Robbie Williams Stars As A Monkey-Version Of Himself In New ‘Better Man’ Biopic

Robbie Williams needs no cue to cause a stir.

While the cheeky English singer-songwriter has had a few years off from solo music, he’s decided to venture into film with a brand new biopic dedicated to his turbulent life.

The biopic Better Man details the true story of Williams, from his rise to fame as a member of the pop group Take That to the spring launch into his legendary and controversial solo career in the 2000s. Steering from the highlight reel, Williams also uses the biopic to highlight his struggles navigating fame, addiction, and certain run-ins with the press.

While the story reads like many other famous figures who have forged a path through adversity, the trailer for Williams’ biopic, which was released yesterday, reads a little differently. 

“I know what you’re thinking… what’s with the monkey?” Williams breaks the fourth wall at the start of the trailer. 

The Rock DJ singer revealed all in a sit-down interview with Better Man director Michael Gracey. 

"I asked you, 'If you were an animal, how would you see yourself?'“ Gracey recalled the film's initial planning.

"In your own words, you would refer to being dragged up on stage to perform like a monkey.”

"I immediately thought portraying you not as we see you but how you see yourself, it immediately clicked in a way that I was like 'with your voice and that monkey, I am going to see you and relate to you in a way that is gonna be more engaging than yet another musical biopic'."

Alongside Williams, who will be portrayed in CGI as an ape, the Roadshow film is set to feature Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge and Anthony Hayes.

Better Man premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival in August to rave reviews and will be officially released in cinemas across Australia on Boxing Day (26th December).