Butler, Jackman linked to 'Phantom' sequel

Gerard Butler and Hugh Jackman have been linked to the lead role in Phantom: Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage sequel to The Phantom Of The Opera.

Butler starred in the 2004 movie adaptation of the musical, while Jackman has appeared in productions of Sunset Boulevard, Oklahoma! and The Boy From Oz.

Discussing the sequel with The Times, Lloyd Webber said: "We are pretty clear who our Phantom is going to be - I can't say who."

Love Never Dies moves the Phantom's story forward a decade, relocating him from Paris to Brooklyn's Coney Island, where he reunites with soprano Christine Daae.

Lloyd Webber plans to open the sequel in three cities - London, New York and possibly Shanghai - at the end of next year.

Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman originated the lead Phantom roles on the West End stage.