Andrew Lloyd Webber Teases New Phantom Film, Hails Scherzinger’s Tony Win & Talks Future Projects

London, 25 June 2025 — Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has hinted that a fresh big-screen adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera could soon be on the cards, while offering updates on a raft of his current stage hits and forthcoming musicals during a wide-ranging BBC Radio 2 interview.

‘A New Phantom Is Brewing’

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber
attended the premiere of the Phantom of the Opera, Madrid Spain

Speaking to Scott Mills, Lloyd Webber said he “senses” a Phantom remake “fairly soon,” suggesting the title role should be played by “someone in their early 40s” to preserve the story’s paternal undertones. The composer noted there is “no firm plan” yet, but industry chatter is growing after the 2004 film’s mixed reception.

Scherzinger’s Tony Triumph Spurs Sunset Boulevard Hopes

The maestro praised Nicole Scherzinger’s recent Tony Award for Sunset Boulevard—the Jamie Lloyd staging that nabbed three trophies, including Best Actress in a Musical. While some Broadway buzz suggested the stripped-back revival might return to London, Lloyd Webber was cautious: “You’d need a star like Nicole to bring it off. I guess it’s not up to me.”

Starlight Express to Stay on Track at Wembley

Lloyd Webber confirmed that the turbo-charged revival of Starlight Express will “stay in Wembley for as long as the theatre can stay,” after extending bookings at Troubadour Wembley Park through early 2026. Producers are scouting warehouse-style venues should redevelopment force a relocation.

Zegler’s Balcony Evita ‘An Absolute High’

The composer waxed lyrical about Rachel Zegler’s turn as Eva Perón in Jamie Lloyd’s radical Evita at the London Palladium, calling her rendition of “Rainbow High” “the best I’ve ever heard it.” He admitted the nightly balcony performance of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” which draws hundreds of onlookers to Soho’s streets, is “extraordinary” but hopes “it doesn’t get out of hand.”

Two New Musicals on the Horizon

Lloyd Webber revealed he is nurturing “two new shows”: one under wraps and The Illusionist, slated for a 2026 debut with director Jamie Lloyd. The project is billed as a magic-tinged romance with “operatic” scope.

Why It Matters

Franchise Reboot: A new Phantom film would re-energise the longest-running musical in Broadway history two years after its stage closure—and could spark renewed interest in Lloyd Webber’s catalogue.
Jamie Lloyd Effect: The director’s minimalist, star-led revivals of Sunset Boulevard and Evita are redefining how classic mega-musicals can speak to modern audiences.
Global Reach: With Starlight Express racing ahead and The Illusionist in development, Lloyd Webber shows no sign of slowing, keeping his brand at the forefront of commercial theatre.