Get ready for a wild ride, as the trailer for Better Man, a highly imaginative biopic about British pop superstar Robbie Williams, has just dropped!
Directed by Michael Gracey, known for The Greatest Showman, this film offers a unique twist by featuring Williams as a CGI monkey, captivating audiences with its bold and unexpected storytelling.
With Williams himself narrating the journey of his life—from his rise to fame in the boy band Take That to his record-breaking solo career—this film promises to showcase his incredible talent, signature wit, and indomitable spirit.
Curious about how this unconventional portrayal unfolds? As we delve deeper into the fascinating world of Better Man, you'll discover everything from the film's plot and character arcs to the stunning visuals that make it stand out. The unexpected choice of a monkey as a stand-in for Williams adds a layer of intrigue, making this a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Stay tuned as we'll continue to unveil more surprising insights and updates leading up to its release!
Release date & Where to Watch
Paramount Pictures will release the film in select theaters in the US and Canada and everywhere in Spain and Bulgaria on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Russia, New Zealand, Greece, Singapore, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro, Better Man will hit theaters on Dec. 26, 2024.
Better Man premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on Aug. 30, 2024, and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10, 2024.
Plot
Better Man chronicles the true story of Robbie Williams, highlighting his meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film offers a unique perspective, capturing Williams’ wit and indomitable spirit.
The narrative traces Robbie's journey from his childhood to becoming the youngest member of the chart-topping boy band Take That, one of the most successful groups in UK history, with 12 No. 1 singles and over 14 million albums sold. After departing from the band in 1995, Williams embarked on a solo career, achieving seven more No. 1 hits and 13 No. 1 albums, six of which are among the U.K.'s top 100 best-selling records.
Despite his immense success, Williams faced significant challenges, including battles with mental health, obesity, self-esteem issues, alcoholism, and substance abuse. While US audiences may be less familiar with his music compared to contemporaries like the Spice Girls, Williams paved the way for future pop icons, earning him a lasting legacy in the music industry.
Cast
- Robbie Williams as the voice of himself
- Jonno Davies as the voice of young Robbie Williams
- Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9) as Peter
- Alison Steadman (Here We Go) as Betty
- Damon Herriman (The Bikeriders) as Nigel Martin-Smith
- Raechelle Banno (Home and Away) as Nicole Appleton
- Anthony Hayes (Total Control) as Chris Briggs
- Kate Mulvany (The Clearing) as Janet
- Frazer Hadfield (Frayed) as Nate
- Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow
- Liam Head as Howard Donald
- Jesse Hyde as Mark Owen
- Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange
- Adam Tucker as Robbie’s Vocals
- Chris Gun as Noel
- Jack McMinn as Luke
- Jamie Condon as Paparazzi Member
Official Trailer
In the trailer for Better Man, Robbie Williams addresses viewers, stating, “What's with the monkey? I'm one of the biggest pop stars in the world, but I've always seen myself as a little less evolved.” While it appears to be a typical musical biopic, Williams is replaced by a “Planet of the Apes”-style monkey in every scene.
The trailer showcases Williams’ early life, depicting him as a monkey playing soccer, and highlights his performances to packed crowds, featuring a screeching ape with exaggerated features instead of the star himself.
Why is Robbie Williams a Monkey in Better Man?
Robbie Williams’ biopic, Better Man, is making headlines not just for its subject but for its unconventional choice to portray the iconic musician as a CGI monkey. This bold decision stems from a conversation between Williams and director Michael Gracey, who sought to capture Williams’ own self-perception. Gracey recalled asking Williams, “If you were an animal, how would you see yourself?” Williams had humorously described feeling like a “performing monkey” at times.
This inspired Gracey to depict Williams not as the public sees him but as he sees himself, believing that this unique approach would resonate more deeply with audiences. “With your voice and that monkey,” Gracey explained, “I am going to see you and relate to you in a way that is gonna be more engaging than yet another musical biopic.”
Jonno Davies will portray Williams through motion capture for the CGI character, with other actors handling the singing. While some may find the concept bizarre, it’s an intriguing choice that aims to differentiate Better Man from traditional musical biopics like Rocketman or Bohemian Rhapsody.
Gracey emphasized that the film aims to provide an extraordinary perspective on Williams’ life, suggesting that the monkey representation captures the essence of his experience, which is profoundly different from that of the average person. “An extraordinary journey that can’t be told in an ordinary way,” the trailer declares, hinting at a narrative that delves into the unique challenges of musical stardom.
Filming
Filming for Better Man was conducted at Docklands Studios in Melbourne during May and June 2022. Additionally, concert scenes from Robbie Williams' Live At The Albert show, held in 2001, were filmed at the Royal Albert Hall during his concerts on November 6 and 7, 2022. Members of the public were invited to attend these performances, donning evening dress for the occasion. Further filming also occurred in London in March 2023.
Behind the Scenes
Better Man is a satirical musical directed by Michael Gracey, known for his previous work on The Greatest Showman. Gracey, Simon Gleeson, and Oliver Cole co-wrote the screenplay. Paul Currie, Coco Xiaolu Ma, Jules Daly, and Craig McMahon produced the film.
The project was initially announced in February 2021, with funding support from the Australian government’s Producer Offset and Film Victoria’s incentive programs. Better Man will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Roadshow Films, while Rocket Science manages international sales.
Written by ODD Balls
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