LW Entertainment has officially partnered with animation production company Qubic Pictures to explore the creation of a new anime adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, The Phantom of the Opera. The announcement signals a significant expansion of the beloved franchise into new entertainment formats.
A New Vision for a Classic Tale
This groundbreaking collaboration aims to merge the grandeur of musical theatre with the distinctive artistry of Japanese animation, promising a fresh interpretation of the timeless Gothic romance. Justin Leach, who serves as the founder of Qubic Pictures and is known for his work as co-executive producer on Star Wars: Visions and showrunner of Netflix’s Eden and Leviathan, will lead the project.
Leach expressed enthusiasm for the venture, stating that the goal is to create a work that appeals to a global audience while honoring the original story. Qubic Pictures specializes in collaborating with renowned animation studios and creators across Japan, North America, and Europe, with a mission to produce top-tier animation that transcends cultural boundaries.
LW Entertainment’s Broader Strategic Moves
The anime adaptation is part of a larger strategic initiative by LW Entertainment, formerly known as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group. The company recently rebranded to LW Entertainment, signaling its intent to expand activity across various entertainment sectors beyond traditional stage productions, focusing on brand and franchise development for Lloyd Webber’s extensive catalogue.
James McKnight, CEO of LW Entertainment, emphasized the company’s commitment to spreading the impact of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work into more formats globally. This includes exploring new avenues for titles such as Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in addition to The Phantom of the Opera.
Expanding the Phantom Universe
The anime project is one of several new developments for The Phantom of the Opera franchise. LW Entertainment is also working on a multi-book publishing program with Penguin Random House, set to launch in 2026. The first release will be “Our Strange Duet,” a young adult novel by Erin A. Craig, which retells the Phantom story from Christine Daaé’s perspective. Additionally, a revitalized multi-city U.S. tour of The Phantom of the Opera musical is slated to begin in November 2025, alongside international stagings in over 40 cities in 2026.
Prior Adaptations and Fan Expectations
While this marks the first official anime adaptation of the musical by LW Entertainment, The Phantom of the Opera has seen numerous adaptations across various mediums since Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel. These include the iconic 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney and the globally recognized 1986 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Previous animated versions of the story, distinct from the musical, have also existed, including a French-produced animated film from the early 1980s that reportedly stuck closer to the original book.
The concept of an anime adaptation of the musical has been a topic of interest among fans, with online discussions and fan art exploring the potential visual styles for such a project. The partnership with Qubic Pictures, an entity that works with both Japanese and Western sensibilities in animation, suggests an effort to deliver a product that appeals to both musical theater aficionados and the broader anime community.
This collaboration underscores the continued global appeal and versatility of The Phantom of the Opera, ensuring its story resonates with new generations through innovative formats.
