Sabrina Carpenter will star in a new Alice in Wonderland film and also take on a producer role, according to a report from NME. The project, described as her “passion project”, marks a decisive step in the singer-actor’s expanding screen career and adds a high-profile literary classic to her slate. The news signals Carpenter’s growing influence in film at a moment when her music profile continues to rise globally. While key creative details remain under wraps, the decision to anchor and help steer a fresh take on Lewis Carroll’s story positions Carpenter at the centre of one of popular culture’s most recognisable worlds. Fans and industry watchers now look for clues about the film’s tone, format and team, and for how Carpenter will shape a story that has captivated audiences for more than 150 years.
The announcement surfaced on Wednesday 12 November 2025 via NME. The report did not include a release timetable, location, studio, or other principal attachments.
Carpenter steps into Wonderland as star and producer
Carpenter will headline the project and serve as a producer, NME reported. That dual role suggests she will help shape development and creative direction. NME described the film as her “passion project,” a phrase that points to a personal investment in the material beyond a standard casting move. The combination of starring and producing has become more common for multi-hyphenate performers who want a say in story, casting and music, as well as in how a film reaches audiences.
Carpenter has navigated film and television work alongside a surging recording career. By taking on producer duties, she signals that she plans to influence both the creative and commercial path of the Alice in Wonderland venture. With no plot synopsis, director or writer named in the NME report, the scope of her producing input will become clearer as further details emerge.
A classic ripe for reinvention: Carroll’s tale on screen
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1865, remains one of English literature’s most enduring works. The story follows Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a world where logic bends and identity shifts. Adaptations span more than a century, from the 1951 Walt Disney animated feature to Tim Burton’s live-action Alice in Wonderland in 2010 and sequel Alice Through the Looking Glass in 2016. Each version has updated the tone and look while keeping core characters such as the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts.
Filmmakers return to Carroll’s world because it offers flexible themes—curiosity, coming of age, and the challenge of finding one’s voice—that adapt well to new generations. A fresh film can reinterpret imagery, play with music and fashion, and appeal to audiences who know the story through books, cinema, theatre and games. Carpenter’s involvement adds modern pop appeal to a property with multi-generational recognition.
From Disney alumna to chart-busting pop force with screen credits
Carpenter first gained a mainstream audience on Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World, which ran from 2014 to 2017. She then built a film résumé that includes starring roles in Work It (2020) and a key part in Clouds (2020), alongside appearances in Tall Girl 2 (2022). Those projects established her credibility on camera and showed that she can headline a film, handle ensemble work and blend performance with music when needed.
Her recording career accelerated in recent years, with the 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send and widely discussed singles in 2024, including Espresso and Please Please Please. She followed with new music and high-profile live performances that drew global attention. That momentum gives her a ready-made audience for a film project and potential for cross-promotional moments, should the producers choose to align music and marketing.
What the announcement confirms—and what remains unknown
Wednesday’s report confirmed three core facts: Sabrina Carpenter will star, she will produce, and the project has been described as her “passion project.” Beyond that, the NME piece did not list a director, a screenwriter, a production company, a filming schedule, or a release date. The report did not identify whether the film will debut in cinemas, stream on a platform, or pursue a hybrid release.
That lack of detail is common at an early stage. Casting attachments often lead initial announcements, with financing, creative team and distribution to follow. In this case, the next updates to watch for include the creative team, a logline that clarifies the adaptation angle, and confirmation of format: a contemporary reimagining, a period-set approach, a musical, or another concept.
Why this move matters in today’s film business
Artists who cross from music to film increasingly secure producing roles to give them agency over narrative, music integration and branding. The arrangement can strengthen creative cohesion and help control how a film’s promotional cycle aligns with touring, releases and social campaigns. It can also provide a measure of protection in a volatile market by tying star power to creative oversight.
An Alice in Wonderland film carries built-in awareness, which can reduce marketing risk. It also carries high expectations. Visual design, tone and casting choices face heavy scrutiny because audiences know the characters well. A clear creative vision and strong team will help the production differentiate itself from earlier versions while respecting the story’s core.
A story with music-friendly possibilities—if the team chooses that path
Carroll’s narrative structure and dreamlike imagery give filmmakers licence to experiment with visuals and sound. If producers decide to weave music into the story, a performer with Carpenter’s profile could help deliver a cohesive auditory identity. That said, the NME report did not define the film as a musical, nor did it detail any soundtrack plan. Until the team announces a direction, any assumptions about tone or genre would go beyond the facts.
What remains clear is that audiences know Alice in Wonderland as a world of bold colour, offbeat humour and emotional undercurrents. The right approach can connect with family audiences and older viewers who grew up with earlier adaptations, as well as with fans who follow Carpenter’s music.
Fans and industry watch for team, tone and timeline
The next signals will likely arrive through formal studio notes or trade announcements that name a director and writer. Those hires often reveal tone: a filmmaker known for fantasy, drama or comedy points to the path ahead. Production design and costume leadership also matter for this material, given Wonderland’s signature look.
Timelines in contemporary film development vary, especially for projects that may require significant design and visual effects. Until the producers confirm a schedule, observers should treat any timing guesses with caution. For now, interest focuses on how the film will interpret Carroll, how it will use Carpenter’s strengths on screen, and whether the production will target cinemas or a major streaming platform.
Sabrina Carpenter’s move to lead and produce an Alice in Wonderland film sets a clear marker for her next phase. She aligns herself with a globally recognised story and takes on the responsibility that comes with shaping it. According to NME, she views the project as a “passion project,” which suggests she will invest time and care in the adaptation process. Key details—including director, script approach and release plan—have yet to surface. When those arrive, they will define the film’s tone, schedule and route to audience. For now, the announcement signals ambition and intent: Carpenter plans to build on a strong run in music and screen work by taking
