Pop star’s big-screen pivot

Sabrina Carpenter is stepping into her first major studio lead, anchoring a new musical take on “Alice in Wonderland” at Universal Pictures. The project gives the chart-topping singer a showcase for acting and vocals after a breakout year on stage and streaming. Producers are positioning the film as a contemporary journey through identity and spectacle, with original songs and a reimagined Wonderland. Development details remain under wraps, but early loglines nod to a heroine navigating fame, fantasy, and the costs of curiosity. Industry watchers note the timing: studios are leaning on music-driven IP to galvanize theatrical audiences and social media buzz. Carpenter’s casting taps a fan base primed to convert playlists into ticket lines.

Why it matters for the holiday slate

If Universal lands the right creative team and release window, the film could join a wave of pop-centric musicals that travel well internationally and feed back into touring. Music supervisors and streaming platforms increasingly blur the line between soundtrack and single, giving stars multiple charts to climb. For Carpenter, the role deepens a portfolio that spans viral hits and late-night performances; for the studio, it’s a bet that Gen-Z’s song-first habits can revive repeat moviegoing. Expect announcements on director, composers, and co-stars soon, and watch for brand tie-ins—from fashion to interactive filters—that keep Wonderland in the feed long before opening night.