I think the physical deformity represented emotional deformities things inside ourselves which don't allow us fully to be open to love or to be loved. Gerard Butler: I used the physical deformity to a certain extent by conducting research into physical deformities, but I used a more internal thing. How do you relate to someone like the Phantom who has such a grotesque physical deformity? In speaking with, Butler goes over the task of wearing the mask throughout the film and playing the Phantom of the Opera. It takes a lot to convince Andrew Lloyd Webber that you can carry his film to success and Gerard is making an effort to do so. Butler had starred in less than successful films such as 'Reign of Fire' and 'Timeline'. When Scottish actor Gerard Butler was cast as the new Phantom, tongues were wagging as in 'Who's this guy?' Not many had heard of this little known actor. After all, he played the role over 15 years ago and is well into his 60s at this point. Surprising, Crawford didn't get the call. When word went out that 'The Phantom of the Opera' would finally be made into a film, many wondered if the original Broadway star, Michael Crawford, would reprise his role.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom Of The Opera: An Interview with Gerard Butler

Phantom of the opera cast ceramic mask