Following the sold-out run of the Masquerade immersive experience on Broadway last month, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newly rechristened LW Entertainment (formerly Really Useful Group) has revealed an intriguing twist for The Phantom of the Opera: an anime adaptation. Based on the gothic story by Gaston Leroux, originally serialized between 1909-1910, The Phantom of the Opera premiered in 1986 and is the longest-running show in Broadway history, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1988 and accruing a dedicated fanbase.
LW Ent. has tapped animation pro Justin Leach of Qubic Pictures for the anime project. Leach’s credits include co-executive producer on Star Wars: Visions and showrunner on Netflix anime titles Eden and Leviathan. According to LW Ent. Leach will be tasked with “exploring opportunities” for the concept.
“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,” Leach said in a statement. “This project is a rare opportunity to unite the grandeur of musical theater 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 honors the legacy of this iconic story.”
The story of The Phantom of the Opera centers on a young ingenue in the Paris Opera, Christine Daaé, who rises to stardom under the tutelage, obsession and sabotage of a mysterious masked figure living in the secret spaces of the theater. As her “Angel of Music’s” possessive desire climbs to a terrifying crescendo, Christine is torn between the power the Phantom has over her and the mutual love between her and the Viscount Raoul de Chagny.
The Phantom anime was announced among a flurry of other Lloyd Webber property plans, including a Spring 2026 Broadway transfer of the off-Broadway reimagining Cats: The Jellicle Ball, a possible arena tour for Jesus Christ Superstar starring Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert, and additional brand/franchise strategies in development for the above mentioned titles as well as other Lloyd Webber hits including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Sunset Boulevard and Starlight Express.
[Source: Deadline]
