milestone, blending her musical prowess with a substantial move into film production.

Universal Pictures confirmed this highly anticipated news on November 11, 2025, sending ripples of excitement through both the music and film worlds. For Carpenter, who has captivated audiences globally with her music and commanding stage presence, this project represents a long-held dream taking a tangible form. It's a testament to her evolving influence that she's stepping into a dual role that gives her creative control over such a high-profile adaptation.

A Dream Project Finds Its Creative Home at Universal Pictures

The path to this "Alice in Wonderland" musical has been a personal one for Carpenter. Sources indicate that this project is a true "passion project" for the global pop star. She reportedly approached Universal about a year ago with specific ideas and a visual "lookbook," demonstrating a clear vision for how she envisioned this classic tale reimagined for a new generation. As the concept matured, the studio brought in a formidable team to help bring her vision to life.

Lorene Scafaria, acclaimed for writing and directing the Jennifer Lopez-led crime drama "Hustlers," will helm this musical adaptation. Scafaria's versatile filmography also includes "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" and "The Meddler," alongside directing episodes of popular TV series like "New Girl" and the critically lauded "Succession." Her experience across genres, from gritty drama to sharp comedy, suggests a nuanced approach to Wonderland's blend of whimsy and underlying darkness.

The Powerhouse Producing Team Behind the Wonderland Magic

Joining Carpenter as a producer is none other than Marc Platt, a name synonymous with successful musical adaptations. Platt is the driving force behind the smash-hit Broadway and screen productions of "Wicked," with the second part of the film adaptation, "Wicked: For Good," set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. His extensive credits also include critically acclaimed films like "Legally Blonde" and "La La Land," demonstrating a profound understanding of how to translate music and narrative effectively to the big screen (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Borys Kit, "Sabrina Carpenter to Star and Produce 'Alice in Wonderland' Musical for Universal," November 11, 2025).

The producing team is further bolstered by Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton of Alloy Entertainment. This banner is known for its successful young adult franchises, including TV hits like "Gossip Girl" and "Pretty Little Liars." Their expertise in crafting stories that resonate with a younger demographic could be crucial in making this "Alice" adaptation fresh and relevant. Universal's Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the project for the studio, with Katie McNicol guiding it for Marc Platt Productions.

Sabrina Carpenter's Journey: From Disney Channel to Studio Powerhouse

For those who have followed Carpenter's career, this move feels like a natural, yet significant, evolution. She began her acting journey as a child star on the Disney Channel, famously playing Maya Hart in the comedy series "Girl Meets World." From there, she branched into films such as "The Hate U Give," "Tall Girl" and its sequel, "Work It," and Sundance festival darlings like "The Short History of the Long Road" and "Emergency." Her acting résumé is robust, showing a clear foundation for a lead role in a major studio picture (Source: E! News, "Sabrina Carpenter Will Have Multiple Roles in This Movie – Report," November 11, 2025).

More recently, Carpenter has dominated the music charts. Her album "Man's Best Friend" garnered six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Her singles have soared, with "Please, Please, Please" achieving a number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This immense musical success, coupled with her "Short n' Sweet" tour, proves she's a versatile artist with a massive, engaged fanbase (Source: Billboard, "Sabrina Carpenter's 'Alice in Wonderland' Project Is Finally Happening," November 11, 2025).

"Alice in Wonderland was my favorite movie," Carpenter revealed in a 2021 interview with Interview Magazine, a sentiment further proven by her Wonderland-themed 16th birthday party in 2015. This deeply personal connection suggests a nuanced portrayal and authentic vision for the character.

The Ever-Evolving Legacy of Alice in Wonderland: A Challenge and an Opportunity

Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a timeless narrative, and its status as a public domain work has led to countless adaptations across film, television, and stage. The most iconic versions include Disney's beloved 1951 animated classic and Tim Burton's 2010 live-action film, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide and starred Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp. The challenge for any new adaptation lies in distinguishing itself from these well-established interpretations.

One potential limitation of embarking on another "Alice" story is the sheer volume of existing content. Audiences have seen many versions, from whimsical to dark, animated to live-action. This saturation means the new musical must offer a truly unique perspective to captivate viewers and avoid unfavorable comparisons. However, this challenge also presents a significant opportunity: to craft an "Alice" that feels distinctly modern, musical, and perhaps even genre-bending, leveraging Scafaria's proven directorial flair and Carpenter's contemporary pop sensibility.

Another point of uncertainty is the current lack of specific plot details. While it's confirmed as a musical and inspired by Carroll's novel, the precise take and Carpenter's specific role are still under wraps. This could lead to some fan speculation and varied expectations. Yet, this ambiguity also allows for immense creative freedom, potentially leading to a surprising and innovative narrative that defies preconceived notions of what an "Alice" story can be. As one article noted, Universal's take promises "going down a rabbit hole with a shot of espresso," hinting at an energetic and fresh perspective (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, November 11, 2025).

