Robbie Williams, the iconic British pop star, is set to star in a biopic about his life titled “Better Man” but there’s an unusual and important choice about who’s portraying Robbie. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for his work on “The Greatest Showman,” this film promises to be a unique and visually stunning portrayal of Williams’ life.
What has caught everyone’s attention the decision to portray Robbie Williams as a CGI monkey throughout the film making it intriguing and symbolic.
“Better Man” chronicles Robbie Williams’ life from his childhood, through his time as a member of the boyband Take That, and his journey as a solo artist. The film delves into the highs and lows of his career, capturing his wit, spirit, and the struggles that come with fame.
“It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring,” the logline says.
First trailer for the Robbie Williams biopic ‘BETTER MAN’, starring a CGI monkey as Robbie Williams.
In theaters on January 17. pic.twitter.com/s1rFAL9hpW
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 2, 2024
According to Variety the cast will be including Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge and Anthony Hayes. Jonno Davies plays the monkey version of Williams.
Robbie Williams’ New Biopic: “Better Man” But What With the CGI Monkey?
“I know what you’re thinking. What’s with the monkey? I’m Robbie Williams. I’m one of the biggest pop stars in the world. But I’ve always seen myself a little less evolved,” Williams said in the trailer.
According to Gracey, this creative choice was made to reflect Williams’ own perception of his life and career.
Williams has often felt like he was constantly performing, much like a monkey in a circus, from his early days in Stoke-on-Trent to his rise to fame with Take That and his successful solo career.
Gracey explained that this metaphorical representation allows the audience to emotionally invest in Williams’ journey. By seeing him as a monkey, viewers can better understand the pressures and challenges he faced, making his story more relatable and poignant.
The biopic is set to hit select theaters on Christmas Day, with a wider release scheduled for January 17, 2025.
Robbie Williams’ “Better Man” is not just a biopic; it’s a creative exploration of his life and career, using the unique and unexpected device of a CGI monkey to tell his story.
