The Phantom of the Opera is an American horror film based upon the 1909 novel, Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by French author Gaston Leroux. Directed by Dwight H. Little and starring A Nightmare on Elm Street legend Robert Englund in the lead role of the Phantom, this version of the film offers up a more visceral and violently indulgent take on Leroux's tale, while also adding a fresh new element that ties the original story, set in the 19th century, with modern-day New York. In this film, potential opera singer Christine Day, played by Jill Schoelen, finds an old, weathered piece of sheet music, purportedly written by an unknown artist from London nearly a century ago. An accident renders Christine unconscious and when she comes to, she finds herself transported back in time to England of the late 19th century. She becomes immersed in the intrigues of the London Opera House and the mysterious "phantom" who finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.
Robert Englund was originally contracted to reprise the role of Eric Destler for a potential sequel, but due to poor box office sales, the sequel project was cancelled.