A Real-World Scenario: The Fan's Anticipation for a Modern Wonderland

Imagine a devoted Carpenter fan, Sarah, a 20-something college student who's been following Sabrina since her Disney Channel days. Sarah downloaded "Emails I Can't Send" the day it dropped, knows all the lyrics to "Espresso" by heart, and even saw Sabrina perform live on her "Short n' Sweet" tour. When the news broke about the "Alice in Wonderland" musical, Sarah's group chat exploded. "Sabrina as Alice? And producing it? This isn't going to be some sleepy fairytale," she texted her friends. "She's going to bring her whole vibe to it, make it fresh. I bet it'll be a little mischievous, totally stylish, and the songs will be bops. Plus, Lorene Scafaria from 'Hustlers'? This is going to be edgy, not just sweet." Sarah immediately started brainstorming potential song titles and imagining Carpenter's wardrobe in a modern Wonderland, already counting down the days until a trailer drops.

This scenario highlights the unique draw Carpenter brings: her established brand of confident, relatable pop star can infuse a classic character with a contemporary spirit, appealing to her existing fanbase while potentially drawing in new audiences looking for a fresh take on a familiar story. The success of Universal's "Wicked" films also sets a precedent for ambitious musical adaptations, suggesting the studio is keen on continuing this momentum with another beloved property. Universal clearly sees "Alice in Wonderland" as a potential "Wicked" replacement in their musical lineup, eager to capitalize on the genre's current popularity (Source: MovieWeb, "After The Success of Wicked, Sabrina Carpenter Will Star In A Musical Alice in Wonderland Movie," November 11, 2025).

What This Means for Sabrina Carpenter and the Future of Musical Films

This project signifies a bold new chapter for Sabrina Carpenter. Her dual role as star and producer grants her significant creative influence, a rare feat for an artist still relatively early in her mainstream movie career. It demonstrates a profound trust from Universal Pictures in her artistic vision and commercial appeal. Her prior statement about "trusting my own instincts" (Source: Time, 2024) resonates strongly here, indicating a confident step into a role that demands both performance and strategic leadership.

The choice of "Alice in Wonderland" also reflects a broader trend in Hollywood: the continued appetite for reimagining classic stories, particularly through the musical lens. With Marc Platt's involvement, this project is positioned to build on the success of the "Wicked" films, further cementing musical adaptations as a viable and lucrative avenue for major studios. This isn't just about making another "Alice" film; it's about making an "Alice" film that matters to a new generation, with a star who truly believes in its potential.

Practical Takeaways for Fans and Film Enthusiasts

• Expect a Fresh, Modern Twist: With Sabrina Carpenter's contemporary pop sensibility and Lorene Scafaria's edgy directorial style, this won't be your grandmother's "Alice in Wonderland." Anticipate a vibrant, perhaps even mischievous, musical interpretation.
• A New Era for Sabrina: This film marks Sabrina Carpenter's first major studio lead role and significant foray into producing, granting her substantial creative control and cementing her status as a multi-talented force in entertainment.
• Musical Film Momentum: Universal Pictures is doubling down on musical adaptations following the success of "Wicked," indicating a strong studio commitment to the genre and potentially opening doors for more exciting projects down the line.
• A Star-Studded Creative Team: The combination of Marc Platt's musical expertise, Lorene Scafaria's proven storytelling, and Alloy Entertainment's young adult appeal promises a high-quality production with broad appeal.
• Keep an Eye Out for Details: While plot specifics are currently under wraps, the team's creative background suggests a unique and possibly unexpected narrative direction, so stay tuned for future announcements!

Sources

• E! News, "Sabrina Carpenter Will Have Multiple Roles in This Movie – Report," November 11, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Sabrina Carpenter to Star and Produce 'Alice in Wonderland' Musical for Universal," Borys Kit, November 11, 2025.
• BBC Newsbeat, "Sabrina Carpenter to lead musical Alice in Wonderland film," Jasmine Sandhar, November 11, 2025.
• Deadline, "Sabrina Carpenter to Star In & Produce Untitled ‘Alice In Wonderland’ Musical For Universal; Lorene Scafaria To Direct," Matt Grobar, November 11, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "After The Success of Wicked, Sabrina Carpenter Will Star In A Musical Alice in Wonderland Movie," November 11, 2025.
• ABC Audio, "Sabrina Carpenter to star in and produce ‘Alice in Wonderland’ musical for Universal," November 11, 2025.
• Billboard, "Sabrina Carpenter's 'Alice in Wonderland' Project Is Finally Happening," November 11, 2025.
• Glamour UK, (Quoted in E! News), 2023.
• Interview Magazine, (Quoted in E! News), 2021.
• Time, (Quoted in E! News), 2024.