Pop Sensation Lands First Major Film Role
Singer-songwriter and rising Hollywood talent Sabrina Carpenter is stepping into her first leading role in a major studio production. Universal Pictures has officially confirmed a whimsical new musical, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless 1865 fantasy Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with Carpenter taking center stage.
The still-untitled project will be helmed by acclaimed director and screenwriter Lorene Scafaria, best known for her work on the box office hit Hustlers and heartfelt dramedy The Meddler. According to Variety, Scafaria will both write and direct the film, blending her storytelling prowess with a reimagined take on Carroll’s surreal world.
Carpenter Expands Creative Role
In addition to leading the cast, Carpenter will also serve as a producer. She joins forces with Hollywood heavyweight Marc Platt under Marc Platt Productions, with additional production support from Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton of Alloy Entertainment.
This marks a significant leap in Carpenter’s career. While she has appeared in Netflix hits such as Tall Girl and The Hate U Give, she has primarily focused on music in recent years. Her latest album, Man’s Best Friend, has been a critical and commercial success, earning her six Grammy nominations — including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
The Project’s Journey to Universal
Industry insiders revealed that Carpenter first pitched the concept to Universal in early 2024. As the idea evolved, Scafaria came on board, bringing her signature directorial style to the fantasy-musical genre.
Scafaria’s recent credits include HBO’s I Love L.A. and episodes of the Emmy-winning drama Succession. Her 2019 film Hustlers, starring Jennifer Lopez, grossed over $100 million domestically, cementing her reputation as a director capable of balancing commercial appeal with compelling storytelling.
A Tale With Enduring Magic
Interestingly, Carpenter’s production company At Last Productions had previously partnered with Netflix in 2020 for a separate musical take on Alice in Wonderland. However, that version never reached production.
The source material itself has been enchanting audiences for over a century. Carroll’s whimsical tale about a curious girl’s journey through a fantastical realm has inspired countless adaptations — from Disney’s iconic 1951 animated feature to Tim Burton’s visually striking 2010 live-action film starring Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp.
What to Expect
While plot details remain under wraps, audiences can anticipate a vibrant mix of music, fantasy, and modern storytelling. Combining Carpenter’s chart-topping vocal talent with Scafaria’s cinematic vision, Universal’s upcoming Alice in Wonderland musical is poised to become one of the most talked-about releases in the coming years.
