Pop sensation and rising Hollywood star Sabrina Carpenter is set to take audiences on a reimagined journey down the rabbit hole. The multi-talented artist will both star in and produce a brand-new musical film inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland — a fresh, modern take developed by Universal Pictures.
This new adaptation promises to be an energetic, music-driven adventure that reinterprets the beloved story for today’s generation — blending fantasy, whimsy, and a strong dose of Sabrina’s signature charisma and creativity.
A Modern Musical Spin on a Timeless Tale
The upcoming film, still untitled, will bring to life the fantastical world of Wonderland through a new lens — one filled with vibrant music, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling. While details remain under wraps, insiders suggest that this project is a deeply personal endeavor for Sabrina Carpenter, who initially pitched the concept to the studio herself.
Sabrina reportedly presented a lookbook and creative ideas nearly a year ago, expressing her vision for a unique, music-infused reimagining of Alice in Wonderland. Her approach impressed Universal executives, setting the wheels in motion for what could become one of the most talked-about musical films of the decade.
The Powerhouse Team Behind the Project
To bring Sabrina’s vision to life, Universal has assembled a powerhouse creative team. Lorene Scafaria, known for her critically acclaimed film Hustlers starring Jennifer Lopez, will both write and direct the feature. Scafaria’s experience with character-driven storytelling and music-infused narratives makes her a perfect match for the whimsical yet emotionally layered tone of Alice in Wonderland.
Marc Platt, one of Hollywood’s most renowned producers of musical films, has joined as a producer. Platt’s impressive portfolio includes La La Land, Legally Blonde, and the Wicked musical adaptations. With Wicked: For Good — the second part of his Wicked saga — set to release in November 2025, Platt continues to be a driving force in bringing spectacular musical stories to the big screen.
Also joining the project are Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton from Alloy Entertainment — the production company responsible for iconic television series such as Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. Together, this creative team blends the worlds of music, drama, and fantasy into what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
A Reimagined Wonderland
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland has fascinated readers for over 150 years with its dreamlike imagery, eccentric characters, and themes of curiosity and self-discovery. The tale follows young Alice, who tumbles down a rabbit hole into a bizarre and whimsical world filled with talking animals, strange tea parties, and the mischievous Cheshire Cat.
The story has seen countless adaptations — from Disney’s 1951 animated film to Tim Burton’s 2010 blockbuster starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. However, this upcoming Universal musical aims to reimagine Wonderland in a bold, contemporary way, blending pop culture energy with fantasy storytelling and catchy musical numbers.
While it’s not yet confirmed which character Sabrina Carpenter will play, many fans speculate that she could bring a dynamic new version of Alice — one that mirrors her own journey as a young woman navigating fame, creativity, and identity.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Expanding Universe
Sabrina Carpenter continues to dominate both the music and film industries with her growing list of achievements. Fresh off six nominations at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Carpenter is recognized in major categories such as Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for her hit record “Man’s Best Friend.” She also received nods for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video for “Manchild.”
Beyond her music, Sabrina’s acting career has steadily evolved. She gained early fame through Disney’s Girl Meets World and has since taken on mature roles in films like The Hate U Give and Emergency. Her growing influence across multiple industries makes her one of the most versatile young talents in Hollywood today.
Lorene Scafaria’s Vision and Track Record
Director Lorene Scafaria brings a strong background in female-led storytelling and music-driven cinema. Her previous film Hustlers (2019) was a major critical and commercial success, earning her a Best Director nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.
More recently, Scafaria directed the pilot and several episodes of HBO’s I Love LA, a comedy series created by Rachel Sennott. She’s also directed episodes of HBO’s acclaimed drama Succession, showcasing her versatility and command of both comedy and drama.
Starting her career as a screenwriter, Scafaria penned Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist — a cult favorite for its blend of youthful energy and heartfelt music. Her involvement in Alice in Wonderland signals that audiences can expect a visually dazzling film with an emotional, character-driven core.
What Makes This Adaptation Special
Unlike traditional retellings, this version of Alice in Wonderland is expected to be a fully-fledged musical, merging fantasy storytelling with original songs and dynamic choreography. With Sabrina Carpenter’s powerhouse vocals and Scafaria’s cinematic flair, the film could mark a new era of musical cinema — one that speaks to both nostalgia and innovation.
According to reports, the project is being overseen by Ryan Jones and Jacqueline Garell from Universal’s production development team, with Katie McNicol managing the project for Marc Platt Productions.
Although no release date has been confirmed yet, excitement is already building across the entertainment industry. Fans are eager to see how this all-star creative team will reinterpret Wonderland for a modern audience — one that craves imaginative escapism with an emotional heartbeat.
Final Thoughts
With Sabrina Carpenter at the helm as both star and producer, and Lorene Scafaria guiding the narrative, this musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland is shaping up to be one of the most exciting film projects on the horizon. Combining timeless fantasy with the energy of contemporary pop culture, the film could very well redefine what a modern movie musical can be.
Audiences should prepare to follow Sabrina down the rabbit hole — where dreams, music, and imagination collide.