Robbie Williams Biopic ‘Better Man’ Features CGI Chimp, Sparks Curiosity

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A new musical biopic about British pop icon Robbie Williams, titled *Better Man*, has sparked intrigue and confusion with its unconventional premise: Williams is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. Directed by Michael Gracey, known for *The Greatest Showman*, the film explores Williams’ rise to fame, struggles with mental health, and his unique persona, all while reimagining him as a human-sized, talking chimp.

The film, released widely last week, follows Williams’ journey from his early days in the boy band Take That to his solo career, which made him a household name in the U.K., Europe, and Australia. Despite his global success, Williams has struggled to gain a foothold in the U.S. market, a theme the film subtly addresses through its surreal storytelling.

Gracey, who began his career as a visual-effects artist, uses the CGI chimp as a metaphor for Williams’ self-deprecating humor and feelings of being “less evolved” than his peers. The film does not explicitly explain the choice, leaving audiences to interpret its meaning. Williams himself voices the chimp, alongside motion-capture actor Jonnie Davies and musician Adam Tucker.

*Better Man* features reimagined performances of Williams’ hits, including “Feel” and “Rock DJ,” which are woven into the narrative to reflect key moments in his life. The film’s standout sequence is a CGI-assisted long take of Williams and his Take That bandmates performing “Rock DJ” through the streets of Central London, surrounded by adoring fans.

Williams, born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, has long been celebrated for his cheeky, self-aware persona and his ability to connect with audiences through both humor and vulnerability. His songs, such as “Angels” and “Let Me Entertain You,” have become anthems for fans worldwide, though his attempts to break into the U.S. market have repeatedly fallen short.

The film’s reception has been mixed, with American audiences largely unfamiliar with Williams’ story. At a recent Los Angeles screening, many viewers reportedly Googled Williams after the film, unsure if the CGI chimp was based on a real person. Meanwhile, British audiences have embraced the film as a celebration of a cultural icon.

Williams, who has sold over 75 million records worldwide, has been open about his battles with depression and alcoholism, themes that *Better Man* explores in depth. The film’s portrayal of his struggles, combined with its innovative visual style, sets it apart from traditional biopics.

Whether *Better Man* will succeed in introducing Williams to a new generation of fans, particularly in the U.S., remains to be seen. For now, the film stands as a bold and unconventional tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.