We have entered that time of year. Musical biopics are especially plentiful come awards season, and in general, they all follow the same style and rhythm. We’ve seen it all, right? Well, the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man is different from them all. Guaranteed there won’t be another biopic like it this year or any year.
As seen in the new trailer for Better Man, the film centers on the life and career of British pop superstar Robbie Williams. So what makes this one different than the rest? Well, Williams isn’t portrayed by an actor. He’s portrayed as a chimp. Everyone else is a human , but Williams is a chimpanzee performed using motion-capture technology by Jonno Davies. Williams does voice himself as an adult, though.
The film is directed by Michael Gracey, who knows a thing or two about musicals having directed The Greatest Showman and the Pink: All I Know So Far concert doc.
Others in the cast are Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes.
Here’s the synopsis: Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. 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.
Paramount Pictures opens Better Man in theaters on Christmas Day before going national on January 17th 2025.
