Robbie Williams Biopic ‘Better Man’ Premieres on Paramount+ March 11

LOS ANGELES, California — Paramount+ is set to release the fantasy musical biopic ‘Better Man,’ chronicling the life of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, on March 11, 2025. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film provides a unique narrative approach, portraying Williams through the lens of a CGI chimpanzee, symbolizing his struggles with fame and self-image.

‘Better Man’ initially opened in theaters on January 10 after premiering at the Telluride Film Festival. The theatrical release was followed by a premium video on demand option on February 11. The film features a supporting cast that includes Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, and Raechelle Banno.

<p"In a bid to provide viewers with a fresh perspective on Robbie's story, Gracy told BBC in a December 2024 interview, ‘I wanted to come at this with a different lens. Quite often Rob will say, ‘I’m just like a performing monkey’… It just sparked this idea of telling this story from how he sees himself.’ Williams agreed, initially describing himself as a lion before settling on the idea of the monkey.

The film’s rating stands at R, due to its mature themes reflecting Williams’ real-life battles with addiction and anxiety. Critics have received ‘Better Man’ positively, boasting an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus praises its daring narrative choices, particularly the decision to animate the lead character as a monkey.

“It dares to substitute its marquee star with a VFX creation and somehow pulls it off,” noted the site’s critics consensus. The complex CGI involved, alongside the emotional stories of Williams’ childhood in Stoke-on-Trent and his tumultuous rise to fame, has struck a chord with viewers and critics alike.

‘Better Man’ faced a challenging box office performance, grossing approximately $20.3 million against a reported budget of $110 million. However, following its theatrical run, anticipation for its streaming release has shown promise, particularly given Williams’ passionate fanbase in the UK.

Gracey, well-known for directing ‘The Greatest Showman,’ emphasizes the centrality of music in the film, stating, ‘Expect dazzling musical performances intertwined with moments that reflect his profound challenges and triumphs.’ Jonno Davies plays the voice and motion-capture role of the chimp, while Williams himself narrates, bringing authenticity to the project.

Paramount Pictures has provided various subscription options for viewers looking to watch ‘Better Man’ on Paramount+. The Essential plan starts at $7.99 per month, and for an ad-free experience with additional content from Showtime, the price rises to $12.99 per month. New subscribers may benefit from a free trial period.

Ultimately, ‘Better Man’ aims to entertain while providing insights into the complicated life of Robbie Williams — capturing the essence of a pop icon through unorthodox storytelling.