So Who is Robbie Williams?
Before diving into this unique biopic, it’s essential to understand who Robbie Williams is. Williams first gained fame as the youngest member of the British boy band Take That (Kinda like One Direction before it was cool), which was a massive hit in the 1990s. With 12 number-one singles and 14 million albums sold, Take That was a pop powerhouse in the U.K. Williams, however, quickly became the standout member, known for his rebellious personality and vocal talents. After leaving the band in 1995, he launched a solo career that turned him into a record-breaking global superstar with hits like Angels and Rock DJ.
Despite his success, Williams has struggled with personal demons, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and self-esteem battles. His story is one of meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and an impressive resurgence, making it ripe for a compelling cinematic retelling.
Robbie Williams’ Better Man: A Story Told by a Monkey
The Robbie Williams movie, Better Man, tells the story of his life in a way that only Williams could envision—through the lens of a CGI monkey. Williams has often described feeling like a “performing monkey” during his years in the spotlight, and director Michael Gracey took that metaphor and ran with it. The result is a musical biopic that is as imaginative as it is unconventional.
In the Better Man trailer, the CGI monkey performs on stage, interacts with bandmates, and faces the highs and lows of fame—fitting imagery for a star who has always embraced the absurdity of his public persona. The monkey dances, sings, and even parties with the iconic ’90s band Oasis in what promises to be a visually spectacular ride.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Better Man
Better Man features an ensemble cast, including Jonno Davies, who does the motion capture and voice work for the monkey version of Robbie Williams. Alongside him are Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, and Raechelle Banno, who round out the cast. The film is produced by a team of industry heavyweights, including Paul Currie and Michael Gracey, with Williams himself serving as an executive producer.
Gracey’s vision for Better Man pushes the boundaries of the traditional biopic genre, much like his work on The Greatest Showman. Using performance capture technology and the expertise of Weta FX, the studio behind The Lord of the Rings films, the movie creates a blend of fantastical storytelling and grounded emotional depth.
Why a Monkey?
The question that many viewers are asking is, “Why a monkey?” Robbie Williams’ decision to be portrayed as a CGI monkey is more than just a quirky choice; it reflects how he views his role as a performer. In his own words, Williams often felt like a “less evolved” version of himself, constantly on display for the world to judge. By embodying a monkey, the film plays with the idea of dehumanization in the entertainment industry.
Director Michael Gracey explained that the movie aims to highlight how fame can turn even the most talented individuals into spectacles for public consumption. The monkey serves as a metaphor for Williams‘ feeling of being trapped in the world of fame, yet it is through this unconventional portrayal that audiences will come to see him as deeply human.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Better Man debuted at the Telluride Film Festival and will hit select theaters on December 25, 2024, with a nationwide release on January 17, 2025. The film promises to redefine what a musical biopic can be, all while bringing one of pop music’s most charismatic figures to life—albeit as a CGI monkey.
The Better Man movie is not just a biopic; it’s an exploration of celebrity, identity, and the toll fame takes on a person. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Robbie Williams or just curious about the man behind the music, this film offers a fresh, entertaining, and thought-provoking perspective.
Check out the trailer below:
