Patrick Wilson gets Phantom role

Patrick Wilson, who received Tony nominations for his stage work in Oklahoma! and The Full Monty, is the first actor to be cast in the film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.

Wilson, who is currently filming The Alamo, in which he plays Colonel William Travis, will have the role of Raoul in the Phantom, reports Daily Variety.

The casting aannouncement comes as director Joel Schumacher prepares the film for an October start.

He still has not decided on who will be the Phantom, although Hugh Jackman and Nicolas Cagehave both been mentioned in recent weeks as possible candidates for the coveted role.

Rumoured contenders for the role of Christine include Katie Holmes and Anne Hathaway.