Andrew Lloyd Webber predicts big future for Jonathan Bailey in musicals

Andrew Lloyd Webber shared his thoughts on Jonathan Bailey’s dream of joining Cats after a recent interview revealed that the 37-year-old actor would love to play the rebellious Rum Tum Tugger.

In a Facebook video, the 77-year-old composer reacted to the idea with enthusiasm. 

“Well, I think he would be great as the Tugger,” Webber said. “I mean, providing he can make it really anarchic because we all know that Rum Rum Tugger, being a curious cat, will do the very opposite to what you ask him to do.”

Webber added that he would “love to work with” Bailey, praising his performance as Fiyero in the 2024 Wicked film and its 2025 sequel, Wicked: For Good.

“He's obviously doing wonderful stuff in that movie Wicked. Really brilliant,” the English composer said.

However, Webber suggested that another role might be an even stronger fit. 

“See, but I'm not sure whether or not he might have graduated from Tuggerland and what about the Phantom. Who knows? He looks pretty Phantom-like to me,” he continued, hinting at Bailey as a possible future Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera.

Fans, however, had mixed opinions. 

Many argued that the Wicked: For Good star would make a better Raoul, Christine Daaé’s childhood love, writing, “He would be a better Raoul, but then I would be team Raoul for the first time in my life, I’m afraid,” one fan wrote. 

Another agreed, “I'd rather see him as Raoul.”

One fan also commented that Bailey would be perfect since “only the SEXIEST can play the Phantom,” noting his title as PEOPLE’s “Sexiest Man Alive” this year.

Jonathan Bailey’s rising popularity, especially after his breakout role as Anthony Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, has made him a top choice for major casting opportunities.