Sabrina Carpenter to Lead & Produce Universal’s Alice Musical
Pop star and actress Sabrina Carpenter is embarking on a significant new venture, set to star in and produce a movie musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” for Universal Pictures. This project will be a fresh interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic Victorian-era novel, which has seen numerous iconic screen adaptations, including Disney's 1951 animated feature and Tim Burton’s 2010 live-action film. Carpenter initiated the project, approaching Universal in 2024, with Lorene Scafaria (known for “Hustlers”) later joining as writer and director. Esteemed producers Marc Platt (“Wicked”) and Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton of Alloy Entertainment are also on board, bringing substantial industry experience.
This role marks a significant career milestone for Carpenter, representing her first lead role in a feature film and her debut as a film producer. Her long-standing affection for the “Alice in Wonderland” tale is evident, having hosted an Alice-themed Sweet 16 party and previously signing on to a different adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. That earlier Netflix project, titled “ALICE,” was described as a modern-day musical set at a “WONDERLAND” music festival, but ultimately did not come to fruition. It remains unclear if the current Universal project will share any thematic or plot similarities with her 2020 plans, as no specific title or plot details have been released for the new film.
While widely recognized for her Grammy-nominated music career, Carpenter also possesses a strong acting background. As a “Disney kid,” she gained early fame with the lead role of Maya Hart in “Girl Meets World” and has appeared in films like “The Hate U Give” and “Tall Girl.” The new “Alice in Wonderland” musical offers Carpenter a unique opportunity to leverage her dual talents in singing and acting while expanding her influence into film production. The project benefits from her star power and the experienced team, though it faces the inherent challenge of reimagining a beloved story for a new generation while standing apart from its many celebrated predecessors.
Sabrina Carpenter's rise as a pop culture celebrity makes her an exciting choice to lead and produce Universal’s highly anticipated Alice Musical.
