Origins of the Phantom story

The Phantom of the Opera is based on a 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, which has inspired many adaptations in different formats, including stage, film, and ballet. The story follows Christine Daaé, a young singer who is guided by an angel of music, only to discover the monstrous figure behind the voice.

Real-life tragedies in Paris Opera

The Paris Opera, central to the original story, has a history of real-life tragedies that may have influenced the novel. In 1896, a chandelier fell during a performance, killing a spectator, and in 1889, a fire at the Opéra Le Peletier resulted in the death of a young ballerina.

New film adaptation in 2026

A new film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Alexandre Castagnetti, is set to release in October 2026. The film stars Deva Cassel, Romain Duris, and Julien de Saint Jean, and has prompted a review of the best adaptations by Vogue France.

Phantom of the Paradise as a free adaptation

Brian de Palma’s Phantom of the Paradise (1974) is a free adaptation of both the legend of Faust and The Phantom of the Opera. The film follows a young musician betrayed by a music producer, who later seeks revenge by terrorizing the concert hall. Despite initial failure, the film gained cult status for its music and visuals.

First ballet adaptation in 1980

Roland Petit’s The Phantom of the Opera (1980) was the first ballet inspired by Leroux’s novel. Commissioned by the Paris Opera, it features a mysterious figure who haunts the opera and falls in love with a young dancer. The ballet’s dramatic tension and character relationships drew comparisons to Edgar Allan Poe’s The Mask of the Red Death.

Horror take on the Phantom story

Dario Argento’s Terror at the Opera (1987) offers a horror reinterpretation of the original story. Initially intended to direct Rigoletto, Argento instead created a film featuring a soprano run over by a car and replaced by a young singer. The film became a cult classic for its baroque sets, serial murders, and a strong female lead, though some critics noted its excessive gore.