Sabrina Carpenter steps into a new cinematic dreamscape with Alice in Wonderland — the Universal Pictures musical film that marks her long-awaited return to the big screen. Blending pop energy, fantasy, and emotional storytelling, this reimagined tale brings the singer’s creative universe to life in the most magical way

Sabrina Carpenter is about to step into her own cinematic “Wonderland,” as the pop sensation takes on the lead role and co-produces Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated musical film Alice in Wonderland. A project that had been dormant for nearly five years, it’s finally being revived under the creative direction of filmmaker Lorene Scafaria — known for her stylish, emotionally rich work in Hustlers and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.

For Sabrina Carpenter, this marks not just a movie comeback but a full-circle moment in her career. The singer-songwriter, currently at the peak of her musical success with Grammy wins and multiple chart-topping singles, is set to portray a reimagined version of Alice — a character brought to life through a fresh pop perspective. The film is expected to be a dazzling mix of music, color, and emotion, blending Carpenter’s stage charisma with a cinematic story about self-discovery.

The new Alice in Wonderland is set in an alternate, festival-inspired universe called “Wonderland,” where Alice must find herself through music, dance, and imagination. The film will feature original songs — several of which Carpenter is co-writing — seamlessly merging her musical identity with narrative storytelling.

Universal Pictures’ collaboration with Carpenter signals a renewed investment in the movie musical genre. Alongside Lorene Scafaria, the film’s production team includes Marc Platt — the powerhouse producer behind La La Land and Wicked — as well as Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton of Alloy Entertainment. Together, they’re crafting a project that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge, designed for a generation that lives at the intersection of pop culture and fantasy.

This isn’t the first time Carpenter has been attached to a musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. The concept originally began in 2020 as a Netflix production under her own company, At Last Productions. However, after creative shifts and studio changes, the project was shelved — until Universal revived it, giving Carpenter full creative freedom and a larger international platform to bring her vision to life.

Carpenter’s return to acting comes at a time when her star power has never been brighter. Following her global success with Emails I Can’t Send, Short n’ Sweet, and the viral Nonsense, she has become one of the most talked-about artists in pop music. Her blend of humor, heart, and self-awareness has made her a rare figure in modern pop — an artist who can fill stadiums one day and command the big screen the next.

Her acting roots, of course, run deep. She first captured audiences on Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World before moving into feature films such as Work It, Tall Girl, The Hate U Give, and Clouds. Each role showcased her versatility and charm, making her transition back to film feel completely natural. With her vocal talent, expressive range, and creative control, Carpenter seems destined for a musical role like Alice — one that allows her to fuse storytelling with song.

Lorene Scafaria, who will direct the film, described her vision as “a dreamlike, emotionally charged musical that speaks to both fans of the classic tale and a new generation raised in the digital age.” Scafaria praised Carpenter’s involvement, calling her “an instinctive performer with a cinematic presence and a voice that tells a story all its own.”

The excitement surrounding the announcement has already flooded social media. The phrase “Sabrina as Alice” quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans sharing artwork and edits inspired by the project. Many are predicting that the film’s soundtrack could become one of the standout musical releases of its year — a blend of theatrical pop, electronic textures, and soulful melodies that reflect Carpenter’s artistic evolution.

According to early production details, Alice in Wonderland is slated for release in late 2026, with filming expected to begin next year. Sources close to the production have hinted that Carpenter has already recorded demo versions of several original tracks. Insiders describe the songs as “dreamy pop landscapes” that balance fantasy with emotional honesty — a hallmark of Carpenter’s musical style.

For Universal, this film represents both a creative and cultural investment, aiming to revive the modern musical with youthful energy and emotional depth. For Carpenter, it’s a chance to bridge her two worlds — the one where she commands global tours and the one where she tells stories through cinema.

Over the last few years, Sabrina Carpenter has proven herself to be more than a pop star — she’s an artist who builds worlds. Between her fashion campaigns, sold-out concerts, and chart-topping singles, she’s shown an uncanny ability to reinvent herself while staying authentic. Alice in Wonderland might just be the perfect metaphor for her own creative journey — a leap into the unknown with heart, humor, and imagination leading the way.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Sabrina Carpenter, it’s that when she steps through a new door, she doesn’t just enter a new world — she creates one from scratch.