Sabrina Carpenter is headed to the movies. The pop star will star in her first major studio production in Universal Pictures’ new musical.
This project was inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical picaresque novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which is in the public domain. Written and directed by Laureen Scafaria.
In addition to starring, Carpenter will produce the untitled project with Marc Platt through Universal-based Marc Platt Productions. Leslie Morgenstein and Elisa Koplowitz-Dutton are also producing through Alloy Entertainment.
The project comes just a week after Carpenter was nominated for six Grammy Awards for his seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Carpenter is no stranger to film acting, with supporting roles in Netflix’s Tall Girl and The Hate U Give. However, in recent years he has mainly focused on music. The new musical will be Carpenter’s first full-length production since his 2024 album Short and Sweet, which achieved massive commercial success and won a Grammy Award.
Sources close to the deal say Carpenter first approached Universal about the project in 2024. Scafaria joined as writer and director as the concept developed.
Mr. Scafaria last directed HBO’s “I Love LA” and directed an episode of “Succession.” She wrote and directed the original R-rated thriller “Hustlers,” which grossed over $100 million at the North American box office in 2019. Other writer-director works include the comedies “The Meddler” and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.” Scafaria will next direct the A24 thriller “Jonty,” starring Jesse Plemons and Cole Escola.
Notably, Netflix had previously acquired the lead project for the musical Alice in Wonderland from the Carpenters at Last Productions banner. The deal was announced in 2020 and predates Carpenter’s recent rise as one of pop music’s biggest global artists. This project ultimately never materialized.
Universal’s Senior Vice President or Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garrel are overseeing the project. Katie McNicol will direct for Marc Platt Productions.
Mr. Carpenter is repped by Bill Perlman and Darci Price of Foundation Media Partners. Janelle Lopez Genzink, Amy Davidson and Merce Jessor of Volara Management; Stephanie Ramsey of Paradigm Talent. and Rede. Scafaria is represented by UTA, Narrative and Dern Weber.
