Warner Bros. Pictures has announced Ariana Grande will star in their animated musical adaptation of Dr Seuss' classic book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" alongside Josh Gad.
The film, set for theatrical release in IMAX on March 17, 2028, will be directed by Jon M. Chu and Jill Culton with original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
This high-profile casting comes amid growing fan concerns about Grande's music career as she continues to book major acting roles.
The singer addressed these concerns directly on social media, stating: "Singing and music is and has always been my lifeline." She added, "There will need to be room made for all of it," suggesting she plans to continue both acting and music careers.
Grande acknowledged her career "may not look exactly like it did before but I much prefer how it looks in my head," while teasing fans with news that she's "working on a plan to sing for you all next year, even if it's just for a little."
This Dr. Seuss project marks Grande's latest Hollywood commitment following her starring role as Glinda in Universal's Wicked adaptation, with the second part scheduled for November release.
She's also set to appear in the next Meet the Parents franchise instalment alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. These back-to-back film projects have left fans speculating about her musical future, especially since she hasn't toured since her 2019 Sweetener World Tour.
Fan reactions have been mixed. Michael Rodrigues De Jesus, a devoted fan, told BBC Newsbeat: "I've seen different discourses online where people are really upset that she's doing movies. I did feel a bit of that same sentiment.
“Like are we ever going to get another tour? Has she found a home in acting that she wants to stay in forever?" However, he added, "As a fan it's exciting to see an artist you like doing a lot of things. You get to experience their talent in a lot more ways."
The animated film is a priority project for Warner Bros., produced by J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot and Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Rob Lieber adapted the script from the beloved 1990 book, which was the final work published by Dr. Seuss before his death.
The studio has positioned this as a major theatrical event, with Chu bringing his musical expertise from "In the Heights" and "Wicked," and Pasek & Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) composing original songs.
Grande's representatives have emphasised she remains committed to music while exploring acting opportunities. Her last album, 2024's Eternal Sunshine, earned three Grammy nominations but has yet to be performed live.
The Dr. Seuss film's lengthy production timeline (with a 2028 release) and Grande's other acting commitments have only intensified questions about when she might return to touring or recording new music.
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is developing multiple Dr. Seuss adaptations, including The Cat in the Hat starring Bill Hader (set for February 2026). The studio sees Grande's casting as a major coup, given her massive fanbase and proven musical talents.
As the entertainment industry watches Grande's career evolution, the question remains whether she can maintain balance between these two demanding creative paths - a challenge she seems ready to embrace based on her recent statements about making room for all her artistic passions.
