Robbie Williams appears as a CGI MONKEY in first look at Better Man

by · Mail Online

Robbie Williams appeared as a CGI monkey as the new trailer for his upcoming 'fantastical' biopic, Better Man, dropped on Wednesday.

The singer-songwriter, 50, has been working on the project since 2021 - with the film set for release on December 26. 

The first look clip, sees Robbie, played by actor Jonno Davies, through his life from school to the stage as his hit track, Let Me Entertain You, plays in the background.

In the voiceover, he explains: 'I know what you’re thinking. What’s with the monkey?

'I’m one of the biggest popstars in the world. But, I’ve always seen myself as a little less evolved.'

Robbie Williams appeared as a CGI monkey as the new trailer for his upcoming 'fantastical' biopic, Better Man, dropped on Wednesday
The singer-songwriter, 50, has been working on the project since 2021 - with the film set for release on December 26

While Jonno, takes on the role of younger Robbie, the singer is heard in the voiceover and later plays the older version of himself. 

From Greatest Showman director, Michael Gracey, it also stars Jake Simmance as Gary Barlow, Liam Head as Mark Owen, Jesse Hyde as Howard Donald and Chase Vollenweider as Jason Orange. 

Sharing a first look to X, he captioned the video: 'Based on a true story… ‘BETTER MAN’ - coming soon. Visit betterman.robbiewilliams.com/ for more info and global release dates.'

The official synopsis reads: 'Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. 

'Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (‘The Greatest Showman’), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. 

'It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.' 

Last year, filming for the biopic saw actors dancing on the streets of London clad in blue suits.

In photographs shared of the filming, the cast embarked on a huge energetic dance scene on Regent Street. 

The first look clip, sees Robbie, played by actor Jonno Davies, through his life from school to the stage as his hit track, Let Me Entertain You, plays in the background
In the voiceover, he explains: 'I know what you’re thinking. What’s with the monkey?'
He adds: 'I’m one of the biggest popstars in the world. But, I’ve always seen myself as a little less evolved'

The outfits were reminiscent of the band's ensembles for the Brit Awards in 1994, where they played a Beatles Medley on stage.

Jonno, who is playing a young Robbie, sported a brown CGI suit for the shots.

Robbie is preparing to face off against Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande in the bid for the Best Original Song at next year's Oscars, thanks to the film. 

The star is set to submit his tune Forbidden Road to be considered for the 2025 Academy Awards. 

However he will face stiff competition, with superstars Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande set to also be in the running for songs from their respective films Joker: Folie à Deux and Wicked.

While Jonno, takes on the role of younger Robbie, the singer is heard in the voiceover and later plays the older version of himself (Robbie pictured last month) 

Of his Oscars bid, a source told The Sun: 'Robbie is excited not just for the chance to present his movie to the world, but also to have a crack at the Oscars. 

'Paramount has faith in pushing the tune out to voters and promoting the track with their trailers and promos, of courser there are no guarantees, but he has a stellar reputation.'

They added: 'Rob stands a great chance of being shortlisted at the Golden Globes too. 

'The voters are international and have a greater understand of his contribution to the world of pop and long-term success.'