Antonio Not Big Enough Star For 'Phantom' Role

Posted Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at 2:44 PM Central

by Heather Koehler

Nearly a year ago, Andrew Lloyd Webber called Antonio Banderas with great news about the Phantom Of The Opera script and good news for Antonio to play the Phantom. But now as filming getting closer, there is a change in Webber's tune.

The composer loves Antonio but is hestitant to cast the sexy Spaniard after a year of near-flops. He wants a more "bankable" star to fill the role.

Although a Webber spokeswoman says no casting decisions have been made, rumor has it we'll be seeing John Travolta behind the mask.