As the longest-running show in Broadway history, The Phantom of the Opera is easily one of the most recognisable names around, but the time has come for some modern touches to its 38-year-old legacy, starting with… an anime adaptation?
The announcement comes amid Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rebranding from Really Useful Group to LW Entertainment, with the objective of “expanding across multiple entertainment formats” and “developing brand and franchise strategies for some of the world’s most celebrated titles,” including, of course, The Phantom of the Opera.
Justin Leach of Qubic Pictures, who served as co-executive producer on Star Wars: Visions and as showrunner on Netflix’s Eden and Leviathan, is on board to explore opportunities for the new project. Other details, such as initial ideas and format (whether it’ll be a film or series), were not shared.
“I’m incredibly excited to join forces with the talented team at LW Entertainment to bring The Phantom of the Opera to life through anime,” said Leach in a statement to Deadline. “This project is a rare opportunity to unite the grandeur of musical theatre with the artistry of Japanese animation – two beloved traditions that have touched audiences around the world. Our goal is to create a timeless and emotionally resonant experience that speaks to a global audience and honours the legacy of this iconic story.“
Considering the closest anime fans have come to a Phantom of the Opera nod is Sailor Moon‘s Tuxedo Mask (who’s now the face of a popular meme), the anime medium may just work to its favour. Based on the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, the musical follows the tragic story of beautiful soprano Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious and disfigured musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.
It received an ill-received motion picture adaptation in 2004, starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum as the Phantom and Christine, respectively, alongside Patrick Wilson as Raoul. While the title has been referenced many times in various media, there haven’t been many animated adaptations of the source material, and it remains to be seen how this latest project will bring it to life.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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