Gaston Leroux’s timeless novel, The Phantom of the Opera, has mesmerized audiences for over a century. However, it was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical adaptation that truly captured the world’s heart. In 2004, this beloved musical made its way to the silver screen, starring Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. But have you ever wondered how old these stars were during filming?
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‘The Phantom of the Opera’ becomes a movie musical
After gracing Broadway stages for decades, The Phantom of the Opera finally received the grand cinematic treatment in 2004. The idea of a movie version had been brewing since the 1990s, with the intention of casting stage legends Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. However, when director Joel Schumacher took the reins, he had a different vision.
Instead of big-name stars or actors familiar with the stage roles, Schumacher opted for two rising talents. Gerard Butler, then mostly recognized for his role as the titular vampire in Dracula 2000, was chosen to portray the Phantom. As for Christine Daaé, the original contenders were Katie Holmes and Anne Hathaway. Ultimately, it was Emmy Rossum who secured the role, showcasing her incredible singing talent in the film.
How old was Emmy Rossum in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’?
Before her breakout role in The Phantom of the Opera, Emmy Rossum had only appeared in a handful of films. She had a significant part in the 2003 movie Mystic River but had yet to establish herself as a household name. Despite this, Rossum was a mere 17 years old when she embarked on Schumacher’s cinematic journey.
On the other hand, Gerard Butler was 34 years old during the production of The Phantom of the Opera. Despite the age difference between the two stars, Rossum’s captivating screen presence and mature vocal performance masked any disparity. Her talent and charisma portrayed a seasoned actor far beyond her years.
Reflecting on her experience, Rossum has openly shared her vulnerabilities during the filming of The Phantom of the Opera. In 2020, she revealed, “I honestly never felt less sure of myself in every imaginable way. I questioned my ability, my appearance, my right to be there.” Fortunately, the success that followed the film proved that Rossum’s talent was more than deserving of the praise she received.
Does Emmy Rossum still sing?
Indeed, 2004 was a monumental year for Emmy Rossum. Alongside The Phantom of the Opera, she also starred in the hit disaster film, The Day After Tomorrow. Since then, Rossum has appeared in several more movies, but her most recognized role has been Fiona Gallagher on the hit series Shameless, which she portrayed from 2011 to 2019.
However, in recent years, Rossum has taken a step back from the spotlight. She has yet to release any new film or TV projects and has not made a return to her singing career. Although she released two studio albums in 2007 and 2013, it remains uncertain whether she plans to work on a third album. Nonetheless, fans can always revisit her remarkable vocal performance in The Phantom of the Opera to relish her undeniable talent.
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