The trailer for Better Man, a biopic on British pop icon Robbie Williams, has dropped, and it’s not what fans were expecting. Directed by Michael Gracey, best known for his work on The Greatest Showman, the film offers a surreal take on the singer’s life, casting a CGI monkey — voiced by Williams himself — as the main character. The unconventional choice has sparked widespread interest and debate in the entertainment world.
The trailer opens with a whimsical, dreamlike tone as the monkey, representing Williams, sings and dances through iconic moments of the pop star’s career. From his early days in the boy band Take That to his highly successful solo career, the film appears to weave a fantastical narrative that blends fact and fiction. It’s not a straightforward biopic but rather a visually stunning and metaphorical exploration of Williams’ personal and professional life.
Gracey, who helmed the 2017 musical hit The Greatest Showman, is no stranger to blending reality and fantasy. However, choosing a singing monkey as the film’s central figure has raised eyebrows. According to Gracey, the decision was deliberate and meant to reflect Williams’ own self-perception and the surreal nature of fame. “Robbie’s story is so unique, and his personality is larger than life. I wanted to capture that sense of unpredictability and humor that he brings to everything he does,” Gracey explained in a recent interview.
In Better Man, the monkey is more than just a quirky character. It symbolizes the inner struggles, highs, and lows that Williams has faced throughout his career. “I’ve been through all sorts of mental battles, from addiction to depression,” Williams shared during a press conference. “This monkey represents the chaos and absurdity of it all.” The film also touches on the darker sides of Williams’ life, including his battle with substance abuse and mental health issues, juxtaposing his public image with private struggles.
Fans of Williams have had mixed reactions to the creative choice. Some view it as a fresh, imaginative take on the biopic genre, while others are skeptical about how accurately it will portray his story. Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions about the trailer, with hashtags like #BetterManMovie and #RobbieWilliams trending on Twitter. Many are curious to see how the film balances the serious themes of Williams’ life with its whimsical presentation.
Despite the mixed reactions, the trailer has successfully captured public attention. With a combination of musical numbers, CGI animation, and a star-studded cast that includes Anthony Hayes and Kate Mulvany, Better Man promises to be a visually captivating and emotionally resonant film. It is set to hit theaters in 2024, though an exact release date has yet to be announced.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if the film lives up to the buzz it has generated. As one Twitter user put it, “Only Robbie Williams could pull off a biopic starring a singing monkey — it’s mad, but it just might work.”