LW Entertainment, the newly rebranded company managing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extensive catalog, has partnered with acclaimed animation production company Qubic Pictures to develop a new anime adaptation of the iconic musical The Phantom of the Opera. The announcement, made on August 13, 2025, signifies a major expansion into new entertainment formats for the beloved gothic romance.
A New Vision for a Classic
The collaboration aims to fuse the grandeur of musical theatre with the distinctive artistry of Japanese animation, targeting a global audience while maintaining respect for the original narrative. Qubic Pictures is spearheaded by Justin Leach, a prominent figure in the animation world known for his work as co-executive producer on Star Wars: Visions and as showrunner for Netflix’s Eden and Leviathan. Leach expressed enthusiasm for the project, calling it 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”. Qubic Pictures specializes in working with creators and studios across Japan, North America, and Europe, aiming to create animation that transcends cultural boundaries.
Expanding the Phantom Universe
This anime adaptation is part of a broader strategic initiative by LW Entertainment, formerly known as The Really Useful Group, to leverage Andrew Lloyd Webber’s copyrights across diverse entertainment sectors. The company, led by CEO James McKnight, is focusing on developing brand and franchise strategies for celebrated titles like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Beyond the anime, future Phantom projects are in the pipeline, including further theatrical endeavors, films, and music initiatives. Notably, a multi-book publishing program with Penguin Random House is slated to launch in 2026, starting with Our Strange Duet, a young adult novel by Erin A. Craig that retells the Phantom story from Christine Daaé’s perspective. Additionally, work continues on a previously announced film adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directed by Jon M. Chu.
The Enduring Legacy of The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera, based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, tells the tragic tale of a disfigured musical genius obsessed with the soprano Christine Daaé beneath the Paris Opera House. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, premiered in London’s West End in 1986 and on Broadway in New York in 1988. It has since become one of the longest-running and most financially successful entertainment events in history, seen by over 140 million people across 41 countries.
The narrative has seen numerous adaptations across various mediums, including notable films in 1925 and 2004, the latter being an adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The move into anime marks a fresh and contemporary direction for the timeless story, promising to introduce it to new generations of fans through a popular and globally recognized animation style.
