Robbie Williams Portrayed as Chimp in New Film ‘Better Man’

English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams is set to be portrayed as a chimpanzee in his upcoming film, *Better Man*, which will open the Palm Springs Film Festival on Jan. 2, 2025. The unconventional biopic, directed by Michael Gracey, explores Williams’ life through a unique lens, using a CGI monkey as a metaphor for his self-described role as a ‘performing monkey.’

The idea for the film emerged after Gracey, known for directing *The Greatest Showman*, befriended Williams and was captivated by his candid storytelling. Williams’ willingness to embrace unflattering portrayals of himself set the stage for a project that defies the typical conventions of musical biopics. ‘I’m not interested in the glorified, watered-down version of my life,’ Williams told Gracey.

The decision to depict Williams as a chimp was both a creative and practical choice. Gracey explained that the monkey allows audiences to empathize with Williams during moments of vulnerability or unlikability. ‘We feel more compassion watching animals suffer,’ Gracey said. The concept, however, posed challenges in securing funding, as studios were hesitant to back an R-rated film with a CGI monkey protagonist.

Despite the hurdles, *Better Man* was financed independently, with Gracey drawing inspiration from Williams’ hit song ‘Rock DJ’ for one of the film’s standout sequences. The scene, which features dancers atop gumballs, was an idea Gracey had pursued for over a decade, having been rejected for previous projects like *The Greatest Showman* and a *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang* remake.

Williams’ involvement in the project was pivotal, as he provided Gracey with raw, unfiltered anecdotes that shaped the film’s narrative. The singer’s openness and Gracey’s innovative approach promise a fresh take on the musician biopic genre, which has often been criticized for its formulaic storytelling.