Could Jonathan Bailey be the next Phantom of the Opera? That’s the exciting question stirring theater fans after Andrew Lloyd Webber shared a surprising thought that’s already igniting speculation across the musical world.
In a newly released video, the legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber suggested that Jonathan Bailey—the star who stepped into the spotlight as Fiyero in the upcoming Wicked movie—might be a perfect fit to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. The comment came as a spontaneous response during a broader conversation about dream roles and musical theater.
Bailey himself recently revealed that his ultimate stage dream would be to play Rum Tum Tugger, the rebellious feline from Webber’s other hit musical, Cats. In reaction, Webber playfully agreed, noting that Bailey could nail the role if he embraced the character’s wild and mischievous energy. “The Rum Tum Tugger,” Webber explained, “is a cat who always does precisely the opposite of what you expect him to.” That streak of unpredictability, he hinted, might align perfectly with Bailey’s natural charisma.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Webber didn’t stop there. He went on to say he’d love to collaborate with Bailey after seeing his “brilliant” work in Wicked, but then added with a teasing grin—perhaps half-joking, perhaps not—that Bailey “might have graduated from Tuggerland.” His next suggestion sent fans into a frenzy: “What about the Phantom? Who knows? He looks pretty Phantom-like to me.”
So, was that just friendly banter, or something more? Could Webber actually be hinting at casting Bailey as his next masked lead if The Phantom of the Opera returns to the screen—or even the West End? Either way, one thing’s clear: the idea of Jonathan Bailey stepping into the Phantom’s haunting persona has sparked as much excitement as it has debate.
Is this just wishful thinking, or could there be more to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s comment than meets the eye? Watch his full response and join the conversation—would you want to see Jonathan Bailey don the Phantom’s mask, or is another actor better suited for the role